Canoe Journey

Artist/s: Marvin Oliver

Location: First Floor | Lyceum/Curved Staircase

Artist/s’ Details: Marvin is a Quinault/Isleta-Pueblo artist. Born in 1946, Marvin has worked in a variety of media, including cedar, bronze, steel and glass in his over fifty year career. He is a Professor Emeritus of American Indian Studies and Art at the University of Washington. His works have been installed throughout the state of Washington , the United States, Canada, Japan and Italy.

Description: 2-piece installment. Symbolizes the bonds of the extended UW family, as we “journey together” as students, staff, and alumni. He focused on his Quinault heritage by carving a Salish-style canoe embellished with the mythical icons of the Salish peoples that also symbolize the intellectual, spiritual, and physical journey of students at the UW. Raven, at the head of the canoe, “… like us, changes to adapt to the environment. This is similar to students’ paths at the university: growing, learning, adapting, and moving forward in their journeys.

Composition/materials: The canoe is red cedar carved and painted. The moon is mixed media glass.

Year: 2016

Part of series: No

Commissioned: Yes