EveGriffinArtWork

 

Raven Steals the Light

Western red cedar

15-½ x 27-½ x 2 inches

2003

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The configuration of this carving was inspired by the weathered boards of old Haida house fronts. On some of these boards, painted designs have weathered away in such a way that they look as though they had originally been incised into the wood, crossing the rough, vertical grain of the boards.

 

The rough, vertical texture on this plaque was created with a chainsaw.  I love the contrast between the smoothly carved and filed portions and that rough texture. The smooth bands at top and bottom are reminiscent of the top and bottom members into which the vertical house front boards were mortised. They also serve to stabilize the wood and keep it from warping.

 

This is an extreme close-up view of Raven’s face, with the light of the world cowering in his beak.