White Raven and Woman: A Symbolic Sculpture in Progress
I think it’s about time for an update! There’s always something on the go in the studio, and today feels like the right day to share what I’ve been tinkering with.
The main project at the top of my list is a fresh idea that’s still very much in progress. I haven’t yet decided when it will be transferred into stone, as there’s a lot of planning and pre-work involved—especially since it includes facial anatomy, which is no small feat. That said, I’m eager to take it on, one step at a time, with some coursework and new tools. It’s always a lot to chew on, but I find that breaking it into small bites makes it manageable.
Every so often, a concept grabs hold of me and I can’t resist diving in. Once my mind agrees with it, the planning begins. Of course, stone has its limitations, but with careful design, I think some of the traditional rules can be bent.
You’ll see a few reference images in the gallery below. The first is a 3D mock-up draft I generated. It’s rough, and I already know it needs adjustments—I’m not in any rush to carve legs from stainless steel or elk horn again (though I’ve done that before!). The second image is my original inspiration, pulled from Pinterest, and the others are elements I’m considering weaving into a second draft. One correction I’ll need to make is to the raven’s tail feathers—they flip upward, which I’ll refine in the next version. Forgive the imperfections; it’s a work in progress.
Now, onto the symbolism. Ravens are often seen in mythology as tricksters, sometimes even as thieves of the sun. In this piece, the raven carries a berry-like object—a symbol of food, abundance, and survival. In Norse mythology, ravens are also messengers of divine wisdom.
In my design, the raven is offering the berry to a woman who appears fragile, emerging from rippling water beneath. She represents our own human condition—drifting, weary, in need of sustenance and guidance. The raven itself will be white, echoing prophecies I’ve mentioned in past posts about the return of the white raven. To me, this exchange—the raven giving instead of taking—represents a reversal, a moment of hope in the midst of need.
Of course, part of the beauty of art is interpretation. You don’t need to know the legends or the backstory to connect with an image. Stories, parables, and symbols have power because we meet them where we are. We read books and see ourselves in their characters; we encounter art and assign meaning based on our own lives. Without that connection, the story is flat.
This imagery may feel unusual, but I hope it resonates with someone—whether through its symbolism, its form, or simply the feeling it evokes.
