2 Ravens Studio

John Hoover is widely known for his Native American artwork. “Blue Jay Man Triptych” was inspired by boyhood memories of portable, Russian Orthodox icons that traveling priests brought to the artist’s Alaskan hometown. Drawing from his own personal mythology, John created his own version of the spiritual artifact. The “jay,” is in reference to his name and is one of the “inua” or animal spirit energies connected to the woodcarving. The artist’s own facial features and signature necklace complete the iconic self-portrait.

"Blue Jay Man Feast Dish," front and back

“Blue Jay Man Feast Dish,” also combines many layers of nature, spirituality and self-reflection. The feast dish is reminiscent of traditional, functional Aleutian artwork that John admired while discovering his own style of sculpture. Two Ravens Studio was honored to mold, cast and patina these cedar art forms for the artist and his family.

A. Phimister Proctor is one of the most prolific sculptors of western themed art. Proctor excelled at public monuments, Native American portraits  as well as wildlife sculptures. Big Beaver, a Blackfoot Indian, modeled several times for Proctor on the reservation, at Proctor’s home in California, and at his studio in New York City. The artist’s grandson, Phimister Proctor “Sandy” Church, founded the A. Phimister Proctor Museum near Seattle to preserve the legacy of his grandfather’s art. Church commissioned artist Jeff Oens for the restoration of his grandfather’s plasters to be recast in bronze and patinated by Two Ravens Studio.

Phoebe Judson is considered to be the founding mother of Lynden,WA.  The Judsons were the first white settlers when the state was still just a territory. The Judsons home served as the town’s first post office, they started the first school and Holden Judson was the town’s first mayor.  To honor their contributions and pioneer spirit, local residents and the descendants of the Judson family commissioned artist Bob McDermott to create a memorial sculpture. Two Ravens Studio helped Bob mold and cast a bust of Phoebe, as funds are being raised for the life size figures. The project is funded by private donations and the statues will be placed in a public park near city hall. The bust of Phoebe is now ready to be viewed by the Phoebe Judson Heritage Committee. Holden Judson’s bust is soon to follow.