“My works are formulated by merging the spirit of past traditions with those of the present… to create new horizons for the future.” – Marvin E. Oliver
Heritage: Quinault & Isleta-Pueblo
Marvin E. Oliver (1946–2019) was one of the Northwest Coast’s foremost contemporary sculptors and printmakers, who made strides in the art world for the development and recognition of Native American Contemporary Fine Art.
Oliver’s career spanned over 40 years working in a variety of media including cedar, bronze, steel and glass. The latest period of his work was characterized by mixed-media pieces such as his blown glass ‘Salish Basket’ and ‘Spirit Board’ series with etched photographs and bronze ravens. He is renowned for the grand size of his sculptures such as the 26 foot long suspended steel and glass piece ‘Mystical Journey’ at the Seattle Children’s Hospital. Oliver’s monumental public works have been installed throughout the state of Washington and the United States, Canada, Japan and Italy.
Oliver was Professor Emeritus of American Indian Studies and Art at the University of Washington and served as Adjunct Curator of Contemporary Native American Art at the Burke Museum. He also held a part-time post at the University of Alaska Ketchikan.
Education
1970 B.A. San Francisco State University
1973 M.F.A. University of Washington, Seattle
