Sky Play

Title: Sky Play

Artist: Don Rambadt

Date: 2012

Medium: Cortone and mirror-polished stainless steel

Location: North Highway 89 Pathway Underpass at the National Museum of Wildlife Art

Funding By: Teton County & Jackson Community Pathways, FMC Corporation & The Newton Foundation

Sky Play, by artist Don Rambadt, depicts a large group of young ravens at play, greeting visitors to the pathway entrance at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The object of the flock’s attention is a stick-toting leader, a reference to ravens’ intelligent use of tools, and its unique position as the only bird that fashions and keeps their favorite “toys.” Five stylized birds made from carbon steel plate – curved and bent to evoke the ravens’ varied wing positions – are mounted on Corten steel panels. The five main birds have a 5-6-foot wingspan and measure 3 feet from head to tail, while the remaining ravens decrease in size, giving the wall installation a sense of depth and perspective. The Corten is oxidizing naturally, becoming integrated with the surrounding subtle earthy palette, and creating a dramatic contrasting patina to the deep black of the ravens.

This artwork has a new story to tell via augmented reality! Download the Hoverlay App when you visit the work in person - or watch the video above - to hear from UW Professor Jeffrey Lockwood with animation by Ouree Lee. Made possible through a grant from Wyoming Humanities.