My Testimony in Stone Sculpture

A raven’s shadow falls upon us. Here, at the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, stands My Testimony in Stone. This isn’t just a sculpture; it’s a story etched in granite. Created in 1981 by James W. Washington Jr., My Testimony in Stone is more than a simple depiction of a raven and its fledgling. It’s a complex narrative woven with symbolism. Washington, a prominent figure in the Northwest School of artists, imbued this piece with his deep spirituality. He believed symbols transcended words, speaking a universal language of emotion. Look closely at My Testimony in Stone. You’ll see more than just the parent bird and its chick. A nest of three eggs represents potential and new life. A small pig, often a forbidden animal in various cultures, symbolizes the unavoidable hardships we face. Geometric shapes – triangles and squares – weave mathematical principles into the narrative. A circle within a triangle embodies the connection between God, humanity, and the universe. Washington’s work often explored these themes. He saw art as a conduit for spiritual expression, a way to communicate truths that went beyond language. My Testimony in Stone stands as a testament to this belief, a powerful symbol of protection, care, and the interconnectedness of all things. Washington, who made Seattle his home in 1944, has left his artistic mark across the city. His works can be found in prestigious collections, including the Smithsonian, the Whitney, the Seattle Art Museum, and SFMOMA. Here, at Odessa Brown, My Testimony in Stone offers a moment of reflection. It reminds us of the power of art to convey deep meaning and the importance of nurturing the next generation.