Ravens in Flight

Fusing inspiration with the striking avian inhabitants of Santa Fe, Ravens in Flight stands as a collaborative achievement by the dedicated team at the André Stead Sculpture Institute. This innovative artwork honours the intelligence, freedom, and playfulness of ravens, members of the Corvidae family, through a tangible, expressive medium.

The corvid family, including the common raven, the American crow, magpies, and blue jays, boasts some of nature's most intelligent avian species. Ravens, in particular, exhibit a fascinating ability to use tools and partake in aerial games, to drop and catch sticks mid-flight. Even more intriguing, ravens in Wyoming have been observed gathering in response to the sound of a gunshot, an intuitive response anticipating the presence of a carcass during hunting season.

The creative minds at the André Stead Sculpture Institute expertly encapsulated this lively intelligence and instinctual behaviour in the design of Ravens in Flight. The ravens, rendered in stark, matt jet black, are captured in mid-flight, embodying their playful vitality and freedom. Their durable powder coating ensures the piece can endure the challenges of outdoor exposure, promising a lasting presence in its locale.

The artwork intentionally maintains a simple composition against the building's facade, which allows for a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. As daylight changes, the stainless steel base of the installation casts an evolving array of shadows, engaging viewers with a shifting spectacle at each viewing.

Commissioned by Tom Nickloff, Ravens in Flight is a testament to the harmonious synergy between artistic vision, scientific observation, and skilled craftsmanship. The piece offers a captivating visual dialogue on the marvels of the natural world, inviting viewers to reflect on the life and intelligence these remarkable birds embody.