Dave McGary once again is forging in a new direction. "Eye of the Raven", Dave's premiere Masterwork in his new Northwest Coast Series exhibits McGary's ability to produce works with exacting precision and detail. For McGary, Native American legends and true life stories are a continuing source of inspiration. Five years of intensive research and study has taken McGary to Prince Rupert, Vancouver and the Department of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia in Canada.

"Eye of the Raven", depicts a chiefly figure of strength, wearing an entrancing carved raven and traditional regalia. The mask is decorated with eagle feathers and painted with bold and brilliant Northwest Coastal color that is truly eye catching. His leggings are made of strips of cedar bark which also hang down from the mask to hide the face of the chief, creating the illusion of transformation. A shaman's double-sided rattle is held to symbolize lie and death, or the veil between the human and spirit world.

One of four birds that represent the Northwest Coastal region crow family, the Raven is the most significant to their art and mythology. His ability to transform as well as the power of prophecy set him apart. Raven is credited to giving light, fire, and water to his people. To the Haida and other tribes, Raven is the original organizer, teacher and chief spirit. He was said to be crafty, resourceful, curious and a trickster to acquire his needs. We hope Dave's new series will introduce you to the wonderful mystical world of the Northwest people.

Masterwork Bronze with Patina and Paint,
Edition of 40, Year Cast 2002