Artwork copyright Conrad House. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2021.

Artwork copyright Conrad House. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2021.

Portland #3, 1988

Conrad House
(American | Navajo-Oneida, born 1956, died 2001)

Location: Roosevelt Elementary, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Portland #3 is a drawing by artist Conrad House. It is part of a series of drawings created spontaneously based on his thoughts and feelings while living in Portland, Oregon. It features overlapping and interwoven animals, plants, Native American objects, and other items that relate to his heritage. Here, we see a salmon and a Native carving, as well as a rose that might be a referencd to Portland also known as the "City of Roses."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Olympia School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist Conrad House (Navajo and Oneida, 1956-2001) created expressive artworks in multiple mediums, including ceramics, paintings, drawings, and glasswork. In his own words, "What is most important to me is our responsibility to ourselves, each other, animals, plants and other life forms on this living Earth. As our natural world shrinks, so does our ability to maintain a balance with our natural surroundings. What we do now will affect the future and the quality of life to come."

Conrad studied at State University of New York (SUNY) at Johnstown before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of New Mexico in 1980. He pursued graduate studies at the University of Oregon. He has also spent time at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Northwestern Washington. His artworks are in the collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, Portland Art Museum (0regon), and many more.