Artwork copyright dick ibach. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright dick ibach. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright dick ibach. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

stopping for a train on yakima ave., 1983

dick ibach
(American | German, born 1940, died 2021)

Location: Spanaway Lake High School, Spanaway

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist dick ibach composed the painting stopping for a train on yakima ave. using bright colors, energetic brush marks, and symmetrical balance. The cars, while on opposite sides of the street, are nearly identical. Describing his inspiration for this piece, the artist said simply "this work is a celebration of the many times i stopped for a train."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with La Conner School District and Bethel School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Spokane, Eastern Washington-based artist dick ibach (1940-2021) created paintings that combine figurative imagery with expressive forms and symbolism. Of his work, ibach states, "The direction of my imagery is often autobiographical. It is my intention to speak of the dichotomy of the human condition: to address both the nobility and stupidity of it all."

ibach earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Seattle University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, in 1972. He taught art at Spokane Falls Community College for over fifteen years. In addition to teaching, he was a Jesuit brother for ten years during the 1960s and he worked many odd jobs such as a hospital orderly, sod buster, cattle brander, grave digger, and cabinet maker. These experiences have shaped his point of view as an artist.