Marvin Oliver, Teacher, Artist

When I chose to pursue a teaching certificate, I was required to take an Ethnic Studies class from a list of options.  I chose an Anthropology course introducing NW Indian art and culture.  Under the instruction of Marvin Oliver, nine years my senior, I developed a life-long passion for the Haida style he promoted as the highest form of the many Pacific Northwest tribal styles.

When our large class of students set their final projects across the foot of the stage in our theater-styled classroom, Professor Oliver began class by selecting mine.  In jest, he began to seemingly disparage the boy-within-the-eagle design I had created. The other students gasped (and I wasn't too happy at first).  But then he apologized, "to whoever drew this excellent piece."  He'd singled out my final project as best in class.

Over the years, I followed his career as an artist.

And with his passing on July 17th, I added his Spirit of the Past (left), a limited edition serigraph (29"h x 21"w), to my collection. 
"EXHIBITION: Marvin Oliver: Rare Works On Paper.  The imagery in this piece is taken from one of Oliver’s very earliest print series, titled Eagle & Killer Whale, from 1980. That print was originally created by Oliver with the intent of honoring each Native American Graduate at the University of Washington, where he taught. Spirit of the Past revives that imagery, enlarging it on the page, and setting it on brilliant white paper."

The drawing is one of the best examples of the style he taught us.  He went on to work in many mediums and to move toward a "contemporary" style and away from the elegant two-color Haida style we learned.

In memoriam: Marvin Oliver, ’73, artist and professor emeritus

Ana Mari Cauce, UW President

Today, we mourn the loss of Marvin Oliver,’73, a giant of the art world, a treasured professor emeritus of American Indian Studies and a graduate of University of Washington. It’s painful to lose someone who has been so integral to our culture and community, but we can reflect with joy and gratitude on his enormous and lasting contribution to our world. His impact will always be felt here, not only through his seminal artwork, but through his efforts to advance the cause of equity through teaching, mentorship, and community building.

Only a few months ago, we had the privilege of presenting Marvin with the Charles E. Odegaard Award, which honors individuals whose leadership in the community exemplifies the former UW president’s work on behalf of diversity, at the UW Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity’s annual Celebration. Marvin, of Quinault and Isleta-Pueblo heritage, perfectly embodied that spirit. Across his career spanning more than four decades, his soaring, breathtaking sculptures merged, in his words “the spirit of past traditions with those of the present to create new horizons for the future.” In the process, he greatly advanced the development and recognition of Native American contemporary fine art in the art world and within the broader culture.

Here at the UW, where he earned his M.F.A. in 1973, he will be best remembered as an inspiring teacher who connected deeply with students. He loved introducing students to the discipline and technique of his craft while also encouraging them to discover and celebrate their own identity. Early in his tenure, he began a tradition of an annual dinner, now known as Raven’s Feast, to celebrate the accomplishments of American Indian and Alaska Native graduates. In the years since he founded it, Raven’s Feast has grown into a cornerstone of the UW Native community.

Marvin will be missed by all who knew him and experienced his incredible impact, whether in the classroom, the studio or simply by being in the presence of his phenomenal work. His legacy remains a vibrant part of our campus, from his influence at the Burke Museum to his powerful works like “Raven’s Journey” in the HUB and “Soul Catcher” at the School of Public Health. Above all, he lives on in the many people and places he touched with his art and wisdom. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones in their time of loss.

Emerald Heights Bible Study Ends at Acts 20

This photo was of my July 18th class.  Summer activities greatly impacted attendance.  But if someone wants to learn about Jesus and the story of the Church (Acts), then I'm happy to do my homework and present the amazing account I discover.  Attendance picked up on the 25th.  After my last session this summer, John and Carrie Vasco, former members at University Presbyterian, invited Nancy and me to lunch.  That's John nearest in the photo.

Here are representative excerpts from my July lessons. 

Lesson 23 - July 11 - Acts 18:1-18:22

Paul had been hauled before town magistrates before, but now he stood accused before the provincial Governor ― for that was the equivalent rank of the Proconsul. But thankfully, Gallio acted on his behalf before he even had a chance to defend himself. 

Gallio would have been well aware of the ongoing conflict among the Jewish sects.  He would have had his sources, and the causes for the expulsion of the Jews from Rome just a few years earlier would have been well known to him.  Perhaps he had heard accounts of the unjustified execution of a young Galilean Rabbi by Governor Pilate in Judea ― or reports from Proconsul Sergius Paulus from the island of Cyprus about his experience with this same fellow Paul of Tarsus.  Or maybe he was aware of the fact that Paul was Roman citizen and that may have biased his ruling.

But while speculation is a favorite theological parlor game, there are some interesting facts that we can add to what we read here.  And foremost among these facts  is the answer to the question ― who was this Proconsul Gallio anyway?

We don’t have a bust of Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus to admire, but he may have looked something like his more famous younger brother Seneca the Younger.  He was born Lucius Annaeus Novatus the son of Seneca the Elder, in Corduba (Cordova) in what is now Spain.  The family were all Roman citizens since Corduba was a Roman colony city and thoroughly Roman in its culture.   Much later in life, he was adopted in Rome by the noble Lucius Junius Gallio, who had no heir.  Our Gallio took on the family name and also acquired the family fortune upon the death of his adoptive father.  What we know of Gallio’s character can be found in the writings of his more famous younger brother and Roman Senator Seneca. 

•  Gallio was not as gifted a writer or orator as either of his two younger brothers.

•  He was known to be upright and sincere with a strong dislike of flattery or falseness of any sort.

•  And his more famous brother reported that he had never known his equal for gentleness and good-humour.  Seneca wrote of his older brother,
    “No mortal is so pleasant to any one person as Gallio is to everyone.”

The charges brought against Paul before Proconsul Gallio were made probably in 53 AD.  Until October of the following year, the Emperor Claudius would still rule.  But the tutor and later the chief advisor of the successor to Claudius was Gallio’s brother Seneca.  And that successor to Claudius was Emperor Nero.  Nero was the son-in-law and adopted son of Claudius.  So, what we see is that this Gallio before whom Paul stood, was well connected with the inner circle of power in the Empire.  His appointment as Proconsul of this important Provence of Achaia came directly from Claudius.  The inscription shown here was discovered at the city of Delphi.  It records a letter sent in 52 AD from Emperor Claudius saying in part, “Junius Gallio, my friend and proconsul…”   After his short term of service here in Corinth, Gallio at least briefly held even higher office as a Consul of Rome, serving out the term of someone else, the Consul was the highest elected office in Rome, although in the era of the Emperors it had become mostly a ceremonial position.

So we might say it was providential that Paul was brought before the just and honorable Gallio.

Lesson 24 - July 18 - Acts 18:23-19:16

Apollos had become an expert in the field of Apologetics.  He could show you from every Jewish scroll that Jesus of Nazareth had fulfilled every prophesy pointing to Israel’s Messiah.  But alas, Apollos was clueless about Pneumatology, the theology of the Holy Spirit.  Describing him as “fervent in spirit” does not mean he knew or understood the person and work of the Holy Spirit.  That he was only familiar with John’s baptism was the big tip off.

But where there is a student needing instruction and correction, God provides teachers eager to provide instruction.  And Priscilla and Aquila were gracious to take Apollos aside privately to fill in the gaps in his theological training.  (So should anyone do who feels the need to correct their pastor.)  We can’t guess what other knowledge Apollos lacked, but apparently his tutoring under the couple that had been the close friends and co-workers of the Apostle Paul, had its needed effect.  The church of Ephesus heartily recommended Apollos for ongoing ministry over in Corinth.  And from what we read here and from what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians, their endorsement of Apollos was well deserved, and his teaching blessed the church of Corinth.

When I was a new believer back in 1980, I was reading the Gospels and listening to Christian teachers on the radio and soaking up whatever I could about Jesus.  I was doing the best I could on my own.  But even then, four months into my new life in Christ, God brought a more mature Christian into my life to disciple me.  I guess it wasn’t much different than when Priscilla came alongside Apollos.  Except that I married my tutor.

Lesson 25 -July 25 - Acts 19:17-20:6

Before I fill us in on the goddess Artemis and the magnificent temple built in her honor.  Let’s consider this new antagonist in Luke’s history book, the silversmith Demetrius.  The way my New America Standard says this, our Demetrius here, is more than a mere worker in silver. 

He was something of a guild leader ― more like a lobbyist, a marketer, or what might be like a union agitator.  It does not say it was Artemis or the Temple, but rather, Demetrius himself who was “bringing no little business to the craftsmen.”  He was at least a ring-leader of the makers of private shrine models that religious pilgrims could take home, not as souvenirs of their visit to this wonder of the 1st Century world, but in order to adorn their own home worship alters. 

And there is a bit of the politician about Demetrius.  He was a demagogue, good at riling up his base but devoid of real solutions.  Very much like a modern politician who can point out any number of problems in the most alarming terms, but can’t come up with one solution that doesn’t further bankrupt the country.  There was no evidence that the miniature shrine business had already begun to fall off, but inciting fear of that possibility was one of his tactics.  He was actually stressing the financial threat more than the religious one.  And like a politician, Demetrius was showing that you can say anything, no matter how stupid, if you say it often and loud and with conviction.  He quotes Paul as saying, “that gods made with hands are no gods at all.”  Except that any rational individual, religious or otherwise, would have to admit that if gods do exist, they create man, man does not create them.

And Demetrius had a thoroughly parochial view of the local deity Artemis.  First, the unique version of Artemis that was worshiped in Ephesus was unlike any Artemis, or her Roman counterpart Diana, worshiped elsewhere in the Roman Empire.  And second, he claimed all Asia and the world worshiped Artemis.  Demetrius, you ought to get out more and see the world.  Just a few miles south in the port of Miletus, Apollo was the patron deity.  Further south in Cnidus (Nī’

dŭs), it was Aphrodite. Pergamum worshipped Athena, Smyrna the mother goddess Cybele, and Laodicea was eclectic in its choice of patron deities with Zeus, Æscalapius and Apollo sharing the role. 

An Impromptu "97th Birthday Party" for Ginger

When Ginger's birthday came around, Susan felt
we needed to gather and remember her.  Burgers and hot dogs are always available for sudden crowds.  The whole clan was there and Dave and Heidi James also stopped by. 

Charis and Jonathan have both ridden the rocking horse that I played with. I know Randy rode it. 

Never Enough Grandkid Photos

House construction has meant parents have brought grandchildren to the house.  While Annie and Nancy work on emptying out the clutter, installing flooring, and other tasks, I get Charis, and sometimes Jonathan duty.  I had said to Annie, "How much do I need to pay you to babysit Charis?"

Bonnie and David Awabdeh Wed
July 26, 2019

Bonnie met David Awabdeh at the Cadillac dealership where they both worked.  He has since moved to another location.     

Nancy and I have been friends with David and Heidi James since 1980, and Nancy's friendship with Heidi goes back to 1973.  Our kids grew up with Bonnie and Wendy James.  (Wendy passed away on Easter Sunday, last year.)  So it was no surprise that our entire family went to the Lord Hill Farms facility southwest of Monroe for this 4:00 PM Friday wedding. 

David Awabdeh, from an Arabic speaking family, seems as passionate about Jesus as he is about Bonnie. His father and grandfather are both Christian ministers.

The outdoor wedding itself was traditional by US standards,
(and hot in sunny 86 degree weather).  But the prime rib dinner and dancing went until dark.  Everything seemed to follow western traditions (first dances, cake, toasts, etc.), except for the loud middle-eastern style music and dancing that dominated the evening.  Some cultures really know how to party.  

Charis continued to entertain all, and danced with the other munchkins her size.  Jonathan, was his happy self, until this not-quite-a-walker took a fall and bonked his head.  Thomas, Joel, Jean, and Nathanael's family had to leave before the dinner.

One "family miracle" should be mentioned.  Nancy and I carpooled with Annie, Thomas and Charis.  We missed the turn to Woodinville and got back on the main road to Monroe at Maltby.  Jean had left for the wedding later, and took the Woodinville route, but had misplaced her map.  But when we finally got to the right highway at Maltby, Jean was only a few cars behind.  She got right behind us and followed us to the wedding.  The odds of that are astronomical, especially with the awful Friday afternoon traffic.

Nancy and I did not dance.  Charis took her place though.  Nancy is still moving slowly and using a cane due to issues with her leg muscles.  When Charis tries to help her walk, it's not really an assist!

Construction Continues
at the Big Blue House

This month, Annie took eleven computers to be recycled that had been stored in the basement.  She also managed to get rid of the huge monitor that came with the SPU Gateway computer. (I took that computer back to SPU since it could still run old software.)  Joel helped us lift the massive "Monstrosity" (our name for the big monitor) up the basement stairs. These photos show them working on the floor of Nate's bedroom that will be the new bedroom for Annie and Thomas.  The second floor will not be ready for them to move before school starts.

Annie has continued to go through the accumulated detritus of many Moody, Sleight, and Rutherford family members.

Nancy finished installing the oak flooring on the second floor landing and I will sand and stain it in August when Jean flies to Massachusetts with Joel to visit his family.

My duty in all of this is to free Annie up by taking care of Charis.  Even at her young age, I've got her "playing with" (as opposed to "playing") her harmonica.  I play a vintage M. Hohner Super Chromonica that I inherited from my dad.  I play Oh! Susanna very well and Red River Valley less well.  She "plays" an Echo model, another fine German made M. Hohner harmonica, that she inherited from her other grandfather Bob Disher.  I still enjoy playing and hope to teach all my grandchildren someday.  I'll part with this harmonica when breathing comes hard.  I have two others at SPU I may pass down sooner.  The classic Super Chromonica can sell for over $400 on eBay.  I have acquired three others at one tenth that price, box included, via eBay.  I may report on the collection in a future journal entry.

After hours of playtime with Charis, I will steer her to the master bedroom where she will fall asleep.  Once asleep, I take a nap with her.  Often I have to find a way to get out from under her without her waking up!  She falls asleep so gently, then wakes a few hours later cranky and crying (and likely wet and hungry!)

Bits and Pieces

1234 99th NE went on sale for $3.4 million, and with no basement.  It's odd that when we stand facing our front door, and look directly right (to the west), we see the big red double front doors of our newest neighbor.  The red door was surely planned to attract a Chinese buyer.

We happened to be driving the van when we stopped at COSTCO early in the month.  I'd left Nancy with the van and had run in to pick up something.  But, on my way, I spotted this Sports Afield Sanctuary Executive Vault (10.82 cu ft).  The online COSTCO price was $599, but they had it marked down to $350.  I couldn't resist.  It is twice the size of my rifle cabinet, more secure, and certainly more elegant.  It will be a long while before I can move it from the basement door to my basement office due to the many boxes of stored items in the basement.   

I have managed to give a pint of blood each time I have become eligible this year.  This month, that regular act of horizontal service has brought my lifetime total up to four gallons.

With my Bible study class behind me, I am taking the last week of July off to catch up on home duties.  But, vacation July 29-August 1 has been mostly kid care and doctor visits.

My Quotes from July “The course of true love never did run smooth.” “Shall we their fond pageant see?  Lord, what fools these mortals be!” “How low am I, thou painted maypole? ― William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream

Jonathan Walks! Toward the end of the month, Jonathan has been walking, and I finally caught him at it. When Nate and Cynthia went on an afternoon date on the 30th, Nancy and I had lunch with Jonathan and then he and I settled in for a good long afternoon nap.  Unlike Charis, Jonathan did not wake up grumpy. (In the photo at left, Cynthia caught us sleeping boys.) These days, it seems "Grandpa Doc" needs to nap just as much as the grandkids. Both grandkids try to ride the trikes we've collected, but both are really still too short to make them go under pedal power.  They drive Flintstone style!

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