Raven Halfmoon

Raven Halfmoon is a talented Caddo Nation artist from Norman, Oklahoma. Her work transcends traditional boundaries by exploring the complexities of identity, heritage, and the challenges faced by Native Americans, women, and the Caddo Nation people. Known for her large-scale, ceramics-based sculptures, Halfmoon employs her art to reclaim space for Indigenous voices in contemporary art. Her practice embodies a deep respect for her lineage, often weaving personal and cultural narratives into commanding forms that resonate with power and resilience.

One of her most significant pieces, The Guardians, stands an impressive 9 feet tall and serves as a powerful tribute to strength, resilience, and ancestral power. This bronze sculpture draws inspiration from various influences, including the ancient pottery techniques of the Caddo Nation, the incredible Moai statues of Easter Island, and elements of 20th-century Land Art. The sculpture blends traditional Indigenous coil-building methods with Halfmoon's bold, contemporary style, symbolizing the dualities of light and darkness, male and female, and traditional and modern. Its scale commands attention, inviting viewers to reflect on the evolving nature of cultural narratives and the interwoven relationship between the past and present.

The creation of The Guardians emerged from a collaborative journey that began during Halfmoon's residency at our Rock Tavern foundry in 2023. What started as an exploration of form in clay evolved into a monumental sculpture through the artistry and craftsmanship of UAP's team. Utilizing the moulds created during her residency, artisans produced wax patterns and cast them in silicon bronze through a unique traditional lost wax process. Halfmoon worked closely with the team throughout the fabrication to guide the final finishes, selecting paint and patina samples to enhance the sculpture's depth and character. This meticulous process ensured that the artwork honours her Caddo heritage and is a striking beacon of empowerment in contemporary art. UAP is proud to have supported Halfmoon in bringing this extraordinary vision to life, showcasing the artistry and strength inherent in her work.