The raven is the most intelligent of all birds, it is the only non-primate to make and cache tools, it has over 30 different calls, and they are essentially playful birds. I have watched ravens flying and then suddenly fold their wings and roll in the air before opening them again and continuing on their journey.

In Europe, in more recent times, the raven has been associated with negative symbols such as death. Maybe this is because it is black, which is linked with the night and the occult; it may also be because it was often seen on battlefields eating the fallen. I find it somewhat ironic that we should associate ravens in such a negative way when they were simply clearing up after the folly of humanity. I feel we should focus on its spirit and intelligence and reconsider our perceptions of them.There are probably more myths and legends attached to the raven than any other bird. This sculpture is inspired by one of them. It is the story of how the sun came to be in the sky. In one North American legend the chief had a box in which he kept the sun, the raven devised a plan so he could steal the sun. He turned himself into a fir needle and when the chief’s daughter was walking in the forest he dropped into her cup and she drank him. Shortly afterwards she became pregnant and gave birth to a healthy baby boy. When the boy was old enough and strong enough he opened the box, took out the sun, ran outside and turned back into a raven. He flew up into the sky and placed the sun there bringing light into the world. When a raven calls in the woods he is still laughing at how clever he was.In China and Japan it is seen as a lucky bird and a symbol of devotion within the family.In Ireland ‘to have a raven’s knowledge’ meant that the person in question has the gift of prophecy.In Norse mythology the God Odin had two ravens, Hugin and Munin – ‘Thought’ and ‘Memory’ that would fly out to gather information in accordance with the idea we have that ravens see everything and know everything. Odin’s daughters, the Valkyries, would often take the shape of ravens and the Vikings would bear the emblem of the raven on their sails as a token of good luck.In Africa they are seen as a benevolent character, assuming the role of guardian spirit and guide.