The Raven. Ever Inspirational.

How Does the Raven Inspire You?

Intelligence. Mystery. Adaptability. Curiosity. Wisdom. Transformation.

All attributes embodied by the Raven. 

Which do you find inspiring?

Few creatures evoke as much intrigue as the raven. With their glossy black feathers, keen intelligence, and deep cultural significance, these lustrous black birds have inspired artists, storytellers, and poets for centuries. At Sorrel Sky Gallery, several artists bring the spirit of the raven to life through their work. On canvas or in bronze or silver, they capture the raven’s essence—its mystery, its elegance, and its enduring symbolism.

Explore paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more inspired by these enigmatic birds. Let’s celebrate the raven as a symbol of transformation and creativity.

Ravens, among the largest of the passerine, or perching birds, are more than just an iconic species. Known for their intelligence and adaptability, they can thrive in almost any environment—from dense forests to arid deserts, from coastal cliffs to bustling cities. These omnivorous birds have been observed solving complex puzzles, using tools, and even mimicking human speech.

For centuries, ravens have been featured in myths and legends worldwide. In Norse mythology, Odin’s ravens, Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory), were his eyes and ears, flying across the world to bring him knowledge. Native American tribes view the raven as a trickster and a creator, embodying both humor and wisdom. Ceremonial headdresses often feature their lustrous black feathers.

These feisty, tenacious, and highly intelligent birds have long been viewed as symbols of wisdom, knowledge, flexibility, mental clarity, and energy. Throughout history, they've called from treetops and swooped over fields, inspiring artists and nature lovers. 

RAVENS on average, are larger than crows, up to 25" tall, with a four-foot wingspan. Their beak is more slender and slightly longer. When the sun shines on them, their feathers shine with blue and purple tints. Although bold and even playful, they prefer to live in less populated areas.

CROWS are smaller, approximately 18" tall and their wingspan averages three feet. Their beak is slightly thicker as well. A crow’s feathers are a flint black and duller than the sheen of a raven's feathers. The gregarious crow is happy living in densely congested areas.

BLACKBIRDS are smaller still, less than 10" tall, with a maximum wingspan of just over a foot. Although their feathers are black, they often have a colored beak or head, and bright bands of color can be seen on their wings, either at rest or in flight. Blackbirds are shy of humans, avoiding any close contact.

It is not the differences between these birds that interest and inspire artists. It is their transformational nature. High-flying, freewheeling, outspoken - symbols of intuition, change and self-discovery.

Ravens rank among the most intelligent birds. They can use tools, plan for the future, and even work together to achieve shared goals. These birds display incredible problem-solving skills and an uncanny ability to adapt to new situations.

Ravens communicate with a wide range of sounds, including clicks, calls, and mimicry. Their vocalizations are so complex that some researchers compare them to language.

From Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem to their revered place in folklore, ravens often symbolize mystery, transformation, and intelligence. They have been portrayed as messengers, tricksters, and guardians, reflecting their complex and multifaceted nature.

Ravens are larger than crows, with a wingspan of up to four feet. Their thick, shaggy neck feathers and wedge-shaped tails distinguish them from their smaller cousins. Their glossy black plumage sometimes reflects an iridescent sheen, shimmering with hints of blue, green, and purple.

BOARD MEETING

Includes Chuckles, Skeptical, Palaver, Guffaw, and Jokester

"At our ranch, we have noted that every year, the ravens begin to appear in a large flock. We have ravens around all year, but in early summer they come in droves and seem to have rather raucous meetings regularly, hanging out on our board fences for their palaver sessions. 'Raven' has been defined as talk intended to charm or beguile, and idle chatter, and that's what their meetings sound like.

These Ravens often visit the huge cottonwood outside my studio and begin an amazing array of vocalizations….chattering away until I come out to interact with them. They sometimes will perch on the telephone poles at the entrance to our ranch, and when I go out to ride, they will chatter as if they wish me to acknowledge their presence. Sometimes they will fly along with us on the ride…..behavior which I find charming and beguiling indeed!"