Chief Steel Feather – Pierre Riche

Pierre Riche, a Watsonville sculptor and creator of “Metaface” and “Into the wind” previously exhibited in Cloverdale, has a sculpture titled “Chief Steel Feather” in Cloverdale. It is 8′ high x 4′ wide and 6′ deep and created out of welded reclaimed metal and enamel paint. This unique sculpture is located at the corner of Cloverdale Boulevard and First Street is sponsored by Robert Rodriquez.

Chief Steel Feather is a fictitious Indian that Pierre describes as – “a sculpture honoring the many Indian chiefs that once inhabited and still does inhabit North America. The name “Chief Steel Feather” embodies the quality of being soft as a feather and strong as steel. It represents the power of the feather in its paradoxical nature to be delicate and graceful, yet controlled and forceful. Chief Steel Feather is a warrior of the industrial path. His battles have been fought in the name of keeping his spirit alive, connected to the earth and to the Great Spirit, while living in our material world. He holds a place for nature in his heart, and his soul dwells in a realm of colors.”

The sculpture, which received an Honorable Mentions award, is hollow and can be walked into through an opening in the back of the sculpted metal feather head-dress. Walk into the sculpture and feel the power of “Chief Steel Feather”

Photo by Jonathan Bly Ungles