David Govedare (1950 – 2021) was an American artist.[1] He is best known for his public semi-abstract steel sculptures and monuments which are primarily located within the Pacific Northwest. Govedare is known for his unique art style which fuses Native American themes with large metal sculptures.[2] Govedare frequently appeared on television, featuring on shows such as PBS Northwest Profiles[3] and was interviewed by Eric Johnston.[4]
Govedare grew up in Santa Ynez, California and started working with metal as child, creating lamps with old tin cans. In 1968, he graduated from Santa Ynez Valley High School.[5] He spent most of his adult life working on some of Washington's best known sculptures[6] He lived in Chewelah, Washington spending a decade constructing a strawbale house. Govedere had one son.[2]
Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies is a significant monument that depicts 15 life-size steel horses which appear to be galloping across a ridge above the Columbia River. According to the Seattle Times, It is estimated to be passed by over 5 million people yearly and is considered to be one of Washington state's most-seen public artworks.[7] In 2017, The Telegraph named it the one of world's most quirky and incredible sculptures.[8]
