Raymond took these photos during the patina process at the Adonis Foundry in Salt Lake City. Two of the three local bronze foundries I’ve worked with for more than twenty years did not survive the multiple challenges brought on by COVID, thus I’ve been prompted to look beyond the local foundry scene. Bronze casting has been around since the third millennium B.C. The industry (along with so many industries) has been hit hard with major increases in the cost of materials, shipping and hard-to-find skilled labor. Bronze art can be passed through generations and enjoyed for thousands of years - a enduring medium in a world of increasingly disposable things.
Only seven bunnies left...!
Tea, bunny and me...
During a cold dark January five years ago, I began each day at my dining room table with a large cup of tea and a small lump of clay. My beautiful dream studio was an inspirational walk through the woods. Why wasn’t I creating there?
Odd.
But my studio had HUGE piles of sawdust and my studio office had HUGE piles of desk work. I decided to begin the year by catching up and clearing the desk, maybe even taking a short break from the sawdust yet I couldn’t not create so this little critter happened beneath the antique chandelier on the carved-by-me deep purple stained dining room table in my tiny little cabin as the moon hung in a fuzzy cold crystalized sky and the sun slept in.
“Wee Bunny” was offered as a gift from me to those of you who, like me, haven’t room for giant tree sculptures in your homes. Motivated by the thought of your hands warming the bronze, my desire was to create a palm-size sculpture which elicited an almost instinctive desire to be picked up. Held. Warmed. Loved.
My other thought was to create an especially affordable sculpture in an edition size large enough that many of you could have one.
One hundred sculptures in the edition - the largest edition I’d ever launched. Yet small enough to be a valuable edition. Only one hundred.
The process of bronze casting is labor intensive, a new mold has to be made for each bunny cast. But I kept the price wholesale which meant I had to turn down the galleries that wanted to sell the little bugger.
“Wee Bunnies” hopped into homes all over this country and beyond.
Only seven bunnies are left…!
Certainly the last bunnies will quickly find homes once the announcement is made via social media. If you planned to get a bunny and haven’t, or know someone who should - then act quickly before the edition is sold out.
"Wee Bunny" can be purchased on my site HERE
Local peeps - don’t pay shipping charges. For LOCAL DELIVERY enter CODE: postfree at checkout. Shipping charges will be removed. We will be in touch with you for delivery or pick up.
I wonder who will get #100…?
BIG little eaglet - a good deed that grew...
One morning several years ago I found myself wondering just what I'd gotten myself into?!!
Image after image of baby eagles were spread across my largest workbench and they were......ugly...! Lordy I had no idea that baby eagles were not only homely and gawky but they had "angry bird" eyes (just think of the heavy eyebrows on adult eagles). My intention was to create a totally irresistible sculpture to speak to the attitude I witnessed in youth and people at Eaglemount. Near and dear to my heart the non-profit Eagle Mount is committed to provide quality therapeutic recreational opportunities for people with disabilities and young people with cancer, and to provide support for families of participants. I'd been a volunteer in their ski program for several winters until caring for my mother in her battle with her Alzheimer's took priority in my life. I leveraged "artistic license" to create a palm size sculpture for Eagle Mount who reaped the benefit of 100% profits from the edition. Inspired, they even began selling chocolate sculptures molded from the original baby eagle which they named "Soren - the little eagle that could."
Last week the former director of Eagle Mount joined me in the foundry spray booth to oversee the patina of a new BIG little eaglet. The bugger will be installed at the Eagle Mount playground. I love knowing the brand new shiny patina is destined to be worn off with hugs and love from the children who will enjoy the “Little Eagle who Could.”
Holiday goodies....!
"Fabulously weighty and viscerally alive in your palm" (as described by my friend Kris King) The limited edition bronzes boast character, presence, weight, quality and a loving touch. Perfect gift for yourself or someone you love. If you act quickly there is still time to ship for Christmas...! (shop on my website)
Bison Bench - thankful thoughts on Thanksgiving Eve
Hardly a week goes by without a photo arriving from bison bench fans:
Generous supporters made it possible to donate the much-loved sculpture to our welcoming airport. I remember plunging my hands into a five-gallon bucket of ice water to ease the pain and prolong my ability to carve around the clock during the hottest months of summer in the air-conditionless studio downtown sixteen years ago. The intense deadline and the challenge of creating a three-dimensional relief carving from black walnut was challenging to say the least - but frankly so was the task of fundraising to place the sculpture in the airport since asking for help is far from my comfort zone.
The photo on the right was taken by Raymond early in the morning last November after I had pulled another all-nighter with final preparations for my first of three trips to carve for the king of Bhutan. I was weary and anxious, excited and curious - much like I feel before embarking on any new adventure inside or outside the studio.
The eve of Thanksgiving seems an appropriate time to share my gratitude for all of you who support me in various ways. Your support makes my creative life possible. Thank-you!
Breaking the egg...
Yesterday after a visit to my studio with his daughter a friend posted a photo of the sculpture I created for HATCH and wrote, "“When an egg breaks from outside pressure it’s death. When it breaks from inside it’s new life.”
I have been breaking from the inside. Relentlessly intense events the past few years left me plumb tuckered and raw. Exhaustion and grief forced me to rest and restore.
Feeling is healing - even if it isn't easy.
The BIG little eaglet
I created the palm-size little eaglet as a fundraiser for Eaglemount in 2015. They named the limited edition solid bronze little sculpture"Soren." The little bugger found his way into many loving homes and even inspired chocolates molded from my sculpture (also raising funds for Eaglemount). Earlier this year they asked if I would make a big version of the eaglet for their new playground/garden. Soooooo - before and after the last trip to Bhutan, BIG Soren was created. He was delivered last month to the foundry to begin the process of becoming a bronze.
Inspiration for "Owl"
I began this little bugger early last year. I hadn’t planned on creating an owl for 2016 (I had a another critter in mind) but early in the year an owl visited me on a full moon night. I filmed the Great Horned Owl while it sat like a sentinel on top of my beloved tree. Perfect shaped and majestic, the giant Fir tree a picturesque silhouette on starry nights between my bedroom window and the twinkling lights of Livingston below. The tree greeted me each time I drove home to my cabin at the end of the road near the top of this mountain. During the holidays I was always tempted to light it up with a huge star on top for everyone in the valley below to enjoy. We suffered and celebrated more than two decades together. The tree scourged summer after summer by Spruce Bud Worms during the last years.
After a particularly difficult winter for both of us, the tree seemed to bounce back with vigor. That spring it looked better than it had in years and I thought, “We are survivors, you and me, dear tree…we have this…!" Looking back, it is as if the tree rallied for me, knowing I needed a boost and some confidence, I drew strength from its strength.
Then it died.
I hated to ask Cliff to cut it down because Cliff had back and shoulder pain issues; old injuries from his logging days. I complained to Raymond about the negative “Feng Shui” that comes from such a large dead thing in our front yard. But what a perfect perch for a giant owl. The full moon night visit from the owl was poignant. Remarkable. I had a sense it carried a message and thought the message had something to do with my mother - perhaps the owl was letting me know 2016 would be mother’s final year. Raymond asked for Cliff’s assistance to cut the tree down in February as I birthday present surprise while I was in Panama. Of course Cliff made quick business of the tree and landed it perfectly so that it wouldn’t squish any of the young trees sprouting everywhere. Cliff cut the trunk of the tree into perfect rounds which became seats for guests at our wedding. The stumps sit in an Aspen Grove near my studio.
A few months after my return from Panama, Cliff comforted me on the morning I called Hospice for assistance to continue care for my mother in her home. Cliff took mom cookies and then he died on the same day Raymond cut the path in the meadow where Cliff was to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day. An owl perched on the tallest tree next to the Yellowstone River when Raymond, Wynn and I launched a home made flotilla with some of Cliff’s ashes in the moonlight.
Again and again I picked up the little lump of “owlish” clay but I simply could not create. On a cold winter night I gave a stranded motorist a ride to his home up Paradise Valley, a giant Great Horned Owl owl flew past my truck window and looked directly at me. Those of you who know Cliff know he was legendary for the assistance he gave friends, family and strangers alike. I knew it was time to finish the little owlet. Emotional but healing, the little sculpture began to find itself while a fire crackled in my studio.
I sent a photo of the clay owl to my girlfriend Wynn. She texted, “OMG. It looks like him. Did u do that intentionally?” Honestly I did not...but I felt so much of Cliff while working on his owl that of course “Cliffness” emanates from the owlet. Crying as I write this, feeling is part of healing topped with gratitude. Not many are gifted with a “Cliff” in their life. He was one-of-a-kind, gentle, strong and damn loyal. The tears are good - the kind of gold that comes from loving and being loved.
Chapter after chapter, critter after critter and plenty of blessings...
Fresh from the foundry...
So much "Cliffness" in such a little critter. He would have loved it...!
Nearly half of the edition already pre-sold. Linda (my mother-in-law) is going to take care of shipping bronzes while I chip away in Bhutan on the carving for the king and his family.
Off to the foundry...!
At last…!
I began this little bugger early last year. I hadn’t planned on creating an owl for 2016 (I had a another critter in mind) but early in the year an owl visited me on a full moon night. I filmed the Great Horned Owl while it sat like a sentinel on top of my beloved tree. Perfect shaped and majestic, the giant Fir tree a picturesque silhouette on starry nights between my bedroom window and the twinkling lights of Livingston below. The tree greeted me each time I drove home to my cabin at the end of the road near the top of this mountain. During the holidays I was always tempted to light it up with a huge star on top for everyone in the valley below to enjoy. We suffered and celebrated more than two decades together. The tree scourged summer after summer by Spruce Bud Worms during the last years.
After a particularly difficult winter for both of us, the tree seemed to bounce back with vigor. That spring it looked better than it had in years and I thought, “We are survivors, you and me, dear tree…we have this…!" Looking back, it is as if the tree rallied for me, knowing I needed a boost and some confidence, I drew strength from its strength.
Then it died.
I hated to ask Cliff to cut it down because Cliff had back and shoulder pain issues; old injuries from his logging days. I complained to Raymond about the negative “Feng Shui” that comes from such a large dead thing in our front yard. But what a perfect perch for a giant owl. The full moon night visit from the owl was poignant. Remarkable. I had a sense it carried a message and thought the message had something to do with my mother - perhaps the owl was letting me know 2016 would be mother’s final year. Raymond asked for Cliff’s assistance to cut the tree down in February as I birthday present surprise while I was in Panama. Of course Cliff made quick business of the tree and landed it perfectly so that it wouldn’t squish any of the young trees sprouting everywhere. Cliff cut the trunk of the tree into perfect rounds which became seats for guests at our wedding. The stumps sit in an Aspen Grove near my studio.
A few months after my return from Panama, Cliff comforted me on the morning I called Hospice for assistance to continue care for my mother in her home. Cliff took mom cookies and then he died on the same day Raymond cut the path in the meadow where Cliff was to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day. An owl perched on the tallest tree next to the Yellowstone River when Raymond, Wynn and I launched a home made flotilla with some of Cliff’s ashes in the moonlight.
Again and again I picked up the little lump of “owlish” clay but I simply could not create. Two weeks ago as I gave a stranded motorist a ride to his home up Paradise Valley, a giant Great Horned Owl owl flew past my truck window and looked directly at me. Those of you who know Cliff know he was legendary for the assistance he gave friends, family and strangers alike. I knew it was time to finish the little owlet. Emotional but healing, the little sculpture began to find itself while a fire crackled in my studio.
I finished the little bugger yesterday. Upon sending a photo to my girlfriend Wynn, she texted, “OMG. It looks like him. Did u do that intentionally?” Honestly I did not...but I felt so much of Cliff while working on his owl that of course “Cliffness” emanates from the owlet.
Crying as I write this, feeling is part of healing topped with gratitude. Not many are gifted with a “Cliff” in their life. He was one-of-a-kind, gentle, strong and damn loyal. The tears are good - the kind of gold that comes from loving and being loved. I felt renewed energy in my step early this morning as Tala and I walked through falling snow to my studio.
Chapter after chapter, critter after critter and plenty of blessings...
Emotional Return
Cliff was especially excited about the little owl sculpture I began last year. Returning to the project has been emotional for me but healing too...
Funded...!!!
Frankly I was a total wimp in the beginning. Asking for $$ is FAR out of my comfort zone…!!!
Life also has kept me pretty distracted. Between caring for my mother and some serious health issues of my own I’ve lost momentum several times. Momentum is key. Quite a bit of my confidence got squashed the last 6-7 years. I needed to shift my thinking and pump up my belief. I began the year with a whole new focus on goal setting (yearly - monthly - weekly). My new focus includes daily review of my goals so they do not become elusive.
The other BIG shift is Raymond. I have never had a true partner who has my back with such unconditional support. He totally took care of me, supported us financially and never judged or pushed me during this past year while I weathered the challenging journey of PTSD after the dog pack attack. I feel so lucky. I am extra driven to give back, help out, make him proud and be a true partner to him. The “Raymond button” helped motivate me into overdrive.
Fairy dust. I can feel it in the air - I want to keep dancing so it doesn’t settle. Thankful for a bit of magic, I am overflowing with gratitude.
Bison Bench arrives at the airport!
Carved 15 years ago in Black Walnut (then cast in bronze) - I am pleased to finally have a public sculpture on "home turf!" Once it is installed, the sculpture will be the first thing visitors see when they arrive into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (after they get through security). I just need a few more patrons to complete fundraising efforts to pay off the loan for casting this monumental sculpture.
A few little sculptures left for Christmas...
Tidings of joy and a big o'l froggy grin...!
Wrapped with a festive bow, the little palm-size bronzes make a wonderful holiday gift. Only 100 of each will ever be cast - which is actually a rather large number in the world of bronzes but since I rarely work small scale I want to be sure there is enough of the solid bronze little sculptures to go around. I have 2 "Wee Bunnies" one "Frog" and 2 "Little Birds" fresh from the foundry. Purchase on my website (I will deliver them myself if you life around here).
Sculpture for Eagle Mount charity
Let me introduce this sweet little bugger:
The photos were taken while sitting behind the steering wheel of my truck. I had just picked the sculpture up, fresh from the foundry earlier this spring and couldn’t wait to text photos to Mary, the director of Eagle Mount. I was on my way to a bachelorette party but so excited about the baby eagle that I had to pull over while driving up Paradise Valley and be a bit late for the party.
The folks at Eagle Mount get to name him because the sculpture belongs to them. Perhaps you have followed my adventures over the years and already know about the special outdoor ski program I volunteer for with Eaglemount? One morning a week during the shortest days of the year I share Momma Nature and snow slopes in a program sponsored by Eaglemount, a non-profit dedicated to providing adventures to people with disabilities and life-changing camp experiences for veterans and families with children who have cancer. Eaglemount is more than ski classes - the program offers so much to many unique peeps; young and old. "Eagle Mount Bozeman is committed to provide quality therapeutic recreational opportunities for people with disabilities and young people with cancer, and to provide support for families of participants so that “they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” (Isaiah 40:31)"
I missed out volunteering for Eaglemount’s ski program this past winter since my mother’s debilitating Alzheimer’s required my full attention but I came up with another way to contribute; the baby eaglet was born…! The limited edition of 100 solid bronze sculptures belongs to Eagle Mount - they receive 100% profits from sales. My collector peeps had first chance at the little buggers before Eagle Mount launched them in their eNewsletter a few weeks ago. Last weekend the sculpture was given as a gift to donors who gave $1000 or more to Eagle Mount. More than 1/2 the edition has already found homes; I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be able to create art that will outlive me and and provide funding for others less fortunate than myself.
Humbled. Honored. Excited.
(Click HERE if you want to purchase an eaglet and support Eagle Mount)
One year ago today...
I didn't realize quite what I started when I began the series of palm-size solid bronze critters. The beginning-of-the-year time for reflection mini-sculpture project has developed into a fun way for more people to have a bit of my spirited and spiritual Montana mountain life in their home. Tying each bow, writing each little note is done with love and a smile while feeling the joy and support from my collectors throughout the year.
A letter from Ted Turner
"As a frequent user of the Gallatin Yellowstone International Airport, I will personally enjoy seeing and using your unique bison bench sculpture there once it has been installed." - Ted Turner
Ted Turner hand-signed the letter and contributed a generous amount toward putting the life-size bison bench sculpture at the airport. Carved originally in black walnut, bronze castings of the sculpture are in a private collections and one museum - all outside Montana. Will be a significant honor to have one of my sculptures greeting people as they arrive to Bozeman. I believe we are in the home stretch of fundraising efforts. If you are interested in being part of the project. Contact me.
And so it begins...
The last three years began with a ritual of creating one palm-size woodland critter sculpture in clay to be cast in bronze. Each January the “critter project” has been a bit of a break from studio life - the sawdust, the BIG projects. Early mornings with tea at my dining room table, the sculptures came to life. The places they’ve traveled to their forever homes is a wondrous sweet thing. Affordable. Solid bronze. Made with love.
But this year I am making an extra little sculpture for a cause. Eaglemount is very near and dear to my heart. Any guesses as to what this lump of clay will become?
Frog for you?
I finally got to take one of these little buggers home (but only until Mother's Day). ;) The palm-size sculpture put a smile on my face yesterday morning as I groggily gathered my gumption to go outside. Super fat wet snowflakes fell heavy on a socked-in morning; my cabin was literally in the clouds. "Frog" grinned up at me from the entryway table as I stumbled out the door for a drive up Paradise Valley - the hot springs in Yellowstone Park sounded like a good idea. The little sculpture sure has a sweet contagious grin...!
Fresh from the foundry...
Just a few minutes after Crossfit and nearly a half hour before sunrise - look what I picked up from the foundry early this morning...!
First shipment of new sculptures today, another dozen next week.
Have you ordered yours?