Bag Lady
Bronze 8″x 8″x 5″
Haunted by her pursuit of things “Bag Lady” communicates silently the enless void created by this lonely track. Weathereed bits of pottery salvaged from and Italian beach and a “Potters’s Tip” in a small village of Southwest England encrust her torso – broken useless survivors of once highly prized things that no longer delight. Her cumbersome hands drag invisible shopping bags heavy with the vain stuff of material dreams She remains unfulfilled but always looking for the one thing that might end her search. -1998
Bag Lady II
Steel, Concrete, Potsherds 4′x 4′x 5′
Haunted by her pursuit of things “Bag Lady” communicates silently the enless void created by this lonely track. Weathereed bits of pottery salvaged from and Italian beach and a “Potters’s Tip” in a small village of Southwest England encrust her torso – broken useless survivors of once highly prized things that no longer delight. Her cumbersome hands drag invisible shopping bags heavy with the vain stuff of material dreams She remains unfulfilled but always looking for the one thing that might end her search. -1998
Long Horns
Cast Bronze limited edition #1/50,
12″ x 60″ x 10″
In the animal world, the horn is used to communicate strength and leadership – a message that speaks sublimely to the grace and beauty of their design. It either represents fear and death or security and life. This form is a celebration of that fabulous creature. -2001
Aoudad
Cast Bronze Limited Edition of Five
8″h x 29″w x 10″d
This sculpture was designed using the horns of a Aoudad that had been found on a ranch in the Texas Hill Country. The mask-like form that was incorporated into the curl of this animal’s matured horn is meant to be reminiscent of its exotic origins. Out of Africa, it would have remained alien to this hemisphere but for ranchers who imported them. They live here now like the rest of us whose roots stretch over oceans and continents. America has become their home thought their hearts must beat to the ancient rhythms of a distand land. the Aoudad … odd little pilgrims trying bravely to make a home, but perhaps feeling strangely out of place..not unlike many of us. -2002
Fallow
Bronze
Limited Edition
30”hx 20”w x 8”d
Native to the forests of Southern Europe, Asia and North Africa, the Fallow Deer grew in great numbers in their idyllic mountain regions. It has been imported to North America for commercial reason. The horns used in this sculpture were taken from one that was raised in Idaho on a Treasure Valley farm. It had become a nuisance to its owner and his neighbors for its constant escapes – nature could not be tamed. Living within the fenced pasture of its adoptive home proved unbearable for this creature of the wilderness. It seemed as if an ancestral call stirred a desperate flight from his safe but dull living quarters. Perhaps these primal instincts urged him to seek the wilds beyond…to worship by leaps over craggy hills rather than pace a dirt track, trust the piney forest for security instead of barbed wire and praise the spring fed meadows in lusty gulps more than a stagnant stock tank.
“…As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs after you.”
Kudu
Cast Bronze, Limited Edition, 48”h x 24”w x 9” d
Dramatic, exotic, mythological – association of the fantastic form of the Kudu’s horn. One expects it to be a sorcerer’s potion. Is the animal aware of the magical beauty that adorns its head? It seems this elongated twist of elegance came into being in order to coax romantic imagination. The Kudu challenges not only his rivals in the animal kingdom, but also the world of men. It pierces orderly modern minds with mysterious powers that causes the most analytical to fancy Unicorns and believe in something laboratories cannot measure.
Whitetail
Cast Bronze, Limited Edition, 22”h x 20”w x 13” d
Early light,
Deep shadows,
Spiky pine and scaly bark…
A place to hide.
Shifting shadows,
Distortions in the bracken…
Great horned head nodding there?
Flash of light!
Darkness pierced,
But then,
He’s gone…
That elusive spirit, Whitetail.
L’Chaim(To Life)
Welded Steel, Coyote Fur
48″h x 80″w x6″d
Giant crane, massive girder, towering structure, stacking up, glowering down, at oak and prairie grass, that creep with organic mouths, stretching vine, and burrowing root. Steel joint and truss their nesting place, and green with time covers all. -2004
Blues
Cast Bronze, Steel Limited Edition
10 1/2″ x 7″ x 4 1/2″
This work originated throught a series of quick gestural drawings inspired by the spontaneous joy that erupted during a B.B. King concert. Since then the form has come to communicate an uninhibited expression of emotion that music can inspire – one that strikes a sypathetic cord at a deeply spiritual level. Music has a way of liberating the soul to “dance as if nobody’s watching” while at the same time desiring someone to appreciate his wordless Communication …like a profound and silent prayer. -2000
Full Tilt
Bronze, Alabaster, 12″ x 12″ x 6″
As a sculptor I like to work from gestural drawing inspired from emotional responses to personal experience. “Full Tilt” is about letting go and just taking life as it comes with a sense of joy and freedom even in the midst of danger. The bronze figure merges with the bicycle form as they race with wild, hair-flying, leg-flailing, break-neck abandon down a slope. How one approaches terrifying terrain is the issue – not fear at what might happen but liberation from it. Recognizing that so much of human experience is outside ones control but knowing that ultimately there is order and goodness beyound the chaos can under gird a soul with delightful valor. This work is dedicated Martini, of “Purple Sage” Boise, Idaho, who has approached her struggle with breast cancer with the courage of which it tries to speak. However, what this piece attempts to do in bronze and alabaster she exhibits for real through her blithe spirit. Her life is living work of art that can truly insire bravery in others. Thank you, Martini, for showing us how that’s done! -1999
Empty Nest
Welded Steel Cast Resin 4′ x 7′ x 2′
As in all my work, “Empty Nest” has significant personal meaning. If there is a sense of whimsy and spontaneity in this work, that was the goal from concept to construction. To communicate a sober emotion with a humorous dimension was deliberate. When other can perceive some of the psychological dimension that is part of the conception and fabrication of my sculptures, then I am successful. Whether immersed in clay, sweating over a welding torch, or laboring over grinders and polishers, immense pleasure is derived. Someone once asked Eric little why he ran. His reply describes well why I sculpt, “…because when I do, I feel His joy”. Empty Nest was my catharsis while watching my children grow up and leave home. Knowing that the impulse to hold on too tightly to them was counter-productive. I reminded myself of the things that would keep them safe. The big gnarled feet of the three figures are a metaphor of a Psalm, “like roots firmly planted by streams of water”, to visualize fundamental of growth & liberation the subjects emerge from the feet interwined to represent the defferent people I had to be for each child the subtle variation in color suggests those characteristic relationships Ghostly, misshapen and wizened, the forms stretch skyward in branch-like ascension – reminder to decrease in direct influence in their lives except in spirit. Humorous proportion denote the impossiblity of taking oneself too seriously in deference to a mother’s value which must transcend classical definition of comeliness. Their faded, sagging and sinwey appearance is not congruent with societal standards of beauty. Elongated necks, outstreched hands and puckering lips are meant to communicate the unconditional love that follows her children wherever they go. Wildly unihibited, hair tapers heavenward like a mother’s prayer. They envelope her children in confidence and hope. From feet to heads, bony elbows to fly away tresses, there is no dread in demeanor – only an assurance that enables a kind of reckless abandon in releasing her children to grow. -1997
Firmly Planted
74″ x 36″ x 24″
The references in this design are influenced by the basalt cliffs along the Boise River Basin and tenacious towering Pines of the mountain regions directly to the north. How a tree can sink its roots into impenetrable stone and then find a way to thrive where it was planted has always amazed and inspired. Its source of life lies deep below the surface a profound message to all who stop long enough to listen and question. -1998
Subterranean Flood
Welded Steel, Acrylic
18″ x 36″
This wall piece is part of a series of explorations incorporating painterly techniques with three dimensional welding techniques. Survive a challenge that requires everything, and out of brokenness, beauty will form. -2005
Letting Go
Bronze Limited Edition, Group Of Three
6″ X 4″ 4″ Each
This sculpture was inspired in response to my children as one by one they left home. Leaving never meant danger for them. It became an exhibition for a winsome sense of joy at discovering their places in the world. Fear never interfered with his adventure. Instead, and attitude of rest, confidence and a zest for life characterized their budding adulthood. At the same time they retained the childlike qualities that have kept them forever the babes so dear to a Mother’s heart. -1999
Liberty Let’s Roll!
Cast Bronzes in three versions; 8”, 18” & 8’ editions
Liberty Let’s Roll!
Cast Bronze with Welded Steel base
Bronze Sculpture alone: 8′h x 6′w x 4′d
w/ weldded steel base: 11′ h x 6′w x 6′x d
including trailer (that is part of the completed piece shown): 121/2″h x 18′w x 7′d
Liberty Let’s Roll!
Cast Bronze with Welded Steel base
28″ x 18″ x 12″
Spirit of Liberty
Cast Bronze Date Released Editions
8”h x 51/2”w x 4” d
Inspired by the actions of Todd Beamer on United flight 93 in September of 2001, this image was created to communicate the courage that we are called to have when confronted by powers that threaten life and liberty. Beamer might have coward in helpless self-preservation before the cruel gaze of his captors but chose instead to respond out of compassion for others. With the two words, “Let’s roll!” he kicked through overwhelming fear that resulted in countless lives being saved at the ultimate cost of his own. This kind of selfless heroism reflects Divine character. There is no greater love than this, for a man to lay his life down for another… the unmistakable result of embracing something infinitely more valuable.
The original limited edition cast bronze work was 18” tall that was later enlarged to 8 feet tall and mounted permanently to an 18 foot construction trailer. The trailer was embellished with reclaimed steel to loosely represent New York’s Twin Towers flanked by a destroyed cityscape to symbolize challenging obstacles that stand in the way of liberty. The purpose of the enlarged traveling version speaks to the aspect of freedom that cannot stay ensconced on an island…that it moves and is meant to be shared.
To act on the message embodied in this work, the artist conducted three cross country tours logging more than 20,000 miles. With a 12 1/2 foot clearance, this 4400 pound $200,000 sculpture on wheels attracted attention from coast to coast. LLR enjoyed invitations from art galleries to military bases and opening sport’s events that drew capacity crowds to a hosted sailing around Liberty Island. The artist has kept the focus on using the image to engage the public in a conversation around the meaning of liberty to challenge people to consider what it is, where it comes from and what it’s worth. Since the large scale version of Liberty was unveiled in 2008 it had broad media coverage and is now stored in an undisclosed location until fresh inspiration calls, “Let’s Roll!”
For more informantion visit the Liberty Let’s Roll! page.
Scarlet Thread I
Stainless Steel, Bronze 24″ x 18″ x 8″
The Gothic arch form is an invitation to the spirit of a person to think outside one’s small prison like world. With the weight of the arch pressing down into the arch it ascends that boundary to a weightless apex and points like a finger toward a limitless universe. This work is meant to remind one to look up and away from whatever present circumstances force too much focus on human limitations. The “thread” that is suspended from the peak add a slight didactic element to recall Rahab the biblical prostitute. Often it is the “scarlet” or rather the rejected and unlovely whom challenge the comfortable prisoners of earth to begin that ascent. -1998
Scarlet Thread II
Stainless Steel, Bronze 24″ x 18″ x 8″
The Gothic arch form is an invitation to the spirit of a person to think outside one’s small prison like world. With the weight of the arch pressing down into the arch it ascends that boundary to a weightless apex and points like a finger toward a limitless universe. This work is meant to remind one to look up and away from whatever present circumstances force too much focus on human limitations. The “thread” that is suspended from the peak add a slight didactic element to recall Rahab the biblical prostitute. Often it is the “scarlet” or rather the rejected and unlovely whom challenge the comfortable prisoners of earth to begin that ascent. -1998
Abiding
Bronze
38”h x 28”w x 18”d
Limited Edition
Finding that one thing which addresses a ravenous spiritual need that results in unshakeable contentment is not unlike being grafted into a tree…to be part of the life that flows from its deep root system. “Abiding” originated from a terrible sense of loss and the need to find peace out of a hopeless situation. “To be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water that yields fruit in its season” is a verse that illustrates this overwhelming desire for stability in an increasingly perilous and chaotic life. It is a call to abide in The Tree – to draw upon its strength and experience the life that will result.
Grow
Welded Steel
20” h x 12” w 12” d
This sculpture was commissioned for a center table piece at the 2005 St. Alphonsus Festival of Trees. The lone tree celebrates its fortitude and survival by growing on the side of a rocky outcropping with roots clinging to the face of the cliff. It was a kind of rebellion against candy canes and Santa to find the terrible beauty of a tree that survived the woodsmen.
Fieldmaid
Welded Steel, Antique auto Grill, Tractor Fender
Unique
5’h x 2’w x 5’d
There is great joy in redeeming discarded objects from their doom. It becomes a catharsis from the constraints of bronze to work with forgotten and worthless objects to create something of value again. Consequently my welded steel work is often whimsical as the medium itself seems to encourage fantasy. The retro grill from an old car for “Fieldmaid” became like a masthead. However, instead of evoking visions of a surging sea, it spoke of hot days sailing over cresting waves of wheat in a tractor. As I labored under my welders garb the thing began to suggest the fancy of men working an endless sea of golden ripening grain from generations past. As they navigated their “ships” upon the undulating terrain like those of the Palouse in Eastern Washington, where did their minds wander? If sailors imagined mermaids, did these captains of great steel harvesters dream of her earthbound sisters winnowing alongside?
Final Solution
Cast Bronze, Unique
18”h x 12” w x 6”d
There are times when it seems all hell wages war against us…and is winning. This piece addresses the horrifying experience that defines this human condition. If there were anything sublime to come out of the Holocausts of our world, it would be that in spite of the ferocity of evil it cannot ultimately prevail – The Jewish people remain and Hitler does not. This speaks to every human soul threatened with devastating ordeals. There is a promise that out of such fiery trials love will not let us go and in fact rescues even when death is strangling our last breath…just when chaos raises its proud fist a strong arm reaches down.
Five Dog Alarm
Cast Bronze, Limited Edition 12”h x 22”w x 14” d
In the aftermath of 9/11 as rescue workers valiantly walked into very real danger without expectation of success, a profound respect welled up for their daunting task. Emergency and disaster relief workers all over the world have received well deserved honor for the bravery and selflessness of their “Ground Hero” efforts. Not overlooked, but less publicized, were the Rescue dogs that also braved the treacherous environment. This sculpture was created to honor their loyal spirit. These wonderful animals worked out of love for their handlers and suffered much in order to please them. There is very little that kept these brave animals from doing what was asked in the urgency and peril of the moment. It seems these four legged servants were sent specifically to help man. They ask very little in return except for a kind word and a pat on the head. What other animal will wait with such anticipation for his next command or stay so eagerly attentive? Is there another creature that rivals their vigilance, willingness and determination?
Heart & Shamrocks
Welded Steel 2” h x 1.5”
A Memorial for the Loss of a Little One
The death of an infant a mother’s heart stops to release a part of her should that will forever embrace that precious life.
Piercing Heaven
Cast Bronze 12”h x 10” w x 8” d
Welded Stainless Steel base 52” h x 14” w x 24” d
There is an icy bowl carved,
From a mountain side,
An arc on which blue sky kneels to frozen slope,
Where youths trade limbs or wings,
And powdery snow suspends mid-air,
Like contrails along their course;
A praise from heaven to earthbound creatures,
Who dare to pierce ethereal realms,
On flimsy stuff that should not rise above the tundra,
But for their sheer exuberance to fly.
~Tom Englesby Memorial Aerial Ski Trophy~
Watery Path
Cast Bronze 8”h x 22” w x 8”d
In spite of slippery rocks and moorings…leaping forward, he never yields. Against monumental currents, countless obstacles and prey…he hurdles constant, ever onward slipping along his watery path. The stream like ribbons flow along him…relentless surf, mighty wave. No deluge overtakes his progress…the flood cannot distract his quest. In fact, the swells advance him further…the surge becomes his arching form. With like focus and determination…resolute swishing toward the goal, his feat speaks as loud as the crashing surf. If on my path I can’t walk so boldly, I could hope no better fortune…to be as purposeful as a fish.
Who Am I?
Cast Bronze, Welded Steel Base, Limited Edition 18”h x 10”w x 11”d
This piece is derived from a dance move that embodies an unspoken universal language of the soul– that weighty and eternal “why?” Unlike Munch’s “Scream”, this form does not communicate the terror of human experience. Instead, this figure seems to ask that relentless question “Who am I and why am I here?” This uninhibited physical expression challenges one to practice the same boldness on a spiritual level.