As a child I remember sitting in the cool shady stillness of our barn, smelling the alfalfa and listening to our horse munch her hay. It is a very special feeling to be a person alone yet communing with the spirit of an animal-it's quietly exhilarating. My work as an animal artist is a means of expressing emotion for me. I find joy, humor, passion, mystery, beauty and serenity in animals, and this is reflected in my work. I have a very active dream life, and I often interact with animals in my dreams. I frequently combine animals and humans in my compositions to demonstrate their connection on spiritual, emotional and physical levels. Sometimes I regard animals symbolically or mythologically, and other times very simply, as they are in nature. I sculpt in various forms of clay or wax which is then cast in bronze, a sophisticated medium which has a long tradition, and will last for thousands of years. It  reflects light and creates shadows which best enhance my style, and once again expresses continuity of time. My style is what I call "realistic impressionism". Although realistic in form, I use texture to create reflections of light to move the eye and direct it to glance off the surface from one interest to the next, to create a momentary feeling which I think of as impressionistic. I do extensive research on the animal I am going to sculpt before I begin. I need to understand its habits and to make sure it is anatomically possible to pose in the position I want to create to give movement to my composition. I use baroque curves and twists in the body to give it expression and excitement.

Individual personalities and complex lifestyles are revealed in the physical expression of an animal, and I try to capture this essence in my work. I am intrigued by  unusual North American wildlife such as the jackrabbit, a muscular but scraggly looking hare with the solitary habits of an old prospector. It is just as interesting to me to sculpt barnyard animals. One of my favorite subjects is the goat, full of mischief, charm, and playfulness. To me, farm animals represent comfort, peace, stability, timelessness, and continuity with the past. I try to capture the true spirit of the animal. I want to feel its breath before me, and help it to spring instantly to life. I feel a profound peace and serenity while sculpting animals. Collectors tell me my work brings that spirit of peace to their homes. I feel a great connection to animals as a fellow creature of the world. We help each other both emotionally and physically. As an artist I want to inspire love and respect for animals, and to reveal them as unique individuals within their own specific species. My greatest mission is to help people to see animals as vital to the life we share on earth, and appreciate the simple treasure they offer to us through their very existence.
 

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