(Click here to go to the "Texas Trophies" Project)

Member, Texas Society of Sculptors

A great deal of my artistic endeavor is bent in the direction of the "Old West," whether depictions of cowboys, horses or Native American Indians.  There can be no question that the tribal braves lived a life of glorious savagery.  They revered animal spirits and frequently used the animals for decoration and personal adornments.  Bear claws, particularly those of a grizzly bear, were treasured as good luck omens and often worn in the form of a necklace.

This latest sculpture is meant to be a tribute to the spirit of the Native American warrior.  In this case, the warrior is of the Crow tribe and is an older man, but he is proud of his life lived.  On the other hand, his way of life is being diminished by the encroachment by the white settlers and there is no question that life, as this warrior knew it, will not be around that much longer.

I've done my very best to research specific aspects of the Crow Indian and have recreated this piece featuring the contemporary style of hair, feathers, war paint and the bear claw necklace associated with this specific tribe, as seen and captured by the renowned photographer Edward Curtis in the 19th century.

The title of this sculpture is "Fading Spirit."  It is limited to an edition of 25 pieces.

The following photos depict the original clay sculpture prior to being cast at the foundry.

The next row of photos represent various views of the finished bronze piece, mounted on a solid mesquite wood base with inlaid turquoise on each of the four sides.

(click on any of the following thumbnail images for a expanded view of the photo)

This piece of sculpture is about 10" in height and 6" in both horizontal dimensions, plus about 4" for the base, so the total height is about 14".

The price of this piece is $2,750, plus shipping and handling.  Inquiries are welcome!!!
 

("Bull Buffalo" in the American Lakota language)

The Lakota tribe referred to the American Bison as "Tatanka."  Like most other plains tribes, the Lakota Indians regarded the buffalo as sacred and often used the skull in their rituals.  Featured below is a replica of a buffalo skull, executed in bronze, with a carefully formulated chemical patina applied to the finished bronze that gives the skull an appearance very close to a bone white.  It's a massive piece of metal, mounted on a custom made black walnut base.  Each piece is authenticated by the artist to be one of only 50 pieces made, after which the mold will be destroyed.

A dramatic accent piece for a discriminating southwestern decor.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE
A limited edition of 50 only pieces of the above bronze "Tatanka" sculpture.  This piece weighs approximately 5 1/2 pounds and is approximately 5.5" high X 8" wide X 9" long.  The buyer may choose any unit number he or she chooses from 1 to 50 (to denote special occasions or anniversaries), as long as the unit number requested has not been previously committed.

Price for the mounted work of art is $1,250, f.o.b. Boerne, Texas.  Price does not include applicable sales tax, shipping or handling of the finished piece.  Contact the artist direct for specific price quote for the extra charges.  Delivery typically will be 90 to 120 days, if the piece is not currently in the artist's inventory.

Price subject to change without notice...

   
(click on any of the above images for a full view of the photo)

Click here to go to the contact information page or send an e-mail to J.P. ("Pat") Childress at:

 

Curious how a bronze piece of art is made?  Click here for a detailed look at the process used to create the pieces of art on this website.