Bison are just really cool animals. I have always been
captivated by them. They are big, strong stoic animals
whose atheletism belies their bulk. They are survivors of
the last ice age who are well suited to survive another.
They roamed the plains of North America in the tens of
millions until the loss of their range and overhunting
just about brought about their extinction not much more
than one hundred years ago. Whenever I have a chance I
always take the time to watch them do what they have been
doing so well for half a million years.
My mental image of this piece is of a older bull, scarred
from his many battles but still still vibrant and alive,
surveying his world and his herd from a hillside. I wanted
to capture some of a bison's bull strength and toughness
in this piece. I have plans for many others, a couple of
bulls fighting or a a few bison running would be fun.
This sculpture displays quite nicely just as is but also
on bases made from wood (sassafras is shown in the images
on the web site) and stone. |