"Defiance": a sculpture for those of us who never say die
In my newest pre-cast, Defiance, I wanted to depict the courageous fight of a Lakota warrior who gave his all in dire circumstances.
Inspiration for Defiance
My vision for this piece was sparked by a visit to the Custer Battlefield. On the actual battle site, there are inscriptions on the markers of the fallen Native Americans that read, in part: “fell here on June 25, 1876 while defending the Lakota way of life.” I developed this sculpture as a testament to the ultimate sacrifice paid by these warriors.
Although practically every one of my pieces features someone with a “never say die” attitude, this particular sculpture got me thinking. What must it have felt like to have to defiantly defend your homeland against such challenging odds?
Here is what history records:
This nation is like a spring freshet; it overruns its banks and destroys all who are in its path. We cannot dwell side by side. Only seven years ago we made a treaty by which we were assured that the buffalo country should be left to us forever. Now they threaten to take that from us also. My brothers, shall we submit? or shall we say to them: “First kill me, before you can take possession of my fatherland.”
Sitting Bull, Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux (1831-1890) [Sitting Bull was considered the last Lakota to surrender to the United States Government]
They made us many promises, more than I can remember. But they kept but one – They promised to take our land…and they took it.
Chief Red Cloud, Oglala Lakota Sioux (1822-1909)
I would rather die in freedom on my way back home than starve to death here.
Chief Morning Star, Cheyenne (also known by his Sioux name, Chief Dull Knife) (d. 1879)
About Defiance
Defiance shows a Lakota warrior astride his horse, lance in hand, ready to defend his tribe from unwelcome usurpers. It measures 31″h x 24″w x 14″d and is $4,100 for all orders taken before the piece is cast. After casting, the price will go up to $6,300. Only nine will be cast. Please click here to see more views.