A brief look into how I use history to develop my western sculpture.

Old Bent's Fort National Historic Site in Colorado

One of the most frequent questions I get from clients is “How do you get your inspiration?”

The answer is two-fold: I take my broad interest in the stories behind the 1840s-1920 American West expansion and then pair it with research to understand my subjects fully.

“There was a time…”

As a descendant of Norwegian immigrants that came to the American Midwest to carve a new life, I am keenly aware that there was a time in which people would risk everything to start anew west of the Mississippi–and that there were people whose lives were irrevocably changed by this influx of foreigners.

I use this phrase, “there was a time,” to guide me when I choose subjects for my works, whether they be real people or fictionalized accounts of these hardy folk.

Research, research, research. Then research some more.

First, a confession: not every one of my pieces is always 100% historically accurate. I am an artist after all, and sometimes take a little license.

But just like a musician or writer that bends the rules a bit to achieve a certain effect, I believe you must know the rules before you start bending. So, I do research first to understand what how my subjects would have lived and what they would have worn before I make modifications in the name of fine art.

A look at Recounting the Coup

Recounting the Coup Life-Size Bust

Recounting is easily one of my most popular, powerful pieces. After creating the life-size bust and a table-top version, I felt compelled to make a full-body edition to use the man’s physical demeanor to further tell the story of a Sioux warrior reminiscing on a disappearing lifestyle.

My research begins with reading. I have an extensive library of historical texts of the era, but Wikipedia does a pretty good job of providing details, too.

Then, if possible, I try to look at photos or actual artifacts, if I can get my hands on them.

For example, my good buddies at Mark Sublette’s Medicine Man Gallery in Tucson/Santa Fe provided these gems for me to review:

Sioux Quill bag, courtesy Medicine Man Gallery

Sioux Quillwork Bag
c. 1890
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Sioux Breech Cloth, courtesy Medicine Man Gallery

Sioux Breech Cloth
c. 1910
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Santee Sioux Boy's Jacket, courtesy Medicine Man Gallery

Santee Sioux Boys Jacket
c.1915
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Sioux Quill Moccasins, courtesy Medicine Man Gallery

Sioux Quill Moccasins
c. 1890
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Sioux Dance Leggings, courtesy Medicine Man Gallery

Sioux Dance Leggings Quills and Old Coins
c. 1915

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If you would like to reserve any of the Recounting the Coup versions for your collection, please contact me. You may choose from the 3/4-life-size bust, table-top-size bust, or the half life-size full figure. The latter two pieces are still in clay, so you can add them to your collection at a lower price before the piece goes to the foundry.