from the artist studio: A CONVERSATION WITH Bryce Pettit
It
doesn’t take long into a conversation with sculpture artist Bryce Pettit to know he is passionate about nature and wildlife. His passion and reverence for the natural world are also captured in his powerful works of art. His impressionistic representation brings to life everything from birds to bears and shows their power, strength and beauty. His works of art range in size from the smallest of creatures to larger- than-life-sized mammals and birds and can be found in collections and public installations across the US and beyond. Bryce grew up surrounded by nature. His deep love for the world around him and his desire to create art has always been closely linked. When he entered college, he studied biology and the natural sciences followed by graduate studies in ecology. Eventually, his passion for art became undeniable and he focused full-time on an art career. “I find the inspiration for my work in the natural world, but my sculptures are not just models of animal subjects. Each piece has an underlying story and is imbued with feeling and emotion. My work is meant to teach and inspire, both about the animals and about ourselves. The amazing diversity of fur and feathers, limbs, bodies, beaks, hoofs, and claws gives me endless elements with which to create. Through its great variety, I feel like I can use the animal form to convey any message.” ----------------------------- Humans have long been fascinated with animals. In fact, this fascination has been depicted throughout history––seen in Ancient cave art to modern-day sculptures and paintings. Research suggests that animals offer humans a direct connection to nature, which could explain the attraction and interest. Over time, humans began to discover similarities between themselves and animals. This deepened the curiosity and also led to attributing human traits,
characteristics and emotions to animals, further solidifying the connection. As a result, animals have served as a powerful storytelling medium throughout human history. “I can tell any story using animals as the medium,” said Bryce. “The amazing diversity of animals in the world gives me an endless palette with which I can explore artistic compositions and express any idea.” Though Bryce has been sculpting for more than two decades, he found his stride when he began creating bronze sculptures of various wildlife to convey stories or emotions. In fact, he often will start with an idea he wants to share then look for an animal that will best represent that concept. “Sometimes the animal is chosen for its popular iconic representation,” Bryce said. “For example, an eagle often
evokes thoughts of patriotism. I can build on that built-in feeling of majesty to express a feeling of power or strength. In contrast, I can use the softer shapes of a fox to tell a quiet story or the whimsical appearance of a jackrabbit to express fun.” Bryce also pairs certain animals based on their symbolic representation to tell a larger story. For instance, in his sculpture “Thinking Like a Mountain,” he grouped a moose with an eagle, bear and fish to convey the full mountain ecosystem, and the need to care for the whole. “The title comes from a concept introduced by writer and conservationist Aldo Leopold in which he discusses the importance of not focusing on single aspects of the environment but valuing all the components in order to maintain a healthy whole,” Bryce said.
“I find the inspiration for my work in the natural world, but my sculptures are not just models of animal subjects. Each piece has an underlying story and is imbued with feeling and emotion.
Watch Bryce's interview here.
Issue 2 | Fall 2022
Page 12
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