Sculpture can radiate with the charm of its fluid and graceful contours and pulsate with energy. Working with malleable lumps of clay and then transferring that form to bronze is the miracle of inanimate matter coming to life. The beauty of sculpture comes in part from its solid space-filling quality and the reality of its idol-like presence. Sculpture can radiate with the charm of its fluid and graceful contours and pulsate with energy.

The horse has inspired sculptors from every angle. The curves, lines, form, color, muscle, head and limbs are as much admired as its spirit, movement, and individual personality. Add the attractiveness of the physical qualities to the symbolism of courage, strength, steadfastness, and the inspirations have no boundaries.

Carole Baker sculpts figures, wildlife and other animals, but mostly horses. She received her Bachelors degree in art and journalism from the University of Wyoming and also taught art classes in that state. Carole's familiarity with horses started at five years old when she coaxed the neighbor's old horse over to a fence and took her first ride without bridle or saddle.

Her anatomy studies have been mixed with hands-on grooming and riding to become knowledgeable about the equine form. Her sculpting began in an art class when she was a teenager.

Her sculpture of horses are often depicted full of exuberance, playfulness and fun. An example of this is her sculpture Rainbow Mesa, which won the Best Sculpture Award at the Western Heritage Invitational earlier this year. Even the titles of her sculpture are uplifting including Jubilation, Flashdancer, and Flirtation. Baker is associated with the American Women Artists and the El Paso Art Association. She lives and sculpts in New Mexico while her mare Magic grazes nearby waiting for rides along the Rio Grand River.

Pat Roberts, an accomplished horse woman, has been in the spotlight with her husband, Monty Roberts, horse trainer and author of the New York Times best seller, The Man Who Listens to Horses. Another book by Monty Roberts, Shy Boy: The Horse That Came in from the Wild, is about a Mustang Monty gentled. Pat's sculpture of Shy Boy running at full gallop, all four feet off the ground, tail flying, is one of her most popular and one that is filled with the movement that Pat feels is essential to any sculpture.

Recently, Pat has been capturing images of the Old West in sculpture of charros, buckaroos and cowboys. One of her newer sculptures depicts a lady riding sidesaddle, which was inspired by a Edward Borein illustration in the book The Pinto Horse. Roberts collects original illustrations of Borein displayed along with her own sculpture in her home at Flag Is Up Farm in the Santa Ynez Valley of Southern California.

Pat has also been in the spotlight on the merit of her own artistic accomplishments. Her sculpture is in the collection of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and displayed at Windsor Castle where it can be viewed by visitors and in the permanent collection at the European Museum of Art in New York.

Jack Walker picked up sculpting after a career of rodeoing, cattle ranching, and horse training. He sculpts from memory without the use of reference materials and still renders the details of all the tack and gear. He sculpts almost daily at the Spiritwind Gallery in Sedona, Arizona, near his home and is delighted to relate stories about his life as a cowboy to visitors to the gallery. His work is also in the Bronzesmith Gallery in Prescott, Arizona.

The idea for Walker's recent sculpture And God Created Horse just appeared in his thoughts and Jack will not take credit for its originality. The sculpture honors the ultimate Creator as the source of his talent.

Nancy Belden began her sculpting career drawing and then painting horses in oils. As she painted she paid special attention to the certain look of a horse, and way of moving. She feels these details ­ a Paso Fino moves with his front feet winging outward, a Freisian with a high head carriage with high stepping action ­ are what makes the sculpture believable.

Belden has started sculpting historical events. She depicted a wounded Civil War Union soldier on his horse with a Confederate soldier walking next to him holding the crouper strap. Her research reading Civil War books was aided by the input of a Civil War reenactor to depict the correct weapons, tack and clothing that was in use at the time.

Belden commented, "Sculpting is a constant learning experience. There is pride in knowing you have done all you can to make it accurate."

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