Savvy Collector » Gerald Balciar

About the Artist

"Gerald Balciar had an early interest in art, beginning in grade school. His fascination with animals dates to his childhood, growing up in rural Wisconsin amidst the dairy farms and north woods. Both art and animals have always been a part of Balciar's life.

His art is noted for its readily identifiable artistic style, which is grounded in an in-depth knowledge of animals. For reference, he works from his extensive library of wildlife material, which includes photos, magazine clippings, books and numerous study casts and measurements. Balciar also uses live models as an invaluable aid in his sculptures and receives excellent cooperation from zoologists and wildlife organizations.

A consummate artist, Balciar is involved in the creative process of sculpture from beginning to end. He works his original sculpture in wax or clay and then personally makes his own molds and chases his own waxes. Once the bronze is cast at the foundry, he does the welding and metal chasing and then applies the patina and finishing touches to each bronze.

While doing a 14 foot bronze elk in 1982, Balciar devised a point up system that revolutionized the traditional enlargement process. His largest bronze sculpture to date is a 16 foot bronze moose, Centennial, which was installed in Mooseheart, Illinois, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Loyal Order of Moose. In contrast, his largest marble carving, created from a single piece of gleaming white marble, is a 16,000-pound cougar, Canyon Princess, installed at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in June 1995.

Balciar is a Fellow of the National Sculpture Society, and holds memberships in the National Academy of Western Art, the Society of Animal Artists, the Allied Artists of America and the Northwest Rendezvous Group." taken from AskArt.com, but submitted by Whistle Pik Galleries

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Artwork by Gerald Balciar

About the Artist