The beaver is one of my favorite animals, it is very industrious and creative. It is also an iconic and important part of the West’s history.
I spent much of my childhood observing this incredible critter as well maneuvering around on their well constructed dams and ponds chasing fish! I have wanted to sculpt a beaver swimming for a long time but it took a few years to figure out how to suspend him free floating.
After I added the branch to the design, the piece came together. Basing the sculpture on the warm earthy sandstone and using bright tapering color to the branch completed the concept and story of Beaver Retriever.