Jill Shwaiko

“This group of sculptures comes from my study of ancient civilizations and their artwork. I was fortunate to go and visit a number of the Anasazi ruins in the Southwest. There, I studied the rock art of the area and found the big horn sheep petroglyphs to have a language of their own. I began developing these images into bronzes... During this process, I felt them speaking to me; sometimes in quite an endearing way. I tip their heads upward for pride and lower them for perseverance. The horns that go backwards represent swiftness, while the legs reflect a gracefulness. They have personalities much like we do, representing both our grandeur and frailty and humor. The delight and joy I work to express in these sculptures helps to remind us that we too can recognize and enjoy these traits found within ourselves, our mates, our family and friends. I believe we are all grand in our own ways.”