The celebrated, award-winning work of bronze sculpture artist Dave McGary has made him a living legend and a dominant figure among contemporary artists of the American West. McGary's mission to capture the spirit, beauty and importance of Native Americans goes beyond his art.
"One of the best attributes and gifts I have is knowing I have the greatest people around me and a great staff, as well as be aligned with great galleries like Kneeland," McGary said. "I am somewhat of a conductor, but it's an easy job if you have wonderful people to work with."
McGary has been busy adding to his Upper Missouri Series with "The War Chief's Treasure." It will be the sixth piece in a series he has been working on for the last fifteen years.
"I have so many Native American friends, and they are so supportive of me," McGary said. "They Sioux have adopted me and I will hear stories all the time such as great uncles at war."
McGary is a master of realism, which is the most defining aspect of his work. His attention to detail not only depicts reality, but it also represents history, emotion and heritage. In his masterwork, "The War Chief's Treasure," he celebrated the historical war chief Buffalo Bull Back Fat.
The bronze sculpture reveals the war chief proudly dressed in his war shirt, which is adorned with porcupine quill and trade beads. The sculpture also features 165 scalp locks attached to the seams of his shirt. Other interesting historical details are the war robe, which exhibits the chiefs tribal enemies, his gun stock wad club and personal bag made out of river otter. Standing next to the chief is young wife Crystal Stone. As part of the Upper Missouri Series, it is the first piece in the series where McGary includes a woman of the tribe.
"I hope people come to the show and experience my work through my eyes, as I portray it true and historically correct," McGary said. "I work directly through the descendents of the people I sculpt."
Although McGary's foundry and finishing facility in the southern mountains of New Mexico are his mainstay, he has found a love for the Wood River Valley, making it another home away from home.
Join McGary at the Kneeland Gallery for Gallery Walk on Saturday, July 5, from 6-9 p.m.
"The War Chief’s Treasure" by Dave McGary. Bronze with patina and paint at the Kneeland Gallery.
