b.1942
Born in northern Wisconsin on August 28, 1942, Gerald Balciar had an early interest in art beginning in grade school. 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. He also uses live models as an invaluable aid in his sculptures and receives excellent cooperation from zoologists and wildlife organizations.
Balciar is involved in the creative process of bronze making from the 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 an 18′ bronze elk in 1982, he devised a point up system that revolutionized the traditional enlargement process. His largest sculpture to date is a 20′ bronze moose, “Centennial,” which was installed at Mooseheart, Illinois, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Loyal Order of Moose in 1988. His largest marble carving is an 18′, 16,000 lb. cougar, “Canyon Princess,” which was installed at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City in June, 1995.
He is a fellow of the National Sculpture Society and a member of the Society of Animal Artists, Allied Artists of America, and Northwest Rendezvous Group. He has won several awards including nine from the National Sculpture Society, and he is listed in the Who’s Who in American Art, Who’s Who in the West, and the Directory of American Sculptors. He has taught at the Scottsdale Artists School, Art Students League of Denver, and Loveland Academy of Fine Arts.
Balciar’s most prestigious award is the Prix de West received in 1985 from the National Academy of Western Art at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City for his marble.
Gerald Balciar Sculpture, Bronze 9 X 9 X 5 (Interest categories: Bronze, Bear, Alaska, Sculpture, Sculptures and Accent Pieces, Fine Art, Art Gallery, Gerald Balciar Artist)
1. Clay – Chavant Le Beau Touche. Get the regular clay, not HM (high melt).
2. Clay warming devices, a metal bucket with a clamp on heat lamp or 100 W bulb works great.
3. Tie wire.
4. Aluminum foil.
5. Scissors.
6. Favorite sculpture tools.
7. Plank of wood (pine) approximately 8″ x 8″ x 2″.
Bring as many planks as you wish…the wood is used as the base for your sculpture.
8. Plumber’s pipe, 1/2″ threaded: Bring several different lengths…up to 10″…not PVC pipe.
Plumber’s pipe T joint.
Plumber’s pipe couplers.
Plumber’s pipe flange.
9. Screws and screwdriver to secure the flange to wood…this may be done before you arrive. (Place flange in the center of plank)
10. Wire cutters
11. Needle nose pliers
12. Rubber mallet.
13. Spatula
14. Measuring devices such as rulers, measuring tape, dividers, and calipers.
15. Because we concentrate on BIRDS IN FLIGHT, live models in the classroom are more distracting than useful. I will demonstrate the technique of constructing a cantilevered bird armature that can be used for many different bird species and will show you how to assemble shapes to capture the “gist” of the specific bird.
16. Bird field guides such as Peterson, Stokes, Golden, or Sibley. Sibley’s Guide to Birds (not Sibley’s Guide to Bird Life and Behavior) is best if bringing only one field guide. This popular book can usually be purchased at any bookstore.
17. Bring your laptop to the class if possible.
18. Bring your sketchbook.
1 Lake Circle Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906
broadmoorgalleries.com
