About The Artist
"Becoming an artist was not one of the things I had in mind as I was growing up," says
wildlife sculptor Robert Ball. "In fact the possibility never entered my mind until much later in
life. Looking back however, I can see a connecting thread leading from the past to the
present. That connection being a love of wildlife and the habitat providing them sanctuary."
wildlife sculptor Robert Ball. "In fact the possibility never entered my mind until much later in
life. Looking back however, I can see a connecting thread leading from the past to the
present. That connection being a love of wildlife and the habitat providing them sanctuary."
Living in Lake Tahoe for many years and later moving to
Montana gave Robert a great opportunity to observe wildlife and
gain inspiration from the rugged and beautiful land. "My wife
Rae Ann was really the first artist in our family. She had learned
pottery as a means of financial survival in Montana during the
1970's. Her pottery business was doing so well that I became
her assistant to keep up on the orders. Even though this was
challenging work and we were very successful, there was a
natural desire to change direction and wildlife sculpture provided
an exciting opportunity."
Montana gave Robert a great opportunity to observe wildlife and
gain inspiration from the rugged and beautiful land. "My wife
Rae Ann was really the first artist in our family. She had learned
pottery as a means of financial survival in Montana during the
1970's. Her pottery business was doing so well that I became
her assistant to keep up on the orders. Even though this was
challenging work and we were very successful, there was a
natural desire to change direction and wildlife sculpture provided
an exciting opportunity."
Primarily self-taught, Robert participated in some workshops taught by renowned
sculptor Gerald Balciar. "This provided a significant boost to my level of skill, inspiration,
and commitment," he adds. Recognition came rapidly over the next few years with Best Of
Show and Best Sculpture awards from National and International events such as the C.M.
Russell Auction; National Western Art Show; Pacific Rim Wildlife Art Show; Oklahoma
Wildlife Art Festival; National Wildlife Art Show; and The Calgary Stampede Western Art
Show.
sculptor Gerald Balciar. "This provided a significant boost to my level of skill, inspiration,
and commitment," he adds. Recognition came rapidly over the next few years with Best Of
Show and Best Sculpture awards from National and International events such as the C.M.
Russell Auction; National Western Art Show; Pacific Rim Wildlife Art Show; Oklahoma
Wildlife Art Festival; National Wildlife Art Show; and The Calgary Stampede Western Art
Show.
Robert's sculpture was selected as a Public Works Monument by the Oklahoma
Wildlife Stewardship Committee, Tulsa, OK,1997; He was also Featured Sculptor at the
Clymer Museum Exhibit, Ellensburg, WA, 1999; Selected as Featured Artist at the
National Wildlife Art Show in Overland Park, KS, 2000; Featured Artist at Thunderbird
Artists, Scottsdale Fine Art Show, 2006; & Selected for Sculpture In The Streets Exhibit,
Mesa, AZ. 2007
Wildlife Stewardship Committee, Tulsa, OK,1997; He was also Featured Sculptor at the
Clymer Museum Exhibit, Ellensburg, WA, 1999; Selected as Featured Artist at the
National Wildlife Art Show in Overland Park, KS, 2000; Featured Artist at Thunderbird
Artists, Scottsdale Fine Art Show, 2006; & Selected for Sculpture In The Streets Exhibit,
Mesa, AZ. 2007
Robert enjoys creating his works in the timeless medium of bronze. His sculpture brings
forth the unique and often whimsical nature of the animal kingdom. "I believe animals are
similar to people in that each is an individual in their appearance and behavior. I try to bring
that out in my work by focusing on their body attitude and facial expression," he reveals.
forth the unique and often whimsical nature of the animal kingdom. "I believe animals are
similar to people in that each is an individual in their appearance and behavior. I try to bring
that out in my work by focusing on their body attitude and facial expression," he reveals.
Robert spends Montana summers and Arizona winters with his wife Rae Ann,
their dogs and a menagerie of bunnies. They enjoy exploring the scenic byways
and open road on their Harley's.
their dogs and a menagerie of bunnies. They enjoy exploring the scenic byways
and open road on their Harley's.
"Going-To-The-Sun" 24" Tall $3,800
"Rocky Romance" 19" Tall $2,450
"Spring Training" 26" Tall $5,800
Robert, Rae & Family
Claywork In Progress
"Outfoxed" Life-size Sold Out
"The Trickster" 18" Tall $1,750