Gerald Balciar (American, b. 1942), Otter (Pasquinel)

1986, patinated bronze, edition number 9/20, signed and dated "G. BALCIAR / © 1986" to the rockwork, mounted atop an oval walnut base, underside retaining gallery label.

17 3/4 x 11 x 8.5 in.

Private Collection, Edenton, North Carolina

Trailside Galleries, Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Scottsdale, Arizona

Residing with his wife, Bonnie, in Colorado, sculptor Gerald Balciar is well known for his bronze and carved stone sculptures of wildlife. Balciar 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.

His largest sculpture to date is a 20 ft. 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 ft., 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 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 received the prestigious Prix de West award in 1985 from the National Academy of Western Art at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City for his marble, River Companions.

Good estate condition.