 Born in northern Wisconsin on August 28, 1942, Gerald Balciar
had an early interest in art beginning back 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 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, River Companions.
Balciar resides with his wife, Bonnie, in Colorado.
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