"The art that Gene and Rebecca Tobey create is a study in contrasts. The animal forms have the feeling of ancient art
from humanity's beginnings - rock art and fetishes - yet their surfaces have the look of bold contemporary design. Their pieces have a
sculptural solidity about them, yet also possess a mystical quality. Finally they are seamless creations that are the work of a collaboration.
The work is first of all a sculptural statement about the dominant personality of the animal - and then more magic occurs. The surfaces
become "canvases" for creating a different kind of art. "We draw, carve, scratch, and paint on the surfaces," comments
Rebecca. "The piece takes on a second personality, if you will.'"
-Focus/Santa Fe/June/July 1999 ~ By Charlotte Berney
"A lot of different cultures have affected us," notes Gene. "I've always loved linear patterns," he professes,
"and you can see linear patterns on everything I have done throughout my career." The couple admires aboriginal
art, tribal art from South America and Africa and the sophisticated simplicity of petroglyphs and pictographs. "A lot of our imagery has to do with the west and it's wilderness and freedom,"
says Rebecca. "We find that, as we are, many people are fascinated by the west and what it represents - a different way of life."
The Big Horn Gallery is proud to offer these exquisite bronzes by Gene and Rebecca. Please take a few moments to enjoy their work, enlargements
are available by clicking each image.
Click here to view Gene's complete obituary.
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