"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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