When I was in Big Sky Montana several years ago with a
group of women, I was invited by one of the guests (who happens to be a
respected art patron) to tour Deborah Butterfield’s studio and horse facility
in Bozeman, Montana. At the time, Deborah really didn't make a practice of
inviting people to her riding arena and studio, however, because of my hostess, we
received a full tour. The time with Deborah and her husband John Buck was
very memorable but I wish I knew then, what I know now, so I could have soaked
in even more! It is Deborah’s art form to honor the beauty of the
equine form by way of found objects. Her work starts with twigs,
branches, metal and stone, sometimes together, sometimes not. After
the life size transformation unfolds revealing various graceful positions that
only a horse can achieve and by Deborah’s sensuous eye, it then takes on
another life. Ms. Butterfield has each twig and branch disassembled, to
be then sent to a foundry to have it morphed to bronze. It is outstanding
work and so impressive yet natural to see.
If you have a chance to see any installation of hers, which
appear across the country, I encourage you to make the time to see Deborah’s
work first hand. My husband and I visited the Greg Kucera Gallery in
Seattle Washington and we both had a hard time leaving. It is a
moving experience to see this work in its many forms and shapes. I am
thankful I was able to meet her and see how she works and experience from her
perspective, what horses mean to her and how they have impacted her life.
I think you will agree, her talent is beyond description!
Debra Butterfield video "Dialog with an Artist" produced by
A Bar K Productions for the Denver Art Museum
A Bar K Productions for the Denver Art Museum
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