“Star has the striking ability to transform the connectivity between horse and rider into tangible narratives in her sculptures." - Shanan Campbell Wells
We know it's only May, but how can we not tell you about this show as soon as possible? Renowned sculptor, Star Liana York will be showing several new and re-released works during her one-woman show, “Cowboys and Cowgirls,” at Sorrel Sky Gallery. Come meet Star during the opening reception from 5:00-7:30 pm on August 3, 2018, at the gallery’s downtown location, 125 W Palace Ave, Santa Fe, New Mexico. If you can't join us for opening night, visit us anytime in August, as the show will continue throughout the month.
A show dedicated to Cowboys and Cowgirls and their close relationship with both the land and the animals they spend their days with.
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"Cowgirls" by Star Liana York[/caption]
Star Liana York has lived and worked in the Southwest since 1985, creating a body of work that reveals her heartfelt interest and connection to the people, animals, environment, culture, and history of the region. An avid horsewoman, Star rides daily on her ranch near Abiquiu, New Mexico, often working her horses and dogs with her small herd of cattle. She also enjoys helping friends with cattle roundups on their ranches in New Mexico and Texas. These experiences over the last few years have reawakened for her, the distinct satisfaction that comes from accomplishing a task together with her horses, not merely riding or exercising them. “The animals feel so proud of themselves as they sense that their owner is proud of them.” This close relationship with both the land and the animals can be difficult to describe with words. For Star it's an opportunity to express that bond through imagery, with her sculptures; thus a show dedicated to Cowboys and Cowgirls.
"There's a maturity in my work ... a fresher more immediate feeling.” - Star Liana York
With a series based on the women from Wild West shows at the turn of the century, Star pays homage to the spirit and strength of these early cowgirls. “Prairie Rose,” “Sugar and Spice” and “Bronco Bell” all bring that spirit to life. “Chapel of Trees” acknowledges the beauty of worshipping while surrounded by nature. Depicting a cowboy pausing from his workday, he has unsaddled his horse, laid down his tools and is quietly reading a pocket Bible. The inner joy that comes from returning home after a long journey, or a hard day of work, is reflected in the faces of both the cowboy and his horse in the new piece, “Home at Last.” While developing new works and re-releasing older pieces, Star sees a maturity in her approach. “I’m not sure I can define it, but there's a maturity in my work. Not so much in my technique, but perhaps in the sensibility or refinement of those techniques. There's a fresher more immediate feeling.”
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Pre-cast of "Home at Last!" by Star Liana York[/caption]
Shanan Campbell Wells, owner of Sorrel Sky Gallery eagerly anticipates Star’s show each year. “Star has the striking ability to transform the connectivity between horse and rider into tangible narratives in her sculptures. There's a whisper of the past and a suggestion of tomorrow, a nod to times past and a welcoming of times to come.”
- "Dawn of the Horse" by Star Liana York