“Echoes of the Past”

“Nicknamed The Northwest Bear, Echoes of the Past depicts the influence of Gene’s ten years in Oregon. The carved mask on the bear’s face is reminiscent of some of the aboriginal masks in the Pacific Northwest. Carved on the bear’s chest is a Winged Bear surrounded by dancers in high polish. Sgraffito drawings of a herd of elk cover the bear’s torso and legs on the front of the sculpture. On the back in high polish is a fish with a mask in a Pacific Northwest style.

Down the bear’s back and legs are hunters with bows and arrows creeping toward the herd of elk that is on the front side of the sculpture.

The sculpture is a family favorite. In fact, Gene had a wax pulled and set aside so that the cremated ashes of his parents can be mingled and placed into the bronze as a memorial to their love of Oregon.”

– Rebecca Tobey – Excerpt from “Partners in Art”