Show Preview | Star Liana York

Durango & Santa Fe
Sorrel Sky Gallery, July 2-31

Star Liana York, Bon Appetit, bronze, 11 x 9 x 13.

Star Liana York, Bon Appetit, bronze, 11 x 9 x 13.

This story was featured in the July 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art July 2015 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

This month, Sorrel Sky Gallery fills both its Durango and Santa Fe spaces with the nature-inspired, contemplative bronzes of Star Liana York. Titled Art in Outdoor Spaces, the show features sculptures designed to be displayed outside as well as to evoke tranquility and comfort throughout their surroundings. “I wanted to show artwork in intimate outdoor settings,” says York, whose “quiet pieces” invite viewers to be at ease as they soak up the calm energy of each figure’s presence.

York’s solo show opens in Durango on Thursday, July 2, with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. and then in Santa Fe on Friday, July 3, with a reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Each location offers two dozen bronzes, ranging in size from miniature to monumental, in addition to several of York’s jewelry designs in silver and bronze. Subjects include figures and such wildlife as ravens, raccoons, bobcats, and mountain lions, sculpted to reflect each animal’s individual demeanor and presence. York eschews any notion of wild animals as ferocious and intimidating, instead harnessing the creatures’ grace, dignity, and character. Her figures serve as bridges to the natural world, unifying physical and mental internal and external spaces.

Gallery owner Shanan Campbell Wells, who has represented York’s work for 13 years, says, “Sorrel Sky is honored to represent the beautiful and timeless art of Star York. Art in Outdoor Spaces showcases a portion of her considerable life’s work that has added beauty to the world in a language that is universal and lasting. Whether the work inhabits a public space, garden, or private home, these sculptures have been chosen specifically by the artist to show work that uniquely inhabits outdoor spaces.”

Star Liana York, Fox Den, bronze, 15 x 23 x 10.5.

Star Liana York, Fox Den, bronze, 15 x 23 x 10.5.

Limited editions of York’s new works are available in both galleries, while each location also offers several one-of-a-kind pieces. New wildlife sculptures include a family of Key deer, a life-size cougar, and a group of mares—larger versions of her renowned “rock art” horses inspired by cave paintings in Lascaux and across Europe. Also new is York’s interpretation of the southwestern Native American fertility deity Kokopelli. This thoughtful, naturalistic bronze figure sits on a rock formation with his telltale feather and flute, accompanied by lush squash blossoms.

In more than four decades as a professional sculptor, York has established herself as an artist who can fuse her passion and her materials to define the personality of each piece she creates. “The presence and character of sculpture is much more tangible because it’s three-dimensional,” says the artist, who chose her medium because of the energy and emotion she can convey. More concerned with capturing her subjects’ true essence than with reproducing anatomical accuracy, she believes artistic interpretation is the most important aspect of her work.

“Whether portraying a family of coyotes or the gentle embrace of a grandmother, Star is sympathetic and deeply understanding of her subjects,” Wells says. “Her sculpture displays great knowledge and expresses a love of nature and the human condition with skill and insight.” —Elizabeth L. Delaney

contact information
Durango: 970.247.3555
Santa Fe: 505.501.6555

www.sorrelsky.com

Featured in the July 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art July 2015 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!

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