In wildlife sculpture, Tim Cherry stands apart through his remarkable ability to distill the essence of animals into flowing, elegant forms. His distinctive approach transforms bronze into sculptures that capture the presence or tangible form of wildlife and reveal the vitality or intangible spirit they represent.
Growing up in the rugged Canadian Rockies in southeastern British Columbia, Cherry developed an intimate connection with wildlife that would shape his artistic journey. Escaping into the wilds was then and still is a spiritual experience,” he reflects. This deep reverence for nature infuses every piece he creates, resulting in works that pulse with life and celebrate the innate beauty of his subjects.
Cherry’s artistic evolution took a decisive turn in 1988 when he met noted sculptor Dan Ostermiller in Canada. An invitation to Ostermiller’s Loveland, Colorado studio led Cherry to work alongside both Ostermiller and Fritz White, where he honed his sculptural process and stone carving techniques. It was through carving alabaster that Cherry began discovering the simplified shapes and graceful lines that would become his signature style.
“My sculptural approach involves the use of simplified shapes and lines to produce curvilinear forms,” Cherry explains. “Capturing the grace and elegance of my subjects is a primary goal.” This philosophy manifests in bronze sculptures that seem to defy their medium, appearing light and fluid despite their solid form. Each piece features highly polished surfaces that shimmer with reflective light, making them irresistibly tactile and drawing both the eye and hand of viewers.
personality, movement, and behavior through refined, essential forms. His sculptures strike a delicate balance between realism and abstraction, conveying the vital characteristics of each creature while maintaining a sense of whimsy and joy. The results are pieces that feel both timeless and contemporary, speaking to viewers across generations.
“When you look at Tim’s sculptures, you see more than just a representation of wildlife – you see the essence of these creatures captured in bronze,” says Shanan Campbell, owner of Sorrel Sky Gallery. “His work reflects a deep understanding that comes only from countless hours observing animals in their natural habitat. Each piece tells a story of grace, movement, and the pure joy of wild creatures in their element. It’s this authentic connection to nature that makes his work so compelling and timeless.”
Cherry’s mastery has earned him membership in prestigious organizations including the National Sculpture Society, the National Sculptor’s Guild, and the Society of Animal Artists. His work resides nationally and internationally in select galleries and private collections, and he has been featured in leading magazines like Southwest Art, Wildlife Art, and Art of the West.
Through his masterful manipulation of bronze, Tim Cherry continues to create sculptures that celebrate the inherent beauty and dignity of wildlife. Each piece serves as a testament to the enduring connection between artist and subject, inviting viewers to experience the same sense of wonder and spiritual connection that Cherry finds in the natural world.
