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.

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Salazar, who grew up in the Eastern Agency area between Cuba and Farmington, has transformed from a young boy who chased and trained wild horses to an influential artist and community leader. “We as Native peoples know our own stories best, the ones who lived it, the storytellers,” says Salazar, whose work gives voice to generations of Native Americans. 

His artistic career emerged unexpectedly in 2016 when his wife was expecting their daughter. Within a year, Salazar made the bold decision to leave his welding career in South Dakota’s oil fields to pursue art full-time, prioritizing both his creative passion and family life. 

“There is a lot of Native art by non-Native artists,” Salazar notes. “There are not too many Native artists painting about their culture. I wanted my work to be fresh, different, and suited to up-and-coming collectors.” 

Salazar’s technique has evolved dramatically over six years of dedicated practice. He now paints portraits directly onto canvas without preliminary sketches, working in both minimalist monochromatic tones and explosive color palettes. His subjects are carefully chosen – individuals whose weathered faces could belong to the 1800s, whether they’re Dine, Ute, or Crow. Through meticulous attention to facial expressions, particularly the eyes, Salazar captures not just physical likenesses but the spirit and dignity of his subjects. 

His commitment to preserving history extends beyond his canvases. Salazar carries his supplies in a 1920s leather doctor’s bag and collects artifacts like wagon wheels from the original Camino Real, tangible connections to the past he works to preserve. 

When COVID-19 devastated reservation communities, Salazar demonstrated remarkable leadership. Rather than retreating, he transformed his old horse-training barn into a modern barndominium, employing 23 community members during construction. The project provided critical employment while creating a space where his son could experience the same connection to the land that shaped Salazar’s childhood. 

Through his Wise Program, Salazar serves as an ambassador for his community, coordinating with General Mills to deliver essential water supplies via tractor-trailers. He also organizes the collection and distribution of firewood, insulation, stoves, and other necessities for reservation residents. 

“We are the forgotten ones,” Salazar says of his reservation community. Yet through his art and activism, he ensures their stories endure. His paintings serve as visual narratives, preserving the faces and spirits of people whose memories might otherwise fade into history books and legends. 

Working closely with various tribes, Salazar gathers stories and transforms them into striking visual narratives. His artistic process combines bold abstraction with careful realism, creating works that resonate with both traditional and contemporary audiences. “I see my work as an ongoing blessing,” he reflects, “connecting me and my art with the gallery, with collectors, and with my community.” 

For those collecting contemporary Native American art, Salazar’s work represents more than just striking imagery – it embodies the authentic voice of Indigenous experience, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the power of art to create positive change. His dedication to both artistic excellence and community service marks him as a rising force in the Native American art world, one whose influence extends far beyond the gallery walls. 

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Author’s Bio: 

Shanan Campbell is passionate about art – those who make it and those who collect it. She believes everyone deserves meaningful and brilliantly curated art for their home, office, yacht, or vacation retreat. For more than two decades, she has been the driving force behind Sorrel Sky Gallery, Durango, established in 2002 to provide personalized client services, maintain a progressive business model, and develop meaningful connections between the artists it represents and the clients it serves. Shanan opened Sorrel Sky,  Santa Fe, in 2014 and Sorrel Sky, New York City, in 2024. She continues to pursue artists who have long inspired her, including them in the success and forward momentum of Sorrel Sky. 

For more information about Jeremy Salazar: https://sorrelsky.com/collections/jeremy-salazar 

All images are courtesy of Jeremy Salazar for Sorrel Sky Gallery.  

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At just 19, Sydoryk discovered his calling through an unexpected eight-hour painting session that completely absorbed him. “I completely lost myself in the process,” he recalls. “It was incredibly addicting and satiated something in me I didn’t know I needed.” This moment of artistic awakening would set the course for his future career. 

Now a recognized contemporary wildlife artist, Sydoryk’s signature style bridges the gap between technical precision and emotional expression. His work is characterized by accurate proportions that ground the viewer in reality, while aggressive, loose brushstrokes and carefully chosen color palettes convey the untamed spirit of his subjects. 

“Though I would describe it as a highly emotional or energetic style,” Sydoryk explains, “I go for realism in that my proportions are accurate, and you have an immediate idea of what you’re looking at. The rest comes from the aggressive, loose brush stroke and simple yet inviting color palette.” 

His distinctive use of white backgrounds serves both aesthetic and philosophical purposes. “Superficially, I love winter. I love the beauty of the cold,” he says. “Stepping outside to a seemingly more silent environment that allows focus to be drawn back inward.” This minimalist approach invites viewers to complete the scene with their interpretations, creating a unique dialogue between the artist, artwork, and audience. 

Sydoryk’s creative process defies conventional methods. Rather than starting with sketches or references, he often begins by selecting a canvas size that speaks to him. “I will find a size of canvas that I’m just completely drawn to,” he shares. “From there, I just stare at it until it makes sense for what type of form should be on the canvas.” 

While initially resistant to wildlife art, believing the genre was already mastered by artists like Robert Bateman, Sydoryk found his true calling when he painted his first bison in 2012. The majestic animal has since become a recurring subject in his work, embodying the power and spirit he strives to capture in every piece. 

His talent gained significant recognition in 2016 when his work was accepted into the prestigious Calgary Stampede’s Western Showcase, a pivotal moment that helped establish his presence in the fine art world. Since completing his university education in 2018, Sydoryk has dedicated himself fully to his artistic pursuit, constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new techniques while maintaining his distinctive style. 

Recently, Sydoryk has begun incorporating oil paints into his primarily acrylic-based practice, seeking to deepen the emotional connection in his pieces. “Each year, I try to tell a different story with my work,” he says. “I normally have no idea what that dialogue will be until a few pieces into the next series.” 

Uniquely positioned as both an artist and a chiropractor, Sydoryk maintains a balanced perspective on creative pursuit. “Regardless of what you do in life, if you can do things because you love to do them and not solely because it covers the bills, you’re doing it right,” he reflects. This dual career path allows him to approach his art with authenticity, free from the pressure of commercial success. 

Behind the scenes, Sydoryk’s wife plays a crucial role in his artistic journey, managing her own impressive career in barrel racing while co-owning a successful fitness studio in Cochrane, Alberta. “The reason I am able to do what I do is because of her support,” he acknowledges. 

For collectors seeking contemporary wildlife art that captures both the physical presence and spiritual essence of its subjects, Sydoryk’s work offers a fresh perspective that continues to evolve. His pieces invite viewers to experience the wild through a lens of emotional energy and technical precision, creating artwork that resonates long after the first viewing. 

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Author’s Bio: 

Shanan Campbell is passionate about art – those who make it and those who collect it. She believes everyone deserves meaningful and brilliantly curated art for their home, office, yacht, or vacation retreat. For more than two decades, she has been the driving force behind Sorrel Sky Gallery, Durango, established in 2002 to provide personalized client services, maintain a progressive business model, and develop meaningful connections between the artists it represents and the clients it serves. Shanan opened Sorrel Sky,  Santa Fe, in 2014 and Sorrel Sky, New York City, in 2024. She continues to pursue artists who have long inspired her, including them in the success and forward momentum of Sorrel Sky.

For more information about Michael Sydoryk: https://sorrelsky.com/collections/michael-sydoryk 

All Images courtesy of Michael Sydoryk for Sorrel Sky Gallery. 

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