"Committed" maquette by Denny Haskew
Cast Bronze on Travertine and Walnut Base
Signed and Numbered AP/25* 38"h 15"w 10"d
*This limited edition is sold out, the available piece is the artist's proof and from the artist's collection. It is in excellent condition as it has only been in the artist's possession.
Shipping price includes the custom packing necessary for safe transport of fine art.
"The artist developed a love for all things natural as well as a religious respect for all beings on earth from his relationship with his father and Potawatomi grandmother. Committed started as a traditional crucifix without Native American context. The crucifixion pose emphasized the importance to follow a spiritual path and be committed to it. We are all free to choose and once committed to a path with our Creator we begin to see inner truth.
"I give to you all that I am.
My faith in Spirit is unchanging.
Eyes closed I can only see love." -DH
Literally, the bronze is a depiction of a member of the Dog Soldier Society, sometimes called a "Sash Wearer." This man was known among his tribal members as a fierce warrior and courageous leader. When confronted by an enemy, the Dog Soldier would stake the end of the sash to the ground with his spear, thus telling the enemy he must fight to the death at this spot or leave. Other times the Dog Soldier may stake himself out as his tribal members advanced into battle so as to say "I am here, if you retreat past me, you will sacrifice me for I will fight to the death at this spot." His double eagle-tail bonnet blows out behind him creating a circle, the circle of life for all living beings."
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Denny Haskew currently resides in Loveland, Colorado where he is actively engaged in the art industry as a sculptor. He received his degree from the University of Utah, then served two years in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Having spent numerous years as a guide and ski instructor, Denny has learned to love the rivers and mountains of the western states of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Utah. After moving to Loveland, a hub of successful working sculptors, he wasted no time in getting monumental sculpture experience through working with renowned sculptors including Fritz White and Kent Ullberg N.A. Since 1987, Denny has created and placed dozens of monumental compositions; spanning the full spectrum of the figurative genre.
As a member of the Potawatomi Citizen Nation, it is only natural for his artwork to follow the Native American culture. His art has not been limited to Native American and southwestern subjects, however, as he frequently explores abstract forms placing emphasis on the qualities of the metal and stone used. As a Charter member of the National Sculptors' Guild and being close to other sculptors and the Loveland area
foundries has helped him to master all the foundry processes involved in producing a desirable and lasting monumental bronze sculpture.
Over 50 major public placements include the Smithsonian Institution, DC.; the Gilcrease Museum, OK; Cerritos, CA; Little Rock, AR; the Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Sioux collection, MN, and the Barona Band of Mission Indians, CA.
His outlook on life and sculpture largely stems from his Irish/Potawatomi heritage. He states "that the strength of his work ascends from the spirit of the people he portrays - Native Americans, Mayans, friends, children, people of the Great Plains and West. This same spirit connects each of us with the harmony of nature and one's relationship to another." Concern with composition and fascination with the human form lead him to portray bodies in unusual, sometimes nearly contorted positions. Dramatically individualistic facial features combine with carefully composed body positions to reveal souls filled with emotion, scarred and given character by the circumstances of living, but never beaten by life.
Haskew’s artwork conveys his innermost being. It is intensely personal and honest. His themes are recurring: Spirit, Love, Forgiveness, Healing, Relationship, Endurance, the Sacredness of the Human Spirit, and the Strength in each of us, the Power of all that is Natural