Items Similar to "Owl" Bronze Sculpture, Caricature, Rich Dark Brown Surface
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9
Tom Brun"Owl" Bronze Sculpture, Caricature, Rich Dark Brown Surface 1950 - 1960s
1950 - 1960s
About the Item
The bronze sculpture "Owl" is an exaggerated rendition of an owl that emphasizes the bird's most prominant characteristics - a big fluffy round body and large unblinking eyes making it a charicature of the bird. It is very touchable and calls for one to pet its rounded back. Tom Brun, the sculptor and zookeeper, is well-known for his wood, stone, marble, ceramics and ivory sculptures. One of them, a large hippopotamus, carved from walnut wood travelled the world in the State Department collection.
It is said that Tom would often go into a house and pick up one of his sculptures and say that it was unfriendly – meaning that it had not been handled enough. Morley Driver has said of Brun in a newspaper article from the 1950’s “In Any Animal He Sees Beauty”: No one who has ever seen a Tom Brun hippopotamus will ever again think of it as ugly or ungainly, meaning that the artist not only gives you beauty but teaches you to see it. Tom has said: “Small pieces are like a proverb – a gem of meaning that one can dissect.” They are meant to be picked up, caressed and held. This owl, too, seems destined to be caressed.
Brun was born in England in 1913. A few years after the end of World War I his father moved the family in 1919 to Detroit, Michigan. In 1935 at age 23, he officially became a U.S. citizen. He served in the army during World War II for five years and upon discharge and at the age of 36 took advantage of the GI Bill and applied for admission to Society of Arts and Crafts (now known as the College for Creative Studies) where he was gladly accepted.
While at Arts and Crafts his instructors and established artists such as Sarkis Sarkisian, John P. Foster, Morris Brose, Richard Koslow, Patricia Burnett, Lloyd and Renee Radell , and the famous Eliel Saarinen Architect family took to him immediately. His natural carving and fast learning abilities created the fuel for his fast growing reputation while in school.
After graduation Tom went to work at the Detroit Zoo temporarily. You might say, as a Zookeeper, he lived on a daily basis with his models learning their personalities that he later captured in sculptures. He loved the animals and from the many photos in his archives, the animals appear to have trusted and respected him. He eventually became the Great Ape exhibit keeper. Tom has said of the apes: “They were the gentlest of creatures shy and full of affection.” He began working at the zoo in 1951 for the same reason he would leave 12 years later – to pursue his art career.
Tom Brun was one of the numerous well-known and practicing artists that attended Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts founded in 1906 and now known as College for Creative Studies (formerly Center for Creative Studies.) Faculty and graduates include Richard Jerzy, Harry Bertoia, Doug Chaing (currently director of Lucas Film), Stephen Dinehart (game maker, writer, designer connected with The David Lynch Foundation), Tyree Guyton (international artist), Herb Babcock, Jerome Feretti, Kevin Siembieda (writer, designer and publisher of role-playing games), Renee Radell, Philip Pearlstein, Charles McGee (nationally recognized African American sculptor of animal and dancing spirits), Philip Pearlstein (2000 Honorary Doctorate, Modern Realism style), John Louis Krieger (American Modern), William Girard (American Modern), Charles Culver, Henry Heading, Hughie Lee-Smith, Joseph Wesner, Janet Hamrick, Lois Teicher, Barbara Dorchen, Joseph John Bernard (faculty), and Claudia Shepard (faculty).
- Creator:Tom Brun (American)
- Creation Year:1950 - 1960s
- Dimensions:Height: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Width: 11.5 in (29.21 cm)Depth: 7 in (17.78 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Detroit, MI
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU128619199812
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Seller
These experienced sellers undergo a comprehensive evaluation by our team of in-house experts.
Established in 2014
1stDibs seller since 2019
97 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 5 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Detroit, MI
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Morris Brose "Bronze Bull" Figurative Sculptural AbstractLocated in Detroit, MISALE ONE WEEK ONLY "Bronze Bull" is an exquisite example of Morris Brose's abstract/figurative sculpture. No soft edges on this piece and no invitation to caress, the power, strength and beauty of the bronze are front and center and create awe. "Bronze Bull" is a free-standing piece signed on the base. Morris Brose, Polish/American was born in Wyszkow, Poland. He became a sculptor and instructor of sculpture at the Detroit Institute of Arts, Wayne State University and Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Cranbrook was designed by architect and faculty member, Eliel Saarinen who collaborated with Charles and Ray Eames on chair and furniture design. Numerous creative artists who are alumni of Cranbrook include: Harry Bertoia, Florence Knoll, Jack Lenor Larsen, Donald Lipski...Category
Late 20th Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- "Draped Figure" Sassafras & Bronze, Figurative Sculpture, 1982Located in Detroit, MI"Draped Figure" is a beautiful example of Tazian's ability to meld the smooth texture of wood and the hard texture of bronze into an exquisite object to view, hold or caress. The piece balances perfectly on its stone base and can be easily turned to enjoy from all angles. Like architects Eliel Saarinan and Albert Kahn and sculptor Corrado Parducci, Tazian is an immigrant creative who has found a home in the city, nurtured by its energy and sheltered by its community. He developed an early ambition to become an artist, even though he had very little exposure to the arts. ““The only person [who encouraged me] was my 5th grade English teacher, Olivia Balian,” he says. “She really opened the doors of art for me. She said, ‘Those students who are interested in art can stay behind after school and I will show you how to paint and draw.’ Somehow [that] changed my life– she gave me that spark.” Tazian came to the U.S. to study at St. Francis College in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He earned a bachelor’s degree in art and a Master’s in Art Education, and then earned and MFA in sculpture from Wayne State University in Detroit. Kegham Tazian is an award-winning sculptor and painter. The Armenian-born artist has gained notoriety for the diversity of his work and the variety of media exemplified in his pieces. A blend of modernism, realism and abstraction are commonly depicted in his paintings and sculptures. His artwork has been represented in more than 40 solo exhibitions and more than 75 group exhibitions throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. His work adorns the entrances and halls of major corporations, universities and municipalities, including Siemens Corporation, Huntington Bank, Wayne State University and the city halls of Farmington and Farmington Hills...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsStone, Bronze
- Leslie Hawk Sculptural Human Figure & Horse "Person on a Horse"Located in Detroit, MI"Person on a Horse" is a concrete, glass and steel structure with horse in mid-stride looking up and forward. The person astride leans forward as in encouragement to the stead or in weariness of the journey, perhaps both. Leslie Hawk...Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsConcrete, Steel
- "New Woman" Bronze, Frontal Nude Female, Figurative SculptureBy Artis LaneLocated in Detroit, MI"New Woman" is an iconic portrait of a female woman. Her work has been described as follows: "Lane captures the body in various poses, depicting the movement and fluidity of living i...Category
1980s Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze, Metal, Steel
- "Rebirth" Bronze Sculpture with Patina, Figures, Naked, MaleBy Artis LaneLocated in Detroit, MIAll my life I have worked on three levels of consciousness: Portraits, Social Injustice & Metaphysics. In my work I strive to heal, uplift and inspire viewers and collectors to find ...Category
1990s Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- "Rosa Parks" Bronze Sculpture, Figurative, Female, PortraitBy Artis LaneLocated in Detroit, MIAll my life I have worked on three levels of consciousness: Portraits, Social Injustice & Metaphysics. In my work I strive to heal, uplift and inspire viewers and collectors to find perfection in their own being. - Artis Lane "Rosa Parks...Category
1990s Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
You May Also Like
- Show of InterestBy Brad RudeLocated in Denver, COArtist Brad Rude was born in Montana and has lived in Walla Walla, Washington most of his life. His journeys through his grandfather's folk art studio left...Category
2010s American Modern Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsEnamel, Bronze
- "Untitled" bronze sculpture of seated female figure by artist Felipe CastañedaBy Felipe CastañedaLocated in Boca Raton, FL"Untitled" bronze sculpture of a female nude by artist Felipe Castañeda. Inscribed F. Castañeda 1984 P/A on base.Category
1980s Modern Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- Profile Pitcher, Cubist Bronze VaseLocated in Long Island City, NYArtist: Unknown, possibly Russian Title: Profile Pitcher Medium: Bronze Sculpture with Patina Size: 26.5 in. x 9 in. x 5 in. (67.31 cm x 22.86 cm x 12.7 cm) Base: 2.5 x 10.5 x 10.5 i...Category
20th Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- Mexican Art Abstract Brutalist Biomorphic Bronze Sculpture Mathias GoeritzBy Mathias GoeritzLocated in Surfside, FLMathias Goeritz (German Mexican, 1915-1990) Bronze sculpture Signed and numbered Dimensions: (approximate) Height: 10 inches, Width: 4 inches, Depth: 2 inches. This is a cast bronze sculpture in an amorphous figure shape, quite heavy. Reminiscent of the biomorphic sculpture of Hans Jean Arp. This came from an estate and bears his signature It is not dated. there is no accompanying documentation. it is priced accordingly. Werner Mathias Goeritz Brunner (Danzig, Germany, April 4th, 1915/ now Gdansk, Poland – Mexico City, Mexico; August 4th, 1990). Mathias Goeritz has had several gallery and museum exhibitions, including at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and at the Museo Experimental El Eco. Numerous works by the artist have been sold at auction, including 'MENSAJE' sold at Sotheby's New York 'Latin American Modern Art' in 2015 for $466,000. There have been Several articles about Mathias Goeritz, including 'LACMA remaps Latin America' written by Suzanne Muchnic for the Los Angeles Times. Painter, sculptor and Mexican architect associated with the trend of constructive abstraction. He studied medicine at the University of Berlin, but this only lasted a year. The concerns of the young student were aesthetic in nature so he he studied figurative drawing at the Berlin Charlottenburg School of Art. Some of his friends and colleagues were the sculptor Ernst Barlach, painter George Grosz and draughtsman Kaethe Kollwitz. Goeritz studied philosophy and history of art, discipline in which earned a doctorate. He travelled in France, Switzerland, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Austria and Italy, among other countries. It is known that he left Germany to live in Tetuan, Morocco in 1941 and then Granada, Spain in 1945. In 1946 he had a large exhibition in the Sala Clan in Madrid under the pseudonym "Mago". Two years later, living in Santilla del Mar, Spain he was a founder of the Escuela de Altamira. The following year he married Marianne Gast, writer and his companion for more than fifteen years. In Spain followed his artistic work by important artists of the avant-garde. Of Jewish descent, he found refuge from the Second World War in Mexico where in 1949 he was invited by Ignacio Diaz Morales to be a part of the faculty of the School of Architecture at the Universidad de Jalisco. In 1953 he wrote the "Manifiesto de la Arquitectura Emocional" (The Emotional Architecture Manifesto), where he points out that only achieving true emotions from architecture can it then be considered an art form. In Mexico he entered controversy with the artistic stablishment of that country; in an open letter, Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros described him as "an impostor without the most insignificant talent and preparation" to be an artist. Despite this, in 1957 he was elected director of visual design of the National School of architecture This same year he founded the Museo del Eco in Mexico City. In 1961 Goeritz participated at the Galería Antonio Souza in a group exhibition, Los hartos, for which he published another manifesto. Other participants included Jose Luis Cuevas and Pedro Friedeberg, with whom he was instrumental in establishing abstraction and other modern trends in Mexico.His work is included in the Gelman Collection of modern and contemporary Mexican art based in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Established by Jacques and Natasha Gelman in 1943 as a private collection. it includes many iconic works by major Mexican Modernists including Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Leonora Carrington, Rufino Tamayo and Francisco Toledo, Lola Alvarez...Category
20th Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- "Zeke & Zach 11/18" Abstract Figurative Bronze sculpture of a man and horseBy Wayne SalgeLocated in Edgartown, MAThe historic tradition of cast bronze provides a contemporary avenue for the creation of Wayne Salge’s abstracted human and animal figures. Thoroughly modern and distinctly impressio...Category
2010s Modern Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- After Alberto Giacometti, Man Standing Up, Bronze FigureBy Alberto GiacomettiLocated in Pasadena, CAModern bronze with gold patina figural sculpture, in the style of Alberto Giacometti (Swiss, 1901-1966), not signed, depicting abstract nude male a figures, in a parcel gilt finish, ...Category
1950s Modern Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Mid Modern Dark Art
Dark Brown Walnut
Modern Sculpture Round
Modern Sculpture Large Bronze
Bronze Sculpture 1950
Gem Sculpture
1960s Modern Figurative Sculpture
Bronze 1960s Sculpture
Large Round Large Sculpture
Round Large Sculpture
Charles Bronze Sculpture
Large Stone Sculpture Modern
The Thinker Bronze
Small Bird Sculptures
Mid Century Modern Figurative Bronze Sculpture
Mid Century African Sculpture
Sculpture Of Owls
Vintage African Bronze