Bronze wildlife art: grizzly bear ~ Trouble's a Bruin

"Trouble's a Bruin"

Edition of 36

The idea for this piece came from a life threatening experience I encountered in the early 70šs during a late September caribou hunt. I found myself in a predicament. In regard to bears, I hadnšt learned the full meaning of respect until I had a fully mature grizzly standing a stone throwšs distance from me, intensely swaying itšs head from side to side, loudly woofing, and violently popping itšs teeth ..... all signs of a forth coming charge. I was in the hot seat. That bear wanted me out of itšs territory! The provoked grizzly, standing fully erect on itšs hind legs, suddenly thrust itšs powerful forearms forward, dropped down to all fours, and, in a heart beat, charged so close I had only time for one shot from the hip. Fortunately for me, the bullet split the skull (inches from a complete miss) sending the attacking bear tumbling head over heals, spraying blueberry poop high into the air causing me to duck sideways or be splattered. My entire body shook & trembled involuntarily for sometime after the incident. I have a much deeper respect for these critters since that time. To this day, that intense encounter remains vivid in my mind.This bronze depicts that moment of confrontation. The grizzlyšs decision to rid itšs territory of intruders displays the forearms high and the body leaning forward, about to drop down on all fours for the full charge. This lends the title, "Troublešs a Bruin." I decided to incorporate a real set of grizzly claws into the base. I felt this would help convey the strength, power, and the ultimate respect these awesome creatures deserve. Most people living in bear country have, at least, one story to tell about these incredible animals. I feel "Troublešs a Bruin" will remind us of those stories. "Troublešs a Bruin" is now available in a limited edition of 36, size 14" tall, 7" wide, 6" deep. The walnut base supporting the piece is shaped similar to a bear track with carved in toe pads.