This sculpture is of a rancher who has come across a maverick cow (one that has not been branded) while out riding the range. He has his saddle branding iron, that had been tied to his horse’s saddle, and is trying to start a fire to brand the cow he has just roped and tied. The raindrop brimming from his hat, his slicker billowing around him as he tries to shelter the struggling flame, imply that the weather is blustery with drizzling rain…..not very conducive to getting his job done.

Evident in “Branding Fire” is Star’s affinity for the quiet, contemplative moments that are as much a part of life in the West as the more action packed dramatic incidents that occur. Her attention to accurate detail brings an authenticity to her work: like the saddle iron, which must be small, light and transportable on horseback over many miles of rough riding, as well as the feeling communicated by subtle gesture and facial expression that is particular to the moment, and at the same time universal.

“Though not by vocation, my father was a very talented woodworker, and spent much of his free time working on wood projects in our home basement. He would let me join him there as a young child, giving me a pine board on which to draw, then let me cut out the image using the jigsaw. Then I could file down the edges, shaping the figures into sculpture, and paint them. He had such patience and tenacity with whatever job he took on, not daunted by difficulties that might arise. This was, I believe, as influential as learning to use my hands to make objects……to not be discouraged by challenges, but to take them on with determination and alacrity.

“As I started this idea for a sculpture of a cowboy in this type of situation, I realized after working some time on it, that what drew me to the concept was the subconscious desire to portray this attribute. I wished to convey the satisfaction of getting a job done despite adverse conditions, finding reward and peace of mind from his chosen work, no matter the difficulties. He was the perfect role model for it, which all came clear to me after the face emerged……..I had sculpted my father’s face.”

~ Star York

“The highest reward for a man’s toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it”

~John Ruskin

“Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing”

~Theodore Roosevelt