Still Point – Maquette by Richard Becker, FNSS

Still Point – Maquette began as a small figure caught in a moment of inward attention. The gesture is reflective and familiar: hands to chest, head lowered, body balanced between stillness and decision. Cast in stainless steel, the work is intended as a maquette for a larger sculpture whose presence offers a quiet, contemplative pause.

 

Carrying the Mystery by Ernest Caballero, FNSS

The soul’s journey has been the consistent inspiration for the work of Ernest Caballero. He describes his work as “…a window or gateway into the world of dream, myth and archetype.” Each of his works invites contemplation of the very human themes that weave through all great spiritual and philosophical thought. We in in Ernest’swork the blending of a classical, figurative technique with this mystical world view…a blending which allows him to give visible form to an inner reality of the soul, where feelings and images exist prior to words or even thought. This is the realm of Sacred.

 

More by Steven Carpenter, FNSS

I’ve tried to sum up in this sculpture that all the dysfunction and discontent in our world can be traced to one thought. The ancient Greeks gave it a name and called it Pleonexia, the word literally means “wanting to have more.” Even Plato recognized that insatiable greed was a disease of the soul. He stated that a person with these unquenchable desires is a poor judge of what is good and noble, because he would always treat his desires as more valuable even than the truth. We don’t have to search too hard in history or our present day to find examples of this obsession and how it plays out in our humanity.

 

Quiet Moments by Mick Doellinger, FNSS

Jack Rabbits are often thought of as “just another rabbit”, but when you get a chance to really observe a hare during quiet moments, their differences are significant. Particularly in their summer coat, a Jack Rabbit’s athletic physique, long lean legs and exaggerated ears are unmistakable – giving them a more elegant appearance in comparison to the roughed look of rabbits.

 

Golden Fleece (Golden Takin) by Jacquelyn Giuffré, FNSS

The Golden Takin is a threatened species of the Qin Mountains in China. Legend has it that the Golden Takin is associated with Jason and the Argonauts and the search for the Golden Fleece.

 

Honey by Edward Hlavka, FNSS

This work seeks to capture fleeting moments of tenderness and storytelling, inviting viewers to engage with the piece as they would with a beloved song. Each curve and contour of the sculpture tells a story, a vignette of existence that encourages you to explore this intimate moment, to see not just the sculpture but the story it tells – the celebration of life, love, and the beauty of being truly seen.

 

Outcast by Adam Matano, FNSS

Inspired by P-22’s extraordinary life in the heart of Los Angeles, I chose to portray him in a quiet moment of contemplation rather than action. This approach invites viewers to connect with him as an individual, not simply as a symbol. Through subtle expressions and careful attention to form, I sought to capture both his strength and vulnerability. I hope the sculpture encourages reflection on our relationship with the natural world and the importance of designing communities where wildlife and people can coexist.

 

Barn Owl by George McMonigle, FNSS

Early in my career, I volunteered with the live animal rescue center at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, frequently rehabilitating wild birds in my studio. This sculpture is inspired by a non-releasable barn owl with an amputated wing that I cared for over several months, bringing him to schools to educate the public about local wildlife.

This sculpture captures a striking defensive behavior known as “toe-dusting” where the owl lowers its head to its feet, sways back and forth, clicks its beak, and flares its wings. As barn owls continue to lose vital habitat to development, this piece is meant to showcase both their remarkable beauty and their precarious modern reality.

 

Kneeling Study by Steff Rocknak, FNSS

In this piece, I was interested in how a kneeling figure can shift between vulnerability, endurance, and refusal through subtle changes in torso and head. In the studio, I work through repeated adjustments of balance, silhouette, and negative space, letting each small change alter the emotional register of the form. The process is slow and iterative, moving between looking and revising, until the body settles into a state that feels both grounded and slightly unsettled, where physical stability and psychological tension remain in productive balance.

 

Cliff Hanger by Ken Rowe, FNSS

With Cliff Hanger, I wanted to capture the strength, balance, and instinct of a ram moving through rugged terrain. The sculpture reflects that suspended moment when power, precision, and survival come together. Working with live animals throughout my career has shaped the way I sculpt – not anatomically, but emotionally. Observing them up close teaches me how they breathe, listen, and hold stillness. As an outdoorsman, I strive to express reverence for the natural world. Through bronze, Cliff Hanger honors the rugged beauty of the Southwest and the resilience of creatures that thrive where others hesitate.

 

Middle Marsh – Midday, Midway & The One That Got Away by Jeremiah D. Welsh, FNSS

Inspired by watching an immature little blue heron taking flight, this composition functions as a metaphorical self-portrait; drawing parallels to where I currently sense I am in my life and sculptural career: “The Marshlands”.  Unlike the fast-flowing energy of my youth, I have now slowed, focusing upon wandering the “winding path” through a nursery of ideas, fertile and filled with silvery flashes of inspiration. In this place, I finally feel capable of truly honoring my subjects. Yes, time is short. Amidst the richness, I must accept that many “children” of my mind will never be granted their due voice.