Bronze Hound's Art Collection: Harvey Rattey (October 29, 1938 - December 7, 2015, Chippewa)

I truly love collecting bronzes that come from Indian artists, and this wonderful sculpture by Montana artist Harvey Rattey (enrolled tribal member of the Little Shell Band of Chippewa) is no exception. I bought it in an online auction and was thrilled that I won it. When it arrived, I was quite shocked to discover that it is tiny - it's only about 7" tall, including the base! The level of detail is amazing, and in pictures it shows so well that I thought it had to be much larger. Now THAT is talent!

Harvey Rattey was born in Montana and raised on a cattle ranch near Harlem, MT and next to the Assiniboin Reservation. He is a much-collected sculptor with many commissions, awards and honors under his belt. He continues to sculpt and is represented by Bridger Bronze Gallery, link to the right. I find his sculptures to be very reminiscent of the works of another Montana talent, Charles Marion Russell. I really think he captures both the style and spirit of Russell in his work. Now, while style might be relatively easy to duplicate, capturing that spirit is far more elusive. I find that Mr. Rattey's works have the same sense of 'this is real life here' infusing them as Russell's sculptures. That is so very rare. As I've said before, so many sculptors miss that spirit that the majority of works come off to me as posed portraits versus an instant of life captured. It's hard for me to explain, but you can almost imagine the motion that's captured continuing when you're not looking, can just about hear the tiny hoofbeats and the rest of the war whoop as soon as you turn away. For me, that's what Mr. Rattey brings to his sculptures, just like Charles Russell did.

Mr. Rattey chose as his subject Crazy Horse (Tȟašúŋke Witkó) astride his horse, holding a rifle low and war club high over his head as his horse runs at full gallop. The sense of motion and intent in the piece are clear and well defined. Indeed, I think he captured the feel of Crazy Horse riding into battle incredibly well.

This bronze was sculpted in 1991 and still shows like new today. It's a quite beautiful and powerful work, and I'm very glad it is a part of my collection!

Edit: I had to repost his obituary, it really captures the man as he was, his dedication to his work and his innate humor far better than I ever could. I never had the chance to meet him, and I regret it.

GLENDIVE — Harvey Rattey, age 77, of Glendive, passed away with his family by his side on Monday, Dec. 7, 2015 at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive. Memorial Services with military honors will be held at 10 a.m., on Saturday, Dec. 12 at First Congregational United Church of Christ with Lay Pastor Darrin Clinton officiating. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Harvey was born on Oct. 29, 1938 in Chinook, a son of Lester H. and Rose M. (Latray) Rattey. He was raised and educated in Harlem, where he graduated with the class of 1960. Following high school, Harvey enlisted in the United States Army on June 3, 1960, he served for one year before he was honorably discharged to return home to help on the family ranch after his father was injured. Harvey later enlisted in the National Guard where he served for four years. He returned back to Harlem where he worked as a Ranch Foreman. During this time he was married and later divorced and to this union one daughter was born. Harvey started a career in art and during this time he met Pamela Harr and they were united in marriage on Aug. 6, 1977 in Big Timber. To this union they adopted five children. Together they started their own bronze casting foundry in Bozeman and raised six children. Later they purchased a ranch and moved to Glendive. "Where the Pavement Ends and the West Begins."

Harvey was an internationally known sculptor. A Native American enrolled tribal member of the Little Shell Band of the Chippewa. He and his three sisters and a brother were raised on a cattle ranch bordering the Assiniboine reservation near Harlem. During the past forty years, his love of the cowboy and of wildlife has inspired him to sculpt both subjects with "wild and wooly" action and empathy.

Harvey had a strong faith in the Lord and was a born again Christian. He loved his church, his wife, his family and his many friends. He enjoyed calf roping, ranching, fixing fence or anything to do with the Ranching Lifestyle, turkey hunting and turkey calling and having coffee with his friends every morning.

A couple of Harvey's favorite quotes were; "Heck of a Deal", "Lock your car, there's a lot of white guys around here!" and "Shoot low, they might be crawling."

Harvey was a member of the Western Artist of America, Community Bible Church, Lions Club, Montana Veterans Commissions, Wild Turkey Federation, Indian Arts and Crafts Association and the American Legion