Next up is a piece I won in an online auction by the late Chippewa artist Alex LaFountain. He was primarily known as a sculptor, but was an accomplished painter as well. He owned his own foundry, and from about 1970 cast his own bronzes.
His was a rather tragic death - in August of 1971 he was riding an air mattress down the Missouri River near Great Falls, Montana, not far from his hometown of Lewistown. He spotted a swimmer in distress and jumped in to save him, and drowned in the process. He was highly regarded in his lifetime, and is still widely collected today. I'm very fortunate to be the owner of this fine and fun piece.
I believe the title is "Dancing Bear," but I'm not certain. Mine is number 4 of 40, made in 1969. It's a very playful piece, and very popular with young 'uns as well as the young at heart.
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| "Dancing Bear" by Alex LaFountain, bronze, 1969, 4/40, front |
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| "Dancing Bear" by Alex LaFountain, bronze, 1969, 4/40, right |
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| "Dancing Bear" by Alex LaFountain, bronze, 1969, 4/40, back |
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| "Dancing Bear" by Alex LaFountain, bronze, 1969, 4/40, right |
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| "Dancing Bear" by Alex LaFountain, bronze, 1969, 4/40, signature |
My stepson is his grandson. Was wondering if you are interested in selling it.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMy name is RAúl,...my mother bought this piece.(The Price Freedom #17/30,Fenn Bronze are engraved on one side of the statue) if anybody is interested, would like sell it.
DeleteMy name is RAúl,...my mother bought this piece.(The Price Freedom #17/30,Fenn Bronze are engraved on one side of the statue) if anybody is interested, would like sell it. 512-865-7769
DeleteThank you for asking, but I'm not selling any of my artwork collection at this time. It's more of a retirement fund... and I have a while to go yet.
ReplyDeleteYour stepson's grandfather was quite a talented artist! This piece is frequently admired by the folks who see my collection. :)
I too have a sculpture of Alex LaFountain, I believe it would be titled "Trapped Rider" , it was made in 1964 and is a fallen horse trapping the rider's left leg underneath it. It would be for sale.
ReplyDeletePlease send me your info, I'm definitely interested!
DeleteI would be very interested in it for my grand son. Can email me at gabulldawg69@hotmail.com please. Thank You
DeleteGreg do you still have the trapped rider for sale. I am the one with the relation to the artist.
DeleteTommie
I'm also intrested he is my uncle e mail me justj.509@gmail.com my name is Charlotte Sandaine daughter of Lorraine LaFountain/Sandaine his sister
DeleteWe have several of Alex's pieces including a bronze of his for sale. It is of a wolf or bear with its leg in a trap number 2 of 40 done in 1964, You can email me at junque1@3riversdbs.net for more information
ReplyDeleteThis is Greg Egbert and if you are interested in my Alex LaFountain Bronze you can e-mail me at g_egbert @yahoo.com.
ReplyDeleteWondering if you might know one of his sculptures... Dated:67' #17/30...wolf biting trapped leg. Signed :Alex Lafountain.
ReplyDeleteI came upon this sculpture at a garage sale about 10 or more years ago..
Just curious about it's history
Thank you kindly,
Raúl Luis Jr
Wondering if you might know one of his sculptures... Dated:67' #17/30...wolf biting trapped leg. Signed :Alex Lafountain.
ReplyDeleteI came upon this sculpture at a garage sale about 10 or more years ago..
Just curious about it's history
Thank you kindly,
Raúl Luis Jr
Hello Raúl! I wish I had an answer for you, but unfortunately very little information seems to exist on Alex LaFountain or his works. Because he passed away suddenly in the prime of his life and career, little has been written on him or his works. Given that he owned his own foundry and studio, there is a pretty high likelihood that at some point he produced a catalogue and/or advertising for his art. Because he passed away before the dawn of the Internet, it would have been on paper. I have yet to see any of of his pamphlets or advertising scanned and posted online. Sadly, such a catalogue would be seen by many art collectors as a private advantage over other collectors, or indeed as prime research material if the collector wished to publish a book on LaFountain.
DeleteIn other words, if such a thing exists, it's unlikely to be scanned and published for free.
But rest assured, as a collector myself, If I find any information on Alex LaFountain or his works, I'll post it here. Until then, your best bet is to try researching past auctions of his works and reading through the auction listings. From time to time an auction listing will have new info on either the artist and/or his works.
Wish I could help more! Stay tuned though. I still keep my eyes open for new info too.
Frank The Bronze Hound
I have such catalog and a few other items..thought they should go to the museum. .always wanted to find a piece of his art for my mother..Alex was her brother..he is my uncle
DeleteWe had a lot of pieces when I was a kid....my mom passed away last year before I could find a piece
DeleteThank you kindly for your reply, truly appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteI have kept this sculpture (Wolf and trap) as an inspiration to my youngest as he is about to through a serious surgery (amputation of his leg) and the sculpture shows the wolf spirit of tenacity and determination to survive.
Once thank you for taking the time to reply,
Raúl Luis Jr
Thank you kindly for your reply, truly appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteI have kept this sculpture (Wolf and trap) as an inspiration to my youngest as he is about to through a serious surgery (amputation of his leg) and the sculpture shows the wolf spirit of tenacity and determination to survive.
Once thank you for taking the time to reply,
Raúl Luis Jr
I own Alex LaFountains last major work titled "War Whoops". It was a wax when my mother purchased it in 1971 (still have receipt). I had it cast into a bronze in the mid 90's. It's about 3' in length, 1' depth and about 18" height. 3 warriors on horseback at a full gallop in full war dress.
ReplyDeleteIt's been in our family for nearly 50 years and will likely end up in the Winifred or Lewistown museum for everyone to enjoy. Only 1 exists and its spectacular.
That is amazing! Congratulations, it sounds like you have a very special bronze indeed. I'd love to see pictures! :)
DeleteSend me your email address or phone number and I will send you some pictures of War Whoops.
ReplyDeletedaveirik@hotmail.com