Bronze Hound's Art Collection: Bill GirarD (May 12, 1936 - June 25, 2020)

This pair of bronzes by New Mexico artist Bill GirarD (and no, that's not a typo) were purchased as a pair, with their respective miniature Navajo style rugs, in yet another online auction. They depict a seated man and woman wrapped in robes. The design is very sleek and modern, the execution of both is exquisite. They're not very large, but the level of detail is amazing. They are really eye catching! They each sit on a small Navajo pattern rug, though I'm not sure which is really for which. The rugs add a splash of color and really make the bronzes "pop".

I wasn't familiar with his work before I purchased these pieces, but after doing a bit of research I must say I LOVE his work! He sculpts one-of-a-kind pieces in stoneware and casts his clay sculptures in bronze. Mr. GirarD has clearly mastered both mediums. I actively lust after the one stoneware sculpture for sale online (I'm not telling you where, as I hope to own it some day) as well as the "Buffalo Dancer" and "Eagle Catcher" bronzes available through his website. They're well out of my price range, but these are what keeps me buying weekly lottery tickets like a clockwork idiot.

Born William Girard Kluck on May 12, 1936, Colonel Kluck led a life that could be held as an exemplar of a patriot. From his obituary on https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/abqjournal/obituary.aspx?n=colonel-william-kluck&pid=196415164:

   "Colonel William Girard Kluck

   Whom many of you may recognize as sculptor, Bill Girard, is now on a new, amazing adventure with    our Lord that began the morning of Thursday, June 25, 2020.

   Bill is survived by his best friend and wife, Nancy; and their two children, Tamara Lee Brand and        William Girard Kluck II. Bill loved his daughter and son-in-law, Mary Mauser Kluck and Bary                Brand. He also adored his precious grandchildren, Dylan Kluck, Dailey Kluck, Phoebe Kluck, Luke        Brand, and Jered Brand.

   Bill was born in Reno, Nevada to Chester Lee and Helen Girard Kluck on Tuesday, May 12, 1936.        He graduated from Kentucky Military Institute, Louisville, Kentucky in 1954. He was awarded a            Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Marketing from San Diego State University in 1958 and            married his Chi Omega Sweetheart, Nancy Adelle Olds, November 23, 1958.

   They began his military career with the US Air Force in December of 1958 and spent the next 23            years raising their family and traveling the globe. Bill retired in 1981 at the rank of full Colonel. His    military decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Air        Force Commendation Medal and the Royal Thailand Security Force Medal.

   Bill's talents were many and he found both success and enjoyment in a wide range of interests. After    his AF retirement he pursued a successful career as a sculptor. A master with his hands, Bill could        turn a lump of clay into a smile, a laugh, a tear. He's left a legacy of beauty in his bronzes and                stoneware.

   Bill will receive Full Military Honors at Santa Fe National Cemetery. He held firm that we should all    honor and respect those that would go above and beyond to protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of            happiness."

A link to the artist's website has been added to the list at the right. It appears to be active, but hasn't been updated since 2008. I don't have much other information than what is there.

Both the man and woman are signed "Bill GirarD 1988" and numbered 11 and 12 of 500 respectively. I don't know if the edition sold out, but I do know I've never seen another set for sale. They're both in beautiful condition. They'll be staying in my collection until the bitter end!