About the Sculptures: WHITE BUFFALO CALF WOMAN
Unique Editions
Media: Aluminum, Epoxies, Oil Paints
Dimensions: 13' 3" Long by 15' High by 5' Deep
1996 and 2001
"The 1994 birth of a white buffalo in Janesville, Wisconsin is a sign that White Buffalo Calf Woman is returning to fulfill a prophesy held sacred by many Native Americans. Generations ago, she promised she would bring back spiritual balance and harmony. Harry Whitehorse honors the birth of Miracle, the Sacred White Buffalo, with his sculpture "White Buffalo Calf Woman."
On display at Miracle's home, the Heider farm in Janesville, Wisconsin, the original 1996 sculpture was blown down and badly damaged by a storm in the summer of 2000. Harry Whitehorse retrieved the sculpture and repaired, revised, and added some new touches. He and his wife, Debbie, then delivered it back to Miracle just in time for her seventh birthday celebrations in August, 2001. At the same time, Mike Bryan and Rick Stern rebuilt and re-dedicated the Medicine Wheel they had originally located at the base of the sculpture.
"White Buffalo Calf Woman"
Sculpture Created and Donated
by
Harry Whitehorse,
Ho Chunk Artist of Wisconsin
Location:
The Entrance to Miracle's Home,
The Heider Farm,
Janesville, Wisconsin
About the Artist: Harry Whitehorse
"As a child, I was taught that nature has definite patterns and that nature is perfect in what it does. Those lessons defines my approach as a realistic sculptor and painter. I strive for the qualities of attitude, accuracy, and detail within my art works." -Harry Whitehorse
Harry Whitehorse was born in a wigwam near the Indian Mission in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, the traditional home of the Ho Chunk (formerly known as the Winnebago) people. HoChukgra Wazijaci, the traditional name of his Band, speaks to their identity as the woodland Ho Chunk of Wisconsin, "Dwellers in the Pine." Ho Chunk, itself, translates to "The People of the Big Voice" Certainly Harry Whitehorse is a clear and significant voice for the hearts of his people and for all Native Americans.... a voice which speaks of his closeness to wildlife, possession of a deep sensitivity, and an acute sense of the history and spirit of his people which flows around him. a voice which is heard by all who come in contact with his work through the eyes, the tactile senses, and the heart.
Harry began his career in art at an early age as an apprentice to his uncle who was an accomplished artist, carver, and silversmith. Graduating from the Colt School of Fine Arts in Madison, Wisconsin, Harry's learning and development has continued throughout a lifetime of ever-seeking new ways to express his commitment to his artistic vision, his love of wildlife, and his ancestral heritage.
Harry uses a variety of media in his artwork to produce oil paintings, wood carvings, and a wide variety of sculpture utilizing metal, wood, multi-media, and even snow. He developed a process where various epoxies are layered over an armature and then carved to the desired shape. These multi-media sculptures can be painted realistically or used as models for bronze castings. Many of his sculptures may be found in community settings in the Madison, Wisconsin area such as schools, parks, city buildings, and private sector buildings as well as in homes and private collections. His work features intricately-carved, life-sized birds, complex and detailed oil paintings, and many striking sculptures of all sizes, media types, and textures.
Lakota Chuck Davis and Tracy Elk Horn stand with the Whitehorse sculpture on Miracle's 7th Birthday in August, 2001. Chuck, drummer for the NA Music Group, Brule', led a Sacred Pipe Ceremony for those who were there to celebrate and honor the sacred hope which Miracle represents.
