AwA She Walks on Water

She Walks

THE SPIRIT OF the bear is strong in the Yampa Valley. Grizzly and black bear both roamed these lands in the early 1900s. The prevalence and connection to bears was so prominent that the Yampa

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River was once called Bear River. Logan Crawford, son of the first permanent white settlers to the valley, reported seeing five bears between his home where 13th Street is now located and the Bath Springs (today the Old Town Hot Springs). So, when artist Susan Schiesser chose one of her paintings to be turned into a sculpture in order to remind the town of its history and heritage, strength and courage, it was no wonder she chose the painting, She Walks on Water, depicting a bear with wings and a crown walking over shimmering, color-filled waters.

Susan’s wildlife works are as vibrant as her spirit. They are whimsical and haunting and do what all good artwork should do—make people stop and contemplate. Susan passed from cancer in October 2020 but before she left, she wanted to make sure there was public art in the valley that was contemporary and intellectually expressive. To turn Susan’s vision into reality, nationally renowned sculptor Sandy Graves was chosen to bring She Walks on Water to life as sculpture.

“Creating this monument is an amazing opportunity to do a collaboration with a dear friend who has significant stylistic differences,” said Sandy. “In creating this piece with Susan, I am using what I know and love and is my truth in my style, but I have the opportunity to bring the joy, color, fantastical and meaningful elements that were in Susan’s painting to life. As artists, it’s a wonderful opportunity to grow and change and see things through other people’s eyes when you have the opportunity to collaborate.”

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Sandy and Susan met in 2005 when a collective of local creatives opened the Artists Gallery of Steamboat as an artist-owned gallery. Susan mentored Sandy in the business of art and gave Sandy much needed encouragement, just as she did with so many other artists who crossed paths with her. Now, the story comes full circle as Sandy brings Susan’s legacy to life.

“Our sculpture starts at the base with a place of introspection and protection. As the pedestal goes up, it represents the life-giving waters of the Yampa River,” said Sandy. “Atop the base is the winged bear. She symbolizes a powerful, knowing, protective, unstoppable and everlasting spirit. Our hope is that the symbolic aura of the unbound bear gives the people of Steamboat a desire to protect and take pride in this land and its creatures, and to know that in reciprocal nature, they will be protected and cared for and given great gifts.”

As people stop to look at the sculpture, hopefully they will take a moment to contemplate, “What is this?” and “Why was it made?” In doing so, they may just learn a little about the history and heritage of this valley and the people, plants and animals who have shaped it.

ELEVATE THE ARTS: To buy a maquette of She Walks on Water, contact 970-846-6768 or email dagny@undiscoveredearth.com. Visit the Bud Werner Memorial Library where She Walks on Water will be installed by fall 2023. Check out Sandy Graves’ website, sandygravesart.com. To buy Susan Schiesser’s prints, visit photographicsart.com and find Susan Schiesser under the Artists tab. AwA