Robert Ball Biography scroll down to view works

Robert Ball

"Becoming an artist was not one of the things I had in mind as I was growing up," says wildlife sculptor Robert Ball. "In fact, the possibility never entered my mind until much later in life. Looking back, however, I can see a connecting thread leading from the past to the present: a love of wildlife and the habitat that provides them sanctuary."

Ball, primarily self-taught, has completed a monument for Tulsa, Oklahoma, and won many awards, including Best of Show for Animal Sculpture at the National Wildlife Art Show in Kansas. Living in Lake Tahoe for many years and later moving to Montana allowed him to observe wildlife and gain inspiration from the rugged and beautiful land.

"My wife, Rae Ann, was the first artist in our family. She had learned pottery as a means of financial survival in Montana during the 1970s. Her pottery business was doing so well that I became her assistant to keep up with the orders. Even though this was challenging work and we were very successful, there was a natural desire to change direction, and wildlife sculpture provided an exciting opportunity," he says.

Ball participated in some workshops taught by renowned sculptor Gerald Balciar. "This significantly boosted my level of skill, inspiration, and commitment," he adds. Recognition came rapidly over the next few years with Best Of Show and Best Sculpture awards from National and International events such as the C.M. Russell Auction, National Western Art Show, Pacific Rim Wildlife Art Show, Oklahoma Wildlife Art Festival, National Wildlife Art Show, and The Calgary Stampede Western Art Show.

He enjoys creating his works in the timeless medium of bronze. His sculpture brings forth the animal kingdom's unique and often whimsical nature. "I believe animals are similar to people in that each is an individual in their appearance and behavior. I try to bring that out in my work by focusing on their body attitude and facial expression," he reveals.

Ball spends summers in Montana and winters in Arizona with his wife Rae Ann, their dogs, and a menagerie of bunnies. They enjoy exploring the scenic byways and open roads on their Harleys.