About Dawn Weimer Sculpture Created by Dawn Weimer Bronze Sculptor

Brace yourself. This will not be a manifesto on how creative, innovative, philosophical and successful I am! In my mind, creativity does not begin with the artist. Nor is it some unidentifiable, coaxing, ethereal "muse". I know from whence creativity flows. The original stirrings of creativity began in the heart of God.

Just look around, God's creativity is woven into every tiny microbe to the largest behemoth of the oceans. Listening to enraptured vocalized "music" of whales gives me goose bumps! Surely you too have felt those goose bumps as hair rises upon your flesh. Have you ever seen the ant farms in glass? What a wonder they are with their architectural know how. As I watch, suddenly, I become smaller than they! Just try to trace the wondrous stripes of a tiger. Or, the rain forests so dense and deep. Woven into God's creation are a myriad of visions, sounds, motions and emotions, tastes, touches, aromas, tingles, tangles and sensations! Creativity is virtually in everything and everywhere. As artists, try as we may, we only re-create the wonders God has already created, whether it is His abstract shapes of rock, waves, clouds or representational figures and animals. Since the beginning of time, artists have continued to pursue their craft, and there is a good reason for that persistence. God put the desire in their heart and the ability in their hands, whether they give Him the credit or not.

The Lord is very generous with His gifts, even to animals. I am convinced they too have been given great creativity. Anyone who has animals can attest to their creativity. Having had horses for many years, I can't resist giving one illustration. We watched in amazement as one little gray quarter horse gelding used his upper lip to maneuver unlatching the gate. We would put on a different type of latch, but no matter what kind of latch we put on the gate, every time he would figure it out and swiftly unlatch it yet again. Now just where did he get that talent? Contrary to some popular opinions, God has given animals the ability to reason!

As I work in clay on a sculptural piece, with wonderful music on the CD player, my studio begins to turn into a sanctuary. The joy of creating overtakes every other emotion, time seems to stop, and the Lord's directive presence becomes most evident. I can only imagine the joy Jesus has in His creation that lives and breathes, sings and dances, paints and sculpts, writes music and poetry, raises children, loves the wife, loves the husband, pats the dog, hugs the cat, brings home the bacon, and stays the course. Creativity is not limited to the arts, it comes in street clothes. God is the direct author of all that has been achieved on this planet, in space, in the arts, in science and medicine, in technology; and continues to be creatively involved in every aspect of His creation. Thanks be to God for allowing us to "borrow" His talent; and to have so much fun doing so!

©2002 Dawn Weimer

Because of the recent proliferation on the internet of so many illegal copies of art work, I feel I need to inform you further about the problem.

Are you aware that bronze sculpture done by legitimate, professional sculptors are being counterfeited? Have you heard the term "bronze knock-off"? Would you know one if you saw it? If not, perhaps I can help you from making a costly mistake. Knock-offs are cheap, poorly executed "copies" of work of legitimate artists. Made of “pot metal” of various and sundry inferior metals. Pot metal is available from old tool casings and lawn mower engines.

Pot Metal melts at 900 degrees F. Bronze melts at 2100 degrees F. Pot metal is NOT bronze and will deteriorate rapidly. These "knock-offs" originate in China, Taiwan, Thailand, and Germany among others. They are imported to the USA and sold to the unsuspecting buyer. These knock-offs of legitimate artists works are all over the internet and even at your local furniture stores! Those who produce and sell the shoddy knock-offs do not care if you get "taken". Please take your time to investigate thoroughly if you desire quality and want something of beauty for years to come. You know the old adage....you get what you pay for. Bronze is indeed pricey, but it is the only medium that will last centuries and still be beautiful.

We live in a synthetic, simulated, resin plastic, throw-away world. With a throw away mentality comes shoddy workmanship, half-truths, and inferior products. When everything from Rolex watches to Gucci handbags are being counterfeited, it isn't surprising to discover the same in sculpture. Unfortunately, there are those who seek to imitate to "cash in" on the success of others.

How can you be sure of purchasing an original lost wax bronze sculpture? Greatest confidence comes through direct contact with the sculptor, look for their web site, e-mail them or give them a call, ask questions. If you are viewing the actual sculpture, look for markers on the sculpture: the artist's signature, the edition number of the specific piece, as well as the total edition number produced and the copyright symbol ©.

Serious, professional lost wax bronze sculptors will have those markers on their work. It is unlikely the poor quality imitations will carry these markers. Be aware while shopping or surfing the web...if you see poor quality bargain priced "solid bronzes" in the same showroom or web site as higher quality, high priced lost wax bronze sculpture, this should be a red flag that the proprietor and/or sculptor is willing to compromise quality for quantity.

Quality will always shine through authentic lost wax bronze sculpture. It will be heavy, usually hollow, and almost virtually indestructible. Raw bronze is in the form of ingots (like gold). It is extremely hard and must be melted to over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit to be poured for a sculpture.

Bronze cannot be ground up or pulverized. It is heated with a torch to 400 degrees to apply patina (coloration process). It is unlike pewter, resin (plastic) or the so-called "solid bronze" (metal powder together with a polymer resin), all of which can be melted on your kitchen stove! For example, a lost wax bronze sculpture by J. Seward Johnson, Jr. of a seated business man with briefcase made it through the intense World Trade Center disaster. All it will need to be beautiful again is a little sandblasting, a new patina and a new base upon which it can again sit upright. Nothing can compare to lost wax bronze for enduring beauty, durability and increasing value.

Dawn Weimer Studios offers only lost wax bronze sculpture cast with the utmost care and integrity at foundries in Loveland, Colorado, ("Sculptureville,USA!"). As my sculptures sell out, a letter is sent to every collector who owns the specific sculpture stating the bronze piece is SOLD OUT and the mold has been destroyed. Enclosed with the letter is a small piece cut from my original mold which further verifies it will not be produced again. Should you ever come across a sculpture you feel is suspicious of being a imitation of one of my pieces, please contact me so I can look into the matter of possible violation of copyright.

One of the major reasons Tom & I offer my lost wax bronze sculpture primarily through my studios and web site is to protect my collectors as well as my work. By purchasing directly through the sculptor you have total assurance you have purchased an authentic Dawn Weimer Bronze Sculpture. I personally keep stringent records in my computer database of when and where each bronze is sold along with purchaser names and addresses. Quality lost wax bronze sculpture is my standard and will remain my standard.

Dawn Weimer, Sculptor Remember to visit www.bronzecopyright.com

At the age of seven Dawn (Griswold) Weimer announced to her parents she was going to be an artist and have horses when she grew up. The dream of horses became a reality when she married her high school sweetheart, Tom Weimer, who owned several registered Quarter horses. Together they were involved in rodeo and training horses while Dawn also spent 15 years as a paralegal. Dawn's obvious "art education" came unconventionally on horseback. Twenty years of raising and training registered Quarter Horses equipped her with an incredible understanding of horse anatomy and behavior. She feels that translated into a greater knowledge of animal anatomy and behavior in general.

Upon leaving the paralegal field, she found time to again pursue the rest of her dream and she began painting; being commissioned for many years for animal portraiture. "One particular day, I caught myself flipping over a photograph to see the opposite side of a dog I was painting for commission. I felt so foolish", she laughs, "but it was then I realized I was seeking more...the third dimension." This seemingly unconscious event opened the field of sculpture to Dawn; she produced her first bronze in 1991 and hasn’t picked up a paint brush since.

Dawn's style is realistic, yet expressive, maintaining exceptional integrity and quality in every sculpture. Exhibiting intense sensitivity to "touching the spirit" she immortalizes her subjects in the forever medium of bronze. Every detail of each casting has her explicit attention to conform to her strict standards and assure complete satisfaction to the most discriminating collector.

Developing a reputation for sculpting classical animal and figurative limited edition bronze sculpture, her work has won numerous awards and is in private, corporate and museum collections throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. In a short period of time, Dawn Weimer has completed several monumental bronze sculptures, which puts her among the few elite women sculptors who have become known for their talents in monumental bronze sculpture. She has placed 32 life-size/monumental installations throughout the US.

Her work is installed in several municipal, corporate, and public art sites including the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.; Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO; City of Greeley, CO; City of Westminster, CO; City of Fort Collins, CO; City of Fort Morgan, CO; The Hotel Savery, Des Moines, IA; Loveland Good Samaritan Village, Loveland, CO; Morgan County Community College, Fort Morgan, CO; Mountain View High School, Loveland, CO; Fort Morgan Museum, Fort Morgan, CO; Good Samaritan Village, Fort Collins, CO; and the American Quarter Horse Museum, Amarillo, TX. Dawn's work has been featured in Wildlife Art, Southwest Art, Art of the West, Equine Image, Western Horseman, Canine Images, Art Revue, Horse & Rider and on the covers of North American Horsemen's Yearbook and Chronicle of the Horse. She was designated as the 1996 Equine Artist of Distinction by the North American Horsemen's Association. Dawn's biography is featured in Women to Remember of Northern Colorado, and her creation of Annie the Railroad Dog is included in the book Unforgettable Mutts. Her work is included in The Sculpture Reference, consisting of 512 pages and 1187 full color images written by noted author and sculptor, Arthur Williams. She has recently installed monumental work for University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO; and the new Larimer County Fairgrounds in Loveland, CO. She is contracted to sculpt a nine foot high buffalo for the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. Dawn has been contracted to sculpt two rams in battle 21 foot long for CSU's stadium. .Dawn's work is available through her studios in Loveland, CO and her website at www.dawnweimer.com.

• Mini Peter just arrived, and he looks great. I'm very glad to have found your company's website on the internet while searching for bronze sculptors. I'll sure keep you in mind the next time I'm in the the market for a unique and beautiful gift, or maybe some artwork for myself!
  MJ

• Dear Dawn & Tom,

  Thank you doesn't quite cover all that you two have done. The sculpture, Dawn, is awesome and my folks are so thrilled to be a part of such a piece. The hours and the love you put into "Mother" is something that cannot be described in words. And on top of everything we feel like we have two new friends.
  Thank You!
  VL, Colorado

• Tom;

I enjoyed our conversation yesterday. I also appreciate your willingness to deliver the "Birthright" print to Frame It, Etc in Fort Morgan. If you or Dawn have any suggestions for the mat and frame, please share them with Judy. My sister and I have viewed the print online but still find making framing decisions difficult without seeing the print in person. However, we are willing to listen to suggestions.

The Fort Morgan Public Library has a warm place in my sister and my memories. In the evenings we would walk with our father to the library and read for hours. When we became adults, we shared a love and appreciation for western art with our father. "Birthright" would have been a favorite piece of our father's if he would have had an opportunity to see it. Cathy Bosley, the Fort Morgan public librarian suggested Dawn's work to me when I started talking with her about donating an art piece to the library in my father's memory.

My sister and I are very grateful for the philosophy, love and understanding, that Dawn has about our time on earth and the love God has for His children.

Warmest wishes to the two of you;
SC


• Dear Dawn:
  

  On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff of Colorado State University, I thank you for your gift of $5,000.00 for Primrose donations (proceeds of sales) for the Equine Ambulatory Division. Your important contribution enhances this valued service in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

  We were pleased to read about your newest sculpture project and thank you for this additional contribution. "Ram Proud" continues to make a positive statement about loyalty and pride to our students, faculty and community.

  Thank you for all you do on behalf of Colorado State University. Ann joins me in sending you and Tom our warmest personal regards and best wishes for a great New Year!
  Sincerely,
  Albert C. Yates
  President

• Hi, Dawn! We got Bearly Serious and I JUST LOVE HIM!!!!!!! HE IS ON MY COFFEE TABLE NOW and I had a party last night ....everyone loved him!!! I admire your art very much, as I am a huge animal lover! THANK YOU for getting him here so quickly! Still not sure whether he will end up here or in Montana home,. but I am loving him every minute! Thanks again!
  CWD – Indiana

• Tom, The gorgeous sculpture arrived today. Actually, FedEx brought it by yesterday, but I was not home when they arrived. It is even more stunning to see it in person, than looking at the picture, which wasn't bad at all!!!! I will be in touch, again, about having a commissioned piece done. In the meantime, thank you and please thank Dawn for a beautiful and classy piece of donkey sculpture.
  NB - Virginia

• I've only recently discovered your work (Arts & Antiques Magazine - which led me to your website) - and I can't tell you how happy I am to be able to view your talents on-line. You are truly gifted. I am a retired animal behaviorist who now shares my home with two cats (my menagerie has dwindled over the years) but still do some consulting for various rescue/animal welfare organizations. As such, I have an abiding love for all God's critters and am always thrilled to find an artist who obviously has the same kind of caring and connection with them. For anyone who has never been privileged enough to be able to get their hands on some of the more "wild" or "exotic" creatures, your sculptures are surely a close second. Nothing is quite as exciting as actually touching such a magnificent animal, but to be able to look at your creations evokes some of the same feelings. I wish you all the best and every good thing in your endeavors - you are truly blessed with a wonderful gift of which I must admit an immense envy. God bless you. I look forward to seeing all of your new masterpieces.
  LG - California

• It was so good to finally meet you. I agree with you about the amazing women at this event: Miss America, Kathryn Frost, the WAC Generals, all of the WAC's, the ladies from YP&B, you and, of course, our new addition to the lobby. I don't remember ever feeling so satisfied about the outcome of an event before. We cannot thank you enough for the time and energy that you put into this piece for us... and we certainly are glad that you came to Des Moines to be with us for this celebration. The sculpture is now a permanent part of our lobby, and I hope that you will think of it and us often. Additionally, I hope that you continue to be as proud of what we do at the Hotel Savery from this day forward as I am and we are. Again, it was great to meet you and Tom, and we are glad that you enjoyed the event. Best always!
  DD - Pennsylvania

• Dear Dawn and Tom,
  It was so great to meet you this past week, after months of phone and e-mail communication. Your work on behalf of the WAC and Shaner Hotel Group is superb. I can't tell you how touched we all are by the artwork. The realization of this project has surpassed all expectations, and you are a big part of our success. You two are very special people. Finding you was a great coup for all of us. I do hope we meet again. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you and to be with you last week in Des Moines.
  SMcG - Florida

• Thank you, Dawn and Tom, for the compliments and most of all for all your help and time and especially your dedication to this project. I know you put other things aside to meet our extremely short deadline to produce such a beautiful piece of artwork. We have decided that the unveiling was definitely one of the most special highlights of the entire event. Seeing all those reporters rush to the front with their cameras was very very exciting….I knew from talking to you on the phone and by viewing your works on the Internet that you must have a deep passion for your work, but seeing it first-hand and meeting you in person far exceeded my expectations.
  LD – Florida

• DEAR MRS. WEIMER:
  MY THANKS TO YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND AND BUSINESS MANAGER FOR SENDING ME, IN RESPONSE TO MY RECENT REQUEST, THE VERY ATTRACTIVE BROCHURE DEPICTING SOME OF YOUR MARVELOUS SCULPTURES, AS WELL AS YOUR CURRENT PRICE LIST AND INFORMATION ON YOUR PERSONAL LIFE AND CAREER. ALL OF THESE MATERIALS REACHED ME THIS MORNING AND HAVE OCCUPIED MOST OF MY TIME EVER SINCE.

  AS A LIFETIME COLLECTOR OF ANIMALIER SCULPTURE, I FOUND MYSELF POWERFULLY DRAWN TO YOUR WORK AS EXEMPLIFIED IN THE RECENT ADVERTISEMENTS PUBLISHED IN ARTS & ANTIQUES. THE BROCHURE, OF COURSE, CONVEYS A MUCH CLEARER IDEA OF THE FULL RANGE AND BRILLIANCE OF YOUR OEUVRE. IT ALSO CONFIRMS WHAT I SUSPECTED FROM THE MAGAZINE ADS: THAT, UNLIKE THE NINETEENTH-CENTURY AND MORE RECENT ARTISTS WHOSE WORK I COLLECT AND WHOSE ADMIRATION FOR THE POWER AND BEAUTY OF THEIR SUBJECTS IS THE PRINCIPAL INSPIRATION FOR THEIR UNDENIABLE ACHIEVEMENTS, YOUR SCULPTURES EVINCE, IN ADDITION, A SIMPLE LOVE OF ANIMALS THAT IS OFTEN ABSENT FROM THEIRS AND THAT POIGNANTLY SHAPES YOUR OWN WORK.

  SO I AM PLEASED AT THE PROSPECT OF ADDING THE WORK OF DAWN WEIMER TO THAT OF THE BONHEURS, DELABRIERRE, MOIGNIEZ, MENE, FRATIN, AND BARYE NOW ON MY CROWDED SHELVES…I LOOK FORWARD TO WHAT I HOPE WILL BE A LONG ASSOCIATION WITH YOU, AND OFFER BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND FOR HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
  WAK in Ohio

• Dear Mrs. Weimer,
  Iam so pleased to be able to own just a small piece of your beautiful work. Having talked with you in person at the Orlando show, and again today on the phone, I sense a genuineness that is beyond words. As I mentioned in our conversation, my husband and I totally agreed that your work was the best we have ever seen. We are not art critics by any stretch of the imagination. However, we have a real love for nature, and also raised Quarter Horses. So the "Shows Promise" is of course breathtakingly beautiful to us. Thank you for the newsletter and please keep us on your list for any future opportunities to purchase these treasurers.
  GMcC in Florida

• Dawn,
  I love Itchabod! You are a forceful, gifted, marvelous artist and I am so pleased to have your sculptures in our collection.
  MT in Colorado

• Dear Dawn,
  Enclosed you will find check in payment for the "Ram Proud" statue. We are pleased that we can join others who will enjoy this fine work of art, and know that with their contribution they are helping you place this sculpture on the campus of Colorado State University. We appreciate your considerable talent and will now enjoy three of your works in our home and office.
  WEL in Colorado

• Dear Dawn,
  Ram Proud looks great where we have him! The eye level placement really allows us to enjoy the great patina on him. The cougar up above on the ledge looks poised to strike his unwary prey. We are really fortunate to own two such dramatic pieces-and of course the sweet and delightful Tamu. Thank you for creating them!
  HR in Colorado

• Dear Dawn,
  Thank you for the wonderful work you have done on the "Benji" sculpture. It is so wonderful and we are so pleased. Your talents never cease to amaze me, Dawn. It must be such fun to create bronze sculptures the way you do. You deserve all the success you get and more.
  L&L in Minnesota

• Dear Dawn: Greg brought the bronze to Denver last week when I was there for a few hours so that I could see it. It is absolutely beautiful...all I anticipated and even more. Greg himself was enormously impressed, as you probably already noticed.

  You must take great pride and feel an enormous sense of accomplishment to be able to produce something so extraordinary. Not many of us have the ability to do so. With all personal regards,
  NA of Maryland