I wanted these animals to have a calming, yet very stoic, elegant presence – by their gestures, their stance, the turn of their heads. I experimented with color and texture to give them a softness. I was interested in transforming a hard surface by carving and carving into it until it looked wooly or furry, or in the case of the donkey, had the clothlike surface of a blanket.


I received this piece as well as the Sanctuary & Gentle Animals as a gift for Christmas a few years ago. They are definitely my favorite pieces out of all the ones that I have. What a wonderful statement they make as people come to visit for the holidays. Thank you for such wonderful works of art.