Lot 264: Star Liana York Bronze - "Branding Fire" (1986)

Name: Star Liana York Bronze - "Branding Fire" (1986)
Brand: Artemis Fine Arts
SKU: 7e54ba4947
Price: 2500 USD

Est: $5,000 USD - $7,500 USDPassed

Artemis Fine ArtsLouisville, CO, USMarch 09, 2023

Item Overview

Description

**First Time At Auction**

Star Liana York (American, b. 1952). "Branding Fire" bronze, 1986. Edition 30 of 30. Signed, dated and numbered below the saddle iron. A bronze sculpture by Star Liana York, "Branding Fire" depicts a stockman attempting to start a fire in the face of inclement weather - notice the raindrop that is about to fall from the brim of his hat as well as how the man uses his coat to protect the fire. Interestingly, York has presented a quiet moment in the life of a cowboy rather than a dramatic, action-packed one. He is simply performing a routine task while navigating adverse conditions. All is delineated with York's impressive artistry and technique. She used rich, dark patinas for most of the piece, but rendered the man's coat in contrasting golden hues as well as a glimmer of fire in vermilion hues. Even more impressive is York's attention to the little details: that raindrop falling from the cowboys' hat, how he places his hands in his pockets to draw his coat around the fire, and his serious facial expression. Note also how the details contribute to the authenticity of her interpretations of Western life. For example, the small size of the branding iron resting on a pile of rocks indicates that it is a saddle iron, which is much lighter and more portable than branding irons used back at the corral. Then there is the glimpse of terrain she offers - a stack of kindling over the subtle red glow of the fire flanked by a pile of branches in reserve and the saddle iron resting on a pile of rocks, poised future use - as well as the cowboy's clothing, the folds and creases of his neckerchief, the buttons and pockets of his shirt, his belt buckle, spurs, boots, we can go on and on. A magnificent sculpture that demonstrates Star's connection to the West as well as her sensitivity to human nature, mounted on a custom marble and wood stand that rotates so that one can appreciate the sculpture from any angle. Size: 14.75" H (37.5 cm); 17.375" H (44.1 cm) on stand.

We are delighted to present this piece, as Star York's sculptures rarely come up for auction. What makes Star's bronze's so magical is that she truly capture's her subject's individuality, inner life, and expression. In his article, "Star Liana York No Cliches Here", Michael Stinson beautifully honed in on this: "Rolled into all this was a growing feeling that power, strength, emotional connection, and a sense of movement under the surface were elements as important as line, composition, form, and color, and deserved a place in her art.She does not use models, believing that the personality of the model may impose itself on the work. Rather, she wants the personality to emerge from the work. Evoking that unique sense of character that is true to each individual is what she feels grants her bronze figures life, and character is an inner quality that has little to do with simply looking the part." (Art of the West, May/June 1989)

Artist's Statement: "The 'West' has always held a strong allure for me, even as a child. My imagination was spurred by watching western films that were popular when I was growing up. My father, having been born in the same small town as Frederic Remington, introduced me, early on, to Remington bronzes. The richness of the colorful landscape, history and peoples struck me as exotic and dramatic. These elements inspired a lifelong passion that has not diminished in the decades since I moved to the region and made it my home. From attending Navajo ceremonies that went on until dawn, to trailing after cattle for days to help a neighbor rancher, competing and working at rodeos, much of my artistic expression comes from the discoveries I have experienced here, and has greatly influenced my art. It remains for me a place of mystery, magic and wonder." (Source: Star York Studio)

Artist Biography: "Star Liana York tells the story of her own discoveries through her art. While her career as a professional sculptor began over twenty years ago, much of the recognition she has achieved comes from a body of work created after moving to the Southwest in 1985. It reflects her introduction to the native peoples of the area such as Navajo, Apache, Hopi, and Pueblo, as well as the wildlife and unique rock art. In the narrative tradition of American Art of the West, her work succeeds in capturing authentic aspects of the past and interpreting historic figures with convincing realism. Star York's interest in people, animals and the environment is global, although the source of inspiration for a significant part of her work continues to come from Native American cultures. Another portion of her inspiration comes from raising and training quarter horses which is manifested in her series of sculptures depicting horses. Their portrayal in her hands is spirited, articulate, and lyrical; evidence of the empathy she feels toward her subjects. Each sculpture is a part of a narrative. Beneath the storytelling surface are figures animated by individuality and personality, derived in part from Star's remarkable talent for expressing the thought of her subject. This sensitivity in representation combined with her attention to detail contribute to an underlying message of oneness with the natural world which is in much of her work. From the balance and quiet strength reflected in a subtle gesture or expression to the metaphor extended in time and space, Star is able to give even her stationary figures a palpable sense of place. By engaging this full range of sensibilities, the viewer in turn receives a more satisfying aesthetic experience. While she has found the Western idiom to be versatile, powerful and true for many of her feelings and ideas, Star York's willingness to experiment with tradition and her need to continue territorial investigations sometimes compels her to step outside the genre that has brought her success. By choosing to follow unfamiliar paths in a personal search for meaning, she secures the integrity of her artistic career." (Star York website)

Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#177423

Artist or Maker

Star Liana York

Condition Report

Signed, dated & numbered 30/30 below the saddle iron. Mounted on a custom marble and wood stand that rotates so that one can appreciate the sculpture from any angle. Overall excellent.

Payment & Shipping

Payment

Accepted forms of payment: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Auction Details

Exceptional Antiquities, Ethnographic, Fine Art

Artemis Fine Arts

March 09, 2023, 08:00 AM MST

686 S. Taylor Ave., #108, Louisville, CO, 80027, US

Explore This Auction

Terms

Buyer's Premium

26.5%

Bidding Increments

From:	To:	Increment:
$0	$299	$25
$300	$999	$50
$1,000	$1,999	$100
$2,000	$4,999	$250
$5,000	$9,999	$500
$10,000	$19,999	$1,000
$20,000	$49,999	$2,500
$50,000	$99,999	$5,000
$100,000	$199,999	$10,000
$200,000+		$20,000

Antiquities, Pre-Columbian & Tribal Art

Please read the following "Terms of Sale" carefully. These terms are applicable to all bidders in this auction, collectors and dealers alike.

1. All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

2. By bidding in this auction, the bidder personally guarantees payment. The auctioneer has final discretion in all matters. In case of dispute, the lot(s) in question may be resold. Lots will be sold in their numerical sequence unless the auctioneer directs otherwise.

3. HIGH and LOW ESTIMATES are provided for each lot for reference only. All lots will be offered without any hidden / confidential reserve, meaning the highest bidder wins.

4. No lots will be released / shipped until payment has been made in full. Payment (in U.S. funds) may via credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, AMEX), PayPal, or Bank Wire Transfer. For PayPal payments please use "[email protected]" email address for processing payments.

5. BUYER'S PREMIUM: A 26.5% Buyer's Premium will be added to the final price of each lot purchased through Artemis Gallery and will be paid by all bidders without exception.

6. CO SALES TAX: Appropriate Colorado Sales Tax will be added to all invoices, unless a valid CO seller's permit is on file with Artemis Gallery/Artemis Gallery Live prior to any bidding in the auction. Items shipped outside of CO (United States or international) are also sales tax exempt.

7. RETURN POLICY: In the event of an authenticity dispute, written notification of the dispute must be provided to Artemis Gallery within two business days from receipt of the item as shown by FedEx, UPS, or USPS tracking data. After Artemis Gallery is notified of the dispute, a written letter from a recognized expert in the field pertaining to the item in dispute must then be presented. If Artemis Gallery concludes that the assessment of the piece is accurate, a full refund, including item price, buyer's premium (if applicable), and shipping costs will be provided. Artemis Gallery will either provide a pre-paid return shipping label or will reimburse the return shipping charge. Artemis Gallery will only remit refund after the item has been returned.

In the event of an error in item description, condition report, provenance, or dimensions, written notification of the error must be given within two business days from receipt of the item as shown by FedEx, UPS, or USPS tracking data. A full refund, including item price, buyer's premium (if applicable), and shipping costs will be provided. Artemis Gallery will either provide a pre-paid return shipping label or will reimburse the return shipping charge. Artemis Gallery will only remit refund after the item has been returned.

If a return is requested for any reason other than the above, written notification with reason for return must be given within 15 days from receipt of the item as shown by FedEx, UPS, or USPS tracking data for Artemis Gallery to issue a refund to the original payment method. If notification is given after 15 days, the item may be returned for credit toward a future purchase or may be consigned for sale through Artemis Gallery. The item must be returned to Artemis Gallery at the buyer's expense and a refund or credit of the item price and buyer's premium (if applicable) will be provided after the item is returned. Original shipping charges will not be refunded.

All items to be returned must be adequately insured and must be received by Artemis Gallery in the same condition as when shipped. In no event may any item be returned after 90 days from the date of delivery.

8. SHIPPING: As a convenience to our buyers, shipping is handled in-house. All buyers will receive an invoice detailing their purchases, sales tax (if applicable), buyer's premium, and shipping/insurance charges. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. Please note, we are currently unable to ship to Germany and Australia due to customs clearance issues. We are working to resolve this issue. If you are in Germany or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase.

**For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country; this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. Also, please be aware that Artemis Gallery will NOT falsify customs value on any international shipments - what you pay is what we declare, no exceptions. There are a small number of international countries we cannot ship to. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding**

9. REQUEST TO DELAY SHIPPING FOR LOTS WON: We are happy to delay shipping on all paid lots for up to 30 days with no storage fees. After 30 days, storage fees will accrue based on a 2% of invoice total.

10. In the event a successful bidder fails to make payment when due, Artemis Gallery reserves the right to re-sell the merchandise and bidder agrees to pay for the reasonable cost of such a sale and to pay any difference between the resale price and the previously successful bid, together with any incidental costs of sale and disbursements.

11. If the auction invoice is not paid for in full when due per invoice terms, including any applicable credit card processing fees, the unpaid balance will bear interest at the highest rate permitted by law until paid in full. If the matter is referred to an attorney for collection, bidder agrees to pay all reasonable attorney fees, court costs and other collection cost incurred by Artemis Gallery to collect past due invoices and that the services of process by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, shall be sufficient to confer "in personam" jurisdiction over bidder.

12. Buyer agrees that any claim of controversy arising out of, or relating to the formation, interpretation of performance of these terms and underlying transactions or the breach thereof, is subject to arbitration or judicial proceedings and shall take place within the County of Boulder, CO subject to the laws of the State of Colorado.

13. QUESTIONS? Feel free to email us at [email protected] with questions prior to bidding or feel free to call us at 720-890-7700. Please be sure to ask all questions at least 30 minutes prior to auction start time, as we will not be able to take calls or answer emails sent to us during the auction.

Shipping Terms

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Get Invaluable on Your Phone

Download the app via text link to get instantly notified if you’re outbid and receive auction reminders so you never miss out!

Bid On-the-Go!

Download the Invaluable app and never miss an auction from your iOS or Android device.

As the world's leading online auction marketplace, thousands of auction houses use Invaluable to deepen relationships with millions of clients around the world. Stay connected to the things you love with curated items and auctions sent to your inbox.

You can unsubscribe at any time. View ourPrivacy Policy.