BEAR ROMERO

Bear and his family live in the red hills of central Arizona. They are surrounded by the ancient ruins of lost civilizations. These wonders help inspire creativity as well as a sense of tranquility.

Bear Romero brings remarkable skill and inspiration to his stone carvings. Using Arizona ice alabaster and Utah orange alabaster, that he quarries himself, Bear lets each stone reveal to him the animal within. "I don't ever plan out what a piece is going to be," he explains. "Each rock has its own form, its own story; it's better to just let it flow."

The clearly recognizable style of Bear's work, with its power, humor and intricate fetish decorations, has drawn wide interest and critical acclaim. As the spirit of the bear, buffalo, horse or eagle emerges, surprise and joy is the usual response, for each piece speaks with its own clear voice.