By NVOS artist Karen Lynn Ingalls
NVOS artist Carl Ciliax came to his calling as a western sculptor by, first of all, growing up in the West. With deep roots in Arizona Territory, descended from colorful characters in Arizona and Nevada history, and growing up in Nevada, Carl became an expert on Bighorn Sheep and an accomplished guide by his early twenties. This work sealed Carl's love of horses, the horse business, the desert, and the cowboy life, loves that are clear in the sculptural work he does today.
Years later, having left his guiding work behind to raise and support a family, with his family nearly grown and recently divorced, Carl decided to follow his dreams and discover the artist inside of him. Today, his creative process also plumbs his own heritage, and he identifies his artwork with the CX brand that comes from a branding iron made for him by his step-grandfather.
Visiting Carl during Open Studios, you will see him demonstrate his creative process and fine craftsmanship – carving clay that will eventually become a bronze sculpture, and explaining the entire process. You can find him at Studio #30, 1044 La Londe Lane, #B, in Napa, California.
You can also see Carl's artwork on his website at www.carlciliax.com.
NVOS artist Karen Lynn Ingalls writes for this blog and our Facebook page (seen it yet?) and paints, paints, paints. You can see her artwork during Open Studios at Studio #48, west of Calistoga, and online at www.KarenLynnIngalls.com. She also teaches art classes and workshops, which you can find at www.NapaValleyArtWorkshops.com.
