The sculptures of R David Mattiza have a consistency of strength, spirit and beauty. An astute student of anatomy with a tactile memory of all he encountered, his bronze sculptures are of major significance. Whether a life sized bust of a wise and strong Native American named Wintercount; a monumental dolphin at play; or an eagle reflecting the pride and the sorrow of a horrified nation; each holds the history of -- or insights to the future of -- all mankind.
The faces of Wintercount and Bridger reflect the images Mattiza sensed while touching a silver Concho, caressing a piece of soft, smooth leather or standing in awe of the flawless design of a feather. The fearless yet ethereal nature of Crow Mother emerges quietly standing by to protect those of her village and all in her domain. The energy from the Vortex cradles the earth high above its vast cosmic crevice. In The Day America Cried, the collective heart of America sheds two golden tears, then rises with steadfast clarity and determination through the eyes of America’s symbolic eagle.
Getting it right was not merely important. It was imperative. Every sinew, fringe of leather, smile of a dolphin, or stone block in a pyramid is distinctively Mattiza.
The lost wax process of creating bronzes suited Mattiza’s purist artist soul. To sculpt his vision…to tell the story in bronze… honors it and gives it life forever. His bronzes connected him with the world in which he wanted to live…and the one he was finally able to share. He saw a world that was strong, honest, safe, beautiful and gentle--led by men and women of deep passion and spiritual intellect.
The view of the world from where David Mattiza lived filled him with awe. He perceived it all as a delicate balance.
