Bob Boomer
(b.1944)
Bob Boomer grew up on a small farm in California’s San Joaquin Valley where he carved totem poles and small sculptures at his grandfather’s cabinet shop. For as long as he can remember, Boomer has loved the sight, feel and smell of wood. Boomer earned a degree in industrial arts in 1968 from California State University in Fresno. “After running an arts and crafts program for four years at a California high school, I set out to earn a living as a sculptor.”
For over twenty years, Bob has been a professional artist. His unique sculptures are made of Manzanita wood found near his secluded home in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. His sculptures emerge from the tight-grain, weathered wood into sinuous flowing line that reflects a complete synthesis of man and nature. He sees women’s long hair and dresses in the flow of the wood. Boomer creates graceful sculptures of Native American women and children involved in their everyday joys and struggles. His subjects are the Hopi and Navajo peoples of the Southwest and the tribes native to his region of California.
Bob creates approximately 50 sculptures a year. He also produces limited edition bronzes directly from the original wood sculptures. By keeping the edition numbers small, his work stays fresh and unique, enhancing its value.
Source: Mockingbird Gallery
Visions of Valor
Artist: Bob Boomer (b.1944)
Description: Manzanita Wood (1995) | Dimensions: 20”h x 24”w x 10”d
While viewing Bob Boomer’s Manzanita wood sculpture, one is instantly drawn in by its still, yet fluid motion, by the breathtaking grace of soaring birds which encircle and inspire the subject and by the artist’s metaphoric intent when labeling it “Visions of Valor”.
The Courting Song
Artist: Bob Boomer (b.1944)
Description: Manzanita Wood (2005) | Dimensions: 18”h x 7”w x 7”d
Bob Boomer’s highly stylized wood carvings are elegant representations of the human form and the human spirit, and “The Courting Song” embodies just that. The polished surface of the wood and the flowing shape of the carving combine to create a work of art that is unique to Boomer’s talents as an artist and expert carver. And though his pieces are representational rather than realistic, they exhibit beauty, grace, elegance and emotion.
The War Dancer
Artist: Bob Boomer (b.1944)
Description: Manzanita Wood (2003) | Dimensions: 20”h x 10”w x 7”d
The shapely contours, the expertly chiseled textures and the subtly of the polished wood grain collectively enrich the overall effect of Bob Boomer’s “The War Dancer”.
Hopi Girl
Artist: Bob Boomer (b.1944)
Description: Manzanita Wood (2001) | Dimensions: 16”h x 9”w x 7”d
Once he’s found a strong and sturdy piece of wood that has some interesting twists and turns or natural fluidity to it, Bob Boomer begins his wood sculptures by shaping the head and face first. “As it begins to take on a human form,” according to Boomer, “it begins to look at you.” He doesn’t work from a drawing or use models, but rather he follows the natural shape and direction of the wood itself. “Hopi Girl” with its many cultural references such as the squash blossom whirl, the traditional hairstyle for unmarried Hopi girls, a woven basket and hopi water jar is in keeping with Boomer’s respect and admiration for American Indians.
River’s Bounty
Artist: Bob Boomer (b.1944)
Description: Manzanita Wood (1998) | Dimensions: 22”h x 9”w x 9”d
“I sculpt with the natural wood formations, rather than against them. This balance with nature is evident in the subject matter I create. The proud and noble Native American people stand in harmony with the natural elements that surround them,” shared Bob Boomer when interviewed by the Sierra News. And “River’s Bounty” is a testament to Bob’s sentiments. The sculpture’s subject is shown with a successful day’s catch in his basket and appears to be taking a moment to give thanks for the river’s bounty.
The Spirits
Artist: Bob Boomer (b.1944)
Description: Manzanita Wood (1999) | Dimensions: 19”h x 17”w x 7”d
This highly stylized wood carving by Bob Boomer is an elegant representation of the human form and the human spirit. Boomer carefully selects the wood that fits the essence of the character that he will carve. The polished wood surface and the flowing shape of the carving create a work of art that is unique to Boomer’s talents as an artist and expert carver. Though representational rather than realistic, its essence is one of mysticism.
The Love Song
Artist: Bob Boomer (b.1944)
Description: Manzanita Wood (2002) | 20 ½”h x 13”w
In this Bob Boomer Manzanita wood sculpture, a young brave plays the flute to attract the young maiden. Legend has it that he would stand in the woods just outside her lodge at night and play a love song on his flute to convey his romantic inclinations.
Pueblo Mother
Artist: Bob Boomer (b.1944)
Description: Manzanita Wood (2006) | 16.5”h x 6”w x 5”d
Bob Boomer’s “Pueblo Mother” is an elegant representation of the human form and spirit of maternal love with its polished surface and the flowing wraps which coalesce beautifully. Boomer carefully selects his wood pieces, and in this case Manzanita, that fit the intended essence of the sculpture.
Big Medicine
Artist: Bob Boomer (b.1944)
Description: Western Red Cedar Root Sculpture (2001) | 35”h x 24”w x 16”d
