There are no limits

Dave McGary – A legacy in bronze realism (1958-2013)

“How I want to be remembered… For having documented, with respect, the culture of Native American people  For being innovative and establishing my own techniques and style of work. I hope I have changed the way people  look at bronze sculpture. For showing that there really are no limits in what is possible in bronze, that we can capture an amazing amount of detail and depth of color for another level of realism” – Dave McGary

Dave McGary’s sculptures do not have a heartbeat. They do not draw breath. They are bronze, not flesh and bone. Although it’s hard to be sure because of the staggering realism he incorporated into his creations. McGary sculpted proud historically authentic Native Americans. Sizes range from tabletop busts to large-scale monuments, yet all share the same unexpected depths of textures and splashes of color that defy the essence of the medium.

The sculptures are entirely bronze. They are not adorned with accouterments despite what a first glance leads you to believe. The beaded fabric, rumpled leather clothing and feathered headdresses are bronze. Those slender strips of fringe and impossibly wispy feathers don’t rustle at the slightest provocation. Run your fingers over the intricate beading, the folds of the material and you feel only the coolness of metal.

But don’t blame failing eyesight for the uncertainty. Considered the Master of Realism, Dave McGary conjured up vivid and thought-provoking historic figures for over three decades. Yet sometimes the most powerful element of his work was the unseen. Motion and momentum are captured in every piece. The laws of physics are in play. You feel the tug of gravity. The sculpture seems quietly alert.

Just as you start to turn away, a flicker of movement seems to catch your eye. Impossible. Was it the hair or the feathers or…? You peer closer and it finally dawns on you. Somehow, McGary 11 managed to sculpt the wind.

His exquisite depictions of Native Americans occupy places of honor in an array of prestigious settings, including the Smithsonian Museum, the U.S. Capitol National Statuary Hall, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Wyoming State Capital, the Buffalo Bill Historical Museum, the Gene Autry Museum, Concordia University and many more.

Just as importantly as any of the formal accolades, McGary American tribes gained the respect and affection of the Native and families depicted in his work.

“That’s the thing I’m most proud of,” McGary said. “They trust me to produce their history in bronze and to document their history in bronze”

“My techniques and ideas meet with a lot of resistance. When someone tells me I can’t do something, then I consider it a challenge to find a way to do it!”

When explorers and clergymen first landed on the shores of the”New World” they documented in their diaries and journals descriptions of the Native peoples they encountered descriptions of honesty, generosity, bravery, respect, humility, family-oriented and spiritual. In 1492 Columbus described the Indigenous inhabitants as “so peaceable, are these people that I swear to your Majesties there is not in the world a better nation. They love their neighbors as themselves, and their discourse is ever sweet and gentle, and accompanied with a smile and though it is true that they are naked, yet their manners are decorous and praiseworthy. In his journals Columbus wrote of the peaceful,generous nature of these Native people. In today’s world there are people who recognize the good qualities that existed among the Native people before Columbus’s arrival, values that still exist today. One of those people is Dave McGary.

“My techniques and ideas meet with a lot of resistance. When someone tells me I can’t do something, then I consider it a challenge to find a way to do it!”

Mission

Dave’s Mission for Truth

The history of Indian and U.S. governmental relations has been tumultuous and hostile. The ability to trust Non-Indians on the part of Native American peoples has been difficult. Dave was able to cross that barrier, due in part to his attention to detail and his respect for tribal culture, values and spirituality. Many Indian people believe that our people would not have survived if were not for the sacred center that exists in our ceremonies. Dave understood and was invited to participate in many tribal ceremonies as well as being adopted into a Sioux family evidence of the confidence and trust Indian people had in him.

Memories

“Forgiving does not erase the bitter past”

I read a quote by Lewis Smedes that says, “Forgiving does not erase the bitter past. A healed memory is not a deleted memory. Instead, forgiving what we cannot forget creates a new way to remember. We change the memory of our past into a hope for our future. Dave did that through his sculptures. He created a new way for our people to remember the greatness of our ancestors, and a hope for our future. As I look through the lens of time, I see the many valued and meaningful roles that Dave played. First and foremost. I see Dave the family man.

Dave’s Love

He loved his family unequivocally and selflessly.

He was a devoted husband to Molly and father to Bronwyn. He took these roles to heart and he strove to honor, support, guide and most importantly, love his family. He was at his happiest when surrounded by family. Dave’s devotion to family was the foundation of his actions the anchor that defined and shaped his life.I see Dave the friend. He was a good friend to so many! He could be counted on and depended on always. Whether you needed sound counsel, an empathetic ear, a shoulder to lean on; companionable silence; or someone to just bounce an idea off – he was your man. Ready steadfast, willing and good fun. Dave had a startlingly impressive sense of humor, and didn’t hold back when he laughed.

Monuments to Life

“He remained a student of life. “

He shared his expertise with all his colleagues, he worked hard and consistently, and he remained a student of life. He never stopped learning. He never sat back and became complacent. When we worked with Dave as he created the two monuments of Chief Washakie, I was astounded at both his attention to detail and the dedication in research devoted to each piece.As I recount some of the wonderful memories in Dave’s life – I cannot go without recognizing the important role that spirituality played in his life. I came to realize that a quiet faith guided his actions, words and deeds. He strove always to be the best he could be – family man, colleague, friend and champion to others.Dave McGary was remarkable in so many ways. He lived his life to the fullest and touched so many people during his time here with us. I have a medley of memories that I will always carry with me – memories that defined Dave, memories that personify him and a life well lived.

Mission

Dave’s Mission for Truth

The history of Indian and U.S. governmental relations has been tumultuous and hostile. The ability to trust Non-Indians on the part of Native American peoples has been difficult. Dave was able to cross that barrier, due in part to his attention to detail and his respect for tribal culture, values and spirituality. Many Indian people believe that our people would not have survived if were not for the sacred center that exists in our ceremonies. Dave understood and was invited to participate in many tribal ceremonies as well as being adopted into a Sioux family evidence of the confidence and trust Indian people had in him.

Memories

“Forgiving does not erase the bitter past”

I read a quote by Lewis Smedes that says, “Forgiving does not erase the bitter past. A healed memory is not a deleted memory. Instead, forgiving what we cannot forget creates a new way to remember. We change the memory of our past into a hope for our future. Dave did that through his sculptures. He created a new way for our people to remember the greatness of our ancestors, and a hope for our future As 1 look through the lens of time, I see the many valued and meaningful roles that Dave played. First and foremost. I see Dave the family man.

DAVE’S MONUMENTS

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