Distinctly Montana Magazine

that I had forgotten so much of the technique that I had created for myself over the years. It was exhausting and frustrating to have to figure out all over again the best technique to accomplish different effects in my sculpture. I would get stuck while sculpt- ing and I would have to try different methods to achieve something that I knew I had perfected before. It was a hard journey but I am happy to say that I am back to my normal self in the studio. What's the story behind the Guardian Spirit sculpture at the Gallatin Airport? I consider the grizzly bear to be the King and Guard- ian of the Montana wilderness, so I wanted to provide the airport with their own guardian spirit. I have even heard that the patina is being rubbed off the claws and they are now shiny because so many people rub them before they fly as a good luck charm! I really enjoy the pose that I chose, and my inspiration was my dog. He would always sit next to the couch and keep an eye on me in that same pose. One day I had an idea that it would be really fun to sculpt a great bear in that same position. In my eyes it turns the bear into Man's Best Friend. Rumor has it that you may be creating another piece for the airport. Can you tell us about that? You will have to wait and see, but this is Bobcat Country. So what do you do to relax? I am a pretty normal guy. I really just love watch- ing a good movie. I find it so easy to just lose yourself in a movie. A few of my favorites are Kalifornia, The Matrix, and Pumping Iron. You have said that your family is the most important thing to you. Do they inspire your art in any way? They actually do. My two daughters each have a sculpture that they have inspired and posed for. The most recent one was of my youngest daughter, entitled The New Dress. I just fin- ished it this past winter. Who came up with the name Planet Bronze? I did. When I opened the gallery, I wanted the bronze work that is dis- played to come from all over the world. www.distinctlymontana.com AND I AM EXCITED TO SEE WHERE I GO NEXT. POSSIBILITIES, The New Dress CONTINUE EXPLORING DIFFERENT I WILL I would say that the Planet Bronze is one of the nicest galleries in Montana. How many artists display their work at PB, and how do you make choices of which artists to represent? We show in between 30 and 40 artist in the gallery; it varies. I usually like to work with art- ists who I respect. It is extremely important that I have a good working relationship with them. A lot of the artists in the gallery are local and are good friends of mine. I think it is important to support the local art community. We are a small family and need each other's support in order to succeed. There is also a specific feel in the gallery, so the art that I ac- cept has to fit and complement the other works. A lot of the art we have is a contemporary spin on tradi- tional western art. Where are you now headed with your art? I am really enjoying figural work at the moment. The fe- male form is truly beautiful. I will continue exploring the different possibilities it has to offer, and I am excited to see where it takes me next. What do you most want to be remembered for? I think what is most important is to be remem- bered through my daughters. I want them to be proud of the art that I have done and will continue to do in the future. I also want the values that my wife and I pass on to them to be upheld and respected. That would ul- timately be the best way to be remembered. Describe Dennis Harrington in five words. Dedicated Compassionate Forgetful Loyal Dependable Thank You, Dennis! 31

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