If there is one thing that makes me smile it is when  another Texan wants to embrace their inner Texas spirit with one of my sculptures. It is especially meaningful when I connect with the purchaser personally. Come to find out we both came to Houston from very small towns, our fathers ran small businesses, we both have some Louisiana history, we both started our own businesses. have two kids and most amazingly she operates on the same energy level I do. When I met this purchaser in my studio a few weeks ago she told me the piece will camp in her entry, it will greet  the members of their family every time they come home. I am humbled and so honored.                                                       

As a teen, I shaped hats in my father's western wear store, and I began to understand that old hats are reflections of their owners, that they keep a bit of the spirit of the person who wore them.

“Heritage IV”  will not physically change shape to reflect the spirit of their family. However, it is assured that with the many comings and goings that a busy home endures as it’s family grows into adults that their ”Heritage” will see them through joyous times and trying times. Over the years, “IV” will embody the spirit of their family, their traditions, triumphs, and yes, their challenges. I hope it will become the symbol of strength that it is for my family. 

 Every sale of my work is meaningful for me, but I have a funny feeling that this one will hold a special place for a long time. 

Every “Heritage” piece is slightly different below are details of IV and the artist statement for my first “Heritage.”

My first “Heritage” piece was inspired by the Stetson open road hat I inherited from my Grandfather. Bob-pa, Robert Fleming Travis. His well-worn hat quietly mirrors his life and character.  Shaped by growing up in the Depression, he knew hard times as he later farmed cotton and raised cattle in the harsh West Texas desert near El Paso.

Bob-pa married Imogene Young while they were still in high school. Two years later during their senior year my father was born.  Family lore has it that they never spent a night apart during their 70-year marriage.

As a teen I shaped hats in my father's western wear store, and I began to understand that old hats are reflections of their owners, that they keep a bit of the spirit of the person who wore them.  Bob-pa's hat still resonates with his determination, his strong work ethic, and his fidelity.  These are the very treasures that I work hard to ensure that my own children will inherit.