Local artist finds his niche where the buffalo roam

Sisters-area artist John Bruguier is finding success creating bronze sculptures of the American bison (or buffalo).

"These sculptures are a culmination, or a natural progression of my artwork," said Bruguier. "I've always gravitated to landscapes and wildlife, and I've always been intrigued by the American buffalo."

His stepfather is Native American, and John grew up on a reservation in northeastern Montana. There he was exposed to Native American culture and Great Plains wildlife.

Currently working on a small herd project for a client, Bruguier puts time in on the sculpture around the schedule of his day-job as a remodel contractor.

Except for art classes in high school, Bruguier is a self-taught artist.

"I found my creative side in high school," he said.

Initially painting with watercolor, success came early in his art career. Bruguier sold paintings he created while attending art classes in high school.

"I was introduced to Ducks Unlimited, a wetlands and waterfowl conservation organization, and sold them several watercolor paintings."

Along with painting, in high school Bruguier found a love of clay sculpture. He completed his first sculpture, a life-sized bust of a burly mountain man complete with coonskin cap and piercing eyes, at the age of 16.

Bruguier joined the Navy right after high school. His job on the ship allowed him to continue being creative. Armed with an industrial sewing machine, Bruguier made everything from custom canvas boat covers to submarine bunks and re-upholstered furniture. While in the Navy, he continued his painting and sold a couple pieces.

After serving his country in the Navy, Bruguier returned to Montana, where he put his sewing skills to work. While attending a Sundance Teepee painting ceremony, he was encouraged by an Assiniboine chief to build teepees. He expanded into that market.

"I made teepees out of canvas, painted them with symbolic Native American designs and sold them all over the country."

John's wife, Julene, had already been to school for interior design. So when the opportunity arose to purchase a local flooring and decorating business, it was an easy decision to make.

"Julene was the designer, and I got my contractor's license and did the work," said Bruguier.

In 2002 the Bruguiers sold the business in Wolf Point and, after searching for a better place to raise their children, moved the family to the Sisters area. They have operated their own design and construction business in Central Oregon since their arrival.

Remodeling homes led John to making art with tile. He began creating stone and tile murals for floors, kitchen backsplashes and stair landings using hand-cut tile and stone and his original designs of landscapes and wildlife.

While continuing to work with tile, watercolor and oil painting, sculpture is his main focus.

"The constant in my work is the bison," said Bruguier.

With no formal training, he relies on research and a reference library that he's accumulated over the years.

"I just go for it," he said.

The sculpture process begins with some ideas written down. Next he does lots of sketches.

"I want to have a lot of movement in my sculptures," he said.

The physical creation starts by making the armature, or skeleton of the piece, using soft aluminum modeling wire. This step is critical, as it is the foundation of the sculpture. Once completed, spray foam is injected inside and allowed to dry.

The oil-based clay is then applied. First it is roughed in and then detail is added. The detail comes from photos, props and face-to-face contact.

"I've spent lots of time observing the live animals," said Bruguier. "I watch how they stand, move, run and jump. When I'm adding the final detail to the piece I try to think like a buffalo. I know I'm finished when the sculpture tells me it's done."

The completed sculpture is taken to Valley Bronze in Joseph, Oregon, to be cast in bronze.

His current project, a small herd of running bison, will have a base measuring four-and-a-half-feet long. It will have taken about a year.

Plans for the future include a series on wolves.

"I grew up in Wolf Point, Montana, so wolves seem like an appropriate subject," said Bruguier.

While enjoying a successful career remodeling homes, he ultimately has other plans.

"One of my goals is to be a full-time artist," he said. "This is just the beginning for me."

One of John's sculptures can be seen at Clearwater Gallery in Sisters. More of his work can be seen at http://www.johnbruguier.com and http://www.interioreffectsbend.com.