News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Dyrk Godby has opened a new gallery and studio for his Western art.
The art district that has been developing along Hood Avenue over the past several years has a new addition: The Dyrk Godby Art Gallery located on the northeast corner of Hood Avenue and Elm Street in the former RE/MAX building.
Godby is a ranch-raised cowboy artist and singer-songwriter well known in Sisters Country and beyond for his depictions of the historical West in media including oil paintings and hand-burned etchings in leather.
"Always wanted one of my own, I guess," said Godby of his decision to open a studio and gallery. "I've been working in here a little bit. I've been painting at home and I'll probably start painting here a little bit."
Godby's leatherwork has become more and more of a signature.
"I got ahold of one of those fancy burning tools," he said. "I just like the feel of it and the look of it. And while you're burning it smells like you're at a branding all day, which isn't bad. Without all the blood and dirt and heat."
The artist is no stranger to the real thing when it comes to branding and other aspects of ranch life. He was raised on ranches in Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon, where he developed a deep love and understanding for horses. He rodeoed in his younger days, so he comes by his insight into Western life from the inside.
Godby's leatherwork depicts horses, Western scenes and Indian life. He collaborates with David Holmes of Three Ponies Saddlery on some of his work, particularly large furniture pieces, from a privacy screen to a bar. He has also created wall hangings on an entire side of cowhide.
The technique is satisfying but demanding.
"It's kinda like drawing with a pencil - except you can't make any mistakes," he said.
Godby's paintings are also in demand. He recently issued several prints - the first he's done in a few years.
And his artistry also extends to songwriting and performing.
"I went to Nashville a couple of weeks ago and did an album," he said.
Godby enjoys visiting with folks who come into the gallery.
"I get to show the work; I get to meet people and talk about the work," he said.
People are interested in his cowboy background - and he's interested in their stories, too.
"It's fun to meet people from all over the world who come to this town," he said.
Godby feels that his gallery is an apt addition to Sisters' burgeoning art scene - a conviction he states in his quiet, self-effacing cowboy drawl.
"It's a Western town," he said. "They needed a lot of cowboys and Indians hanging around, I guess."
For more information visit www.dyrkgodby.com or call 208-761-1493.
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
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