Tom Hjorleifson

Canmore

Bubo (Great Horned Owl) bronze 2/10 $7900	Great Horned Owl bronze back view	Vertical Limit (Mountain Goat) bronze 4/10 $7900
Wind Dancer (Raven) 26"x19" Bronze 3/10 $8900	Wind Dancer (detail)	Turning Point (Grizzly) 2/12 bronze $7400
Black Bear clay on limestone $1600	Small Brown Bear clay on limestone $1000	Grizzly Lookout clay on Rundle Rock $1400
The Waiting Game (Cougar) clay on limestone $1600	Contender (Big Horn Ram) Clay on Rundle Rock $2000	I Spy (Lynx) clay on natural stone $1900

Biography

Tom Hjorleifson understands the art of wildlife viewing. Born in Winnipeg, he spent his childhood on remote camping trips in the Lake of the Woods area. "I grew up watching wildlife", says Tom. "I've had close encounters with bears and other animals my whole life." Canoeing, trekking, climbing and skiing became a means for the highlight of the adventure: wildlife viewing.

Today Tom uses his well-honed observation skills to create one of a kind wildlife sculptures in clay and bronze. One look at his work and the viewer instantly recognizes his deep familiarity with these wild animals.

It all started when Tom's two small boys received a box of clay for Christmas, and Tom joined them as they experimented with the clay. When the afternoon was over, Tom was surprised by his own efforts. "My frog looked like a frog. It was time to take my own advice."

Bears, goats, and sheep came to life as Tom carefully formed piece after piece. He joined the Canmore Artists and Artisans Guild in 1992, taking to his new pastime with familiar intensity and passion.  When Tom hikes he is either scanning the horizon for animals or looking for interesting rocks that will serve as a perfect base for a new sculpture. "I used to bring them down from mountain tops," he explains, "but I'm a little smarter now."

Making the transition into bronze has been an important part of his artistic development. Working with an oil-based clay (rather than water-based) gives him time to work through his creative process.

Tom's original hand painted, fired clay sculpture is found in collections from across the street to around the world. His work has been shown in galleries in Edmonton, Calgary, Jasper, Banff, Whistler and Kananaskis.