SCULPTURE

Available Works

SOUND OF MUSIC

18.5hx29.5wx21d Deition of 50

Captain Howard Stansbury led a survey party to Salt Lake in 1849. On July 19 he wrote in his journal: "We passed today --- boxes, bonnets, trunks, wagon wheels, cooking utensils, And in fact, almost every article of household furniture were found along the prairie".

The settlers by the time they reached South Pass (half way point) on the Oregon Trail, their wagons and oxen were worn out. Especially if their wagons were over-loaded.

In this sculpture the broken wagon wheel and a piano tell the story. I have taken the viewpoint of two Sioux warriors who are examining this Strange contraption. When the keys are touched, the ponies and their riders are at attention to the foreign sounds on the quiet prairie.

I reckon a piano would not be hauled with the legs on. However, with a little artist license I see the poor lady insisting on playing it just one more time before abandoning her prize possession to the prairie.

200 Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501

505-984-0015