What do exploration geophysics and bronze sculpting have in common?

R. Scott Nickell, that's what.

Both occupations are on Nickell's resume, the latter being his current profession.  

When Scott speaks of his transition from oil to sculpting about 10 years ago he's talking about oil - he worked for the petroleum company Exxon in Texas as an Exploration Geophysicist before turning his attentions to oil-based clay.

Scott's work in bronze gives new meaning to the work "meticulous" ("Too many engineering courses in college," he said).  Known for his figures of cowboys, cowgirls, and Native American men and women, no fringe, bead or feather is considered a minor task.

Despite his "brand" - a capital "N" topped with a backwards tilde or lazy "S" - few could call Nickell slack.  An ardent student of Native American history, Nickell spends on average a month researching a subject before he starts to sculpt.  He often centers a piece around a particular article of clothing.  Once he begins the process he takes no shortcuts, at one time spending a solid month applying 25,000 beads to a figure.  

Scott and his wife Marsha frequently travel to the Southwest to visit  reservations.  "We got into the collecting end of it, and it all fell together.  Early on everyone was sculpting cowboys and Indians on horseback, but I really enjoy the standing figure.

Native Americans who visit the gallery appreciate his pieces.

"They like that I don't make it up as I go along.  They are tired of the Indians fighting Indians or the Indian fighting soldier sculptures.  They like the proud standing figures showing off their art in their clothing."

Scott's attention to detail pays off when collectors see his work and recognize the tribe from the beadwork.  One collector looked at a Nickell sculpture and immediately said, "Oh, I know that war shirt I've read an article on it."

Scott's depictions of Native American clothing complement the original artifacts.  One collector has a Nickell sculpture title "Spotted Fawn" which wears a Northern Cheyenne dress on a pedestal beside the original artifact.

"It's a window into the past to see figures wearing these pieces," he said.  "It really brings them to life."

Scott works his historical wonders with modern means.  Recently, he bought Native American beaded gauntlets over the Internet from another Artist in New York to use on his newest sculpture "Leather & Grace" a twenties era cowgirl.

It is the art world's good fortune that he left the oil fields of Texas for a new field in the studio.

"I never dreamed I'd be doing this", he said.  "You never know where life's going to take you.  Just enjoy the ride".

Here is Scott & Marsha Nickell with collectors Lyle & Sharon Waggoner.

Here is the July 2002 - Southwest Art Magazine article by Alice Herrin on sculpture where  Scott was one of the artist highlighted.