When Hippocrates penned these words over 2300 years ago, he was reflecting on the nature of time in relationship to one's craft. I believe he spoke regarding any craft—anything we strive to do well. Often these words are simply translated as meaning, "art is long, life is short." Our time is finite, and yet what we create has the potential to reach beyond time's threshold. To pursue any "art" therefore is a worthy cause that reflects our cultures, societies, and the craftsman's mind. To spend our time well, and become good at what we do.

Being fortunate to grow up among a family of creators and adventure seekers has provided much fuel for my craft. Sculpture was not always the intended voice. Many things preempted it: film, photography, piloting submarines, construction, years at sea, and working as a wildlife guide, to mention a few of the more notable pursuits. A childhood spent in the tropical waters of Bermuda, followed by teenage years in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, fostered a deep sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around me. Later, Oceania and Central America were added to the mix. Often, the many experiences I have been fortunate enough to have seem unrelated until they somehow come together while working on a piece of sculpture.

Pursuing sculpture has become a passion that I honestly never saw coming. My father, Walter Horton, was a sculptor, and it was only after his sudden passing that I truly began to understand the depth sculpture can provide for a storyteller working with clay. To hold a conversation with other artists through the medium of sculpture is one of the greatest opportunities I see in creating a piece of work. The how and why of accomplishing this requires study, work, and patience. I realized long ago that there is no perfect sculpture because, in the act of creating one piece, your knowledge and skills prepare you for advancement in the next. The idea of endless progression excites me to no end. I hope those who view my work can see that and appreciate it as much as I do.

Much of my work is inspired by the animals and wild places that have shaped my life. I am fascinated by the personality, movement, and spirit found in the natural world, and I strive to capture those qualities in bronze. Whether portraying a playful bear cub, an alert owl, or a powerful predator, my goal is not simply to recreate an animal's likeness, but to tell a story and evoke an emotional connection. If a sculpture encourages someone to pause, smile, remember an experience, or see the world a little differently, then I feel I have succeeded.

I truly hope you enjoy viewing the results of my craft.

Jesse Horton