He'll tell you he hasn't done it yet.
That's the artist in him talking but for hundreds of people and business
interests who own a Chytka bronze, his best work graces their living rooms,
conference tables and public display areas.
There are few artists whose work has garnered such high audience visibility;
whether you're driving down South Dakota Highway 34 or visiting the Pro Rodeo
Hall of Fame in Colorado, chances are you will see a Chytka bronze in some form
and in a broad range of settings. It's that kind of depth in presentations that
sets him apart as an artisan.
And it's a certain depth of feeling he shares that puts him squarely behind
the Black Hills Stock Show Foundation - an organization that Chytka has donated
his work to for the past six years. "It's all about being connected in
certain ways," he observes. "Over the years, I've come to know a lot
of the people and families that Foundation programs have made a difference to.
That makes a difference to me."
His work has made a difference to the Foundation.
"One of our more successful fundraising events, the Western Auction,
enjoys the interest it does because of support from people like Tony," says
event chairman John Johnson. "Especially in the first years of the auction,
when the Foundation needed help in establishing the event as a credible
representation of well known works, Tony was the first to come forward with a
five year commitment - every piece donated."
Chytka, who says he's "hung and rattled" plenty (a reference to his
days in rodeo) now considers himself as, "living out my lifetime again ....
through my work."
Which essentially begins in his mind and materializes through his hands.
"I don't sketch much. I do a lot of the designing in the sculpture itself.
What I begin with isn't necessarily what I finish with. It evolves."
Twenty years of 'evolving' now sees his One Horse Studios in a single,
convenient location near Belle Fourche, SD and much of his time spent creating
both private and commissioned pieces. And limited edition work such as his
"First Milk" creation - five of which he presented to the Foundation.
"It's through my work, that I can channel support towards the Foundation's
service work."
As to what's next to come out of his studio, it's a one-of-one creation for
the Foundation's 2002 Western Auction, set for Wed., January 30 during the
Stockman's Banquet and Ball at the Ramkota in Rapid City.
"The Foundation is always looking for ways to bring new dynamics to its
fund raisers," he notes. "So I returned to a concept I had used some
years ago in the medium of fired ceramic with one change - this one will be in
bronze. But similar to that earlier medium, there will be no copies. I'll do the
model in wax that I can burn out of the shell and I'll cast from that. There
will be no mold involved."
The question begs to be asked as to what exactly he is creating in this
single, original piece. Chytka's playing that close to the chest saying only,
"No one will know that until it's presented. I will say it won't be a
sculpture so big that it will limit who can bid - everybody will be able to get
into it."
There is one more thing he's willing to say; the title of the bronze
...."Cattle Baron".
See you at the auction.
For more information on how to support the Foundation's scholarship programs
through the Western Auction and what services are provided through a Foundation
membership, call 605-718-0810. Advance bids can be placed with auction event
chairman, John Johnson at 605-347-2562.
Email: foundation@blackhillsstockshowfoundation.com
and see more Western Auction details on the web at: www.blackhillsstockshowfoundation.com
