MIKE WINDSOR

HILL COUNTRY ARTIST LOOKS TO "BEST FRIEND" FOR INSPIRATION

Rambler, a 3-year old Lab, poses for series of bronze sculptures

CLIFTON, TX -- Whenever Mike Windsor heads into his Texas Hill Country studio to work, chances are Rambler, his yellow Labrador Retriever isn’t far behind. That’s a good thing because Rambler provides the inspiration for Windsor to create a series of bronze sculptures to which anyone who loves dogs, especially
Labs, can relate.

Mike’s sculpture depicts Labs doing what Labs do so well. The first, "Takin’ It Easy," is of a dog taking an afternoon nap. Windsor’s second piece, "A Noise in the Night," is of two Labs, one lying with head erect as if on alert while the other remains asleep except for one eye, which is open "just in case," Windsor explains, "Some mischief is afoot." The third piece, of a Lab leaping into water, is called "Water Dog." Then there is a series of three individual "Puppy Weights" depicting puppies at play. “Early Encounters” and “Not My Good Boots” recreate typical puppy-like situations and “No Place To Hide” depicts the mature hunting dog at the
height of its glory.

A West Texas native, Windsor spent much of his career in Dallas, where he earned a reputation as a top Graphic Designer. He and his wife, Sandra, had always loved the Texas Hill Country. A few years ago they traded the city life for a more peaceful atmosphere and time to sculpt and reflect on the lives of dogs.

"Labs are such special dogs," Windsor says, "and people who own a Lab must be special too. There is a reason why the Lab is the most popular breed in America.”