MANE EVENT

Blair C. Dworkin shares her passion for equine sculptures

BY MELISSA HIRSCHL

Horses take center stage in the world of Scottsdale sculptor Blair C. Dworkin, owner of Blair C. Dworkin Fine Art.

For the past seven years, the internationally known artist has meticulously captured the grace and beauty of Arabian horses in bronze. Sleek and elegant, these horses are renowned for their high-set tails, big eyes, and well-angulated hips.

“I became mesmerized with them after attending the Arabian Horse Show in Scottsdale 10 years ago and went back for several days to learn more about the breed and enjoy the beauty of the horses,” Dworkin says.

Her strong patriotism prompted her to create her latest statue, Let Freedom Reign. The intricate sculpture depicts an iconic image of a cowgirl riding an Arabian horse and carrying the flag.

“This piece was totally from my heart,” Dworkin says. “I envisioned a sculpture that would promote unity because there is so much division in the world now. I sought to capture the joy and excitement of rodeos when the horses enter the arena to the national anthem. It was an emotional piece for me.”

Dworkin’s talent had its genesis in her childhood when playing with clay was one of her favorite pastimes. Her love of the medium became a driving force that kept evolving. She began with pottery painting and advanced to open studios that provided the ideal environment to play and experiment. She then made the leap to creating ceramics adorned with horses. Her love for the animals began growing up in Memphis Tennessee, where she learned to ride.

“I found out that my customers preferred bronze for its durability, so I transitioned to that medium. I liked what other artists created, but I wanted to do something different,” she says. “I decided to embed semiprecious stones in some of my pieces and create some kinetic ones, such as Mother and Foal, that capture the tender love between a mother horse and her foal.”

Dworkin received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Cum Laude from the University of Memphis. Her career as an artist and independent graphic designer spans over 20 years.

She has had the prestige of having her pieces displayed at the first Arabian horse show in Beijing, China in 2018. In the US, her sculptures grace the homes of several private collectors, such as Wayne Newton. Dworkin also creates horse-themed jewelry, which can be viewed at On the Edge Gallery in downtown Scottsdale starting this September. Her bronzes are available for private viewings.

Learn more at www.bcdfineart.com.