Steve Kestrel

Sculptor Steve Kestrel was born in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and grew up in the southern New Mexican desert. He attended Eastern New Mexico University to study natural science and Colorado State University to study veterinary medicine. He eventually switched his major to studio art but, dissatisfied with the art instruction, he never finished his degree. Instead, he was mentored by New Mexico sculptor Boris Gilbertson. Kestrel learned the method of direct carving while working as an apprentice to Gilbertson and still uses the tools he inherited from his teacher. Today, Kestrel lives and works on his ranch in Redstone Canyon, Colorado, and many of his animal sculptures are made from rocks that he scavenges from the property. Kestrel’s sculptures are distinctive because of their organic and natural forms, as he allows the final product to be informed by the characteristics of the stone. The artist also works occasionally in bronze.