Célou Bonnet

Celou Bonnet

It was my love of horses that brought me to the United States in 1978. Prior to that time, I had always been interested in art and sculpting, but my passion for horses was always my first priority. Then when the thoroughbred racing stable that I worked for moved to the United States, I was given the opportunity to accompany my beloved horses. It was here in America that I finally understood the true meaning of freedom. There are more opportunities and fewer barriers for women in United States than in Europe. Upon my arrival, I was encouraged to apply for my trainer’s license and pursue a career in art – something that would have been impossible for me to do while living in France. I love the country of my birth and visit my family and friends often, but I have made the United States my home and I choose to celebrate this choice with my artwork. Every experience I have had in my life is reflected in my artwork. The beauty and nobility of the countless horses I have worked with, the country of my birth and the country I adopted as an adult – all meld together to create an experience that is evident in my sculptures. I work in bronze because there is tremendous life and strength in this medium – Not unlike the tremendous life and strength of the horses I’ve ridden. For years, I communicated to horses through the subtle gesture of my hands. Now I am using my hands to communicate through my artwork.