Bryan Bortnem is a local sculptor from the Black Hills. He
lives in Rutland and also works as a jeweler in Brookings. Bortnem has been working
as an artist since 1976, when he began making scrimshaw on a bunch of different
materials. Scrimshaw is when an artist makes pictures in different materials by
carving or using colored designs. Bryan is a self-taught artist. His work can be found in a lot of galleries
around the Hills.
The materials he uses the most are torn paper, stone, and
bone. His sculptures are made out of either Black Hills alabaster or Cheyenne
River sandstone. Bortnem is also an accomplished gold and silversmith, and he
makes handmade necklaces with those materials. Bryan’s work is not just limited
to sculpting. He also paints and makes shaman necklaces and crafts using eagle
feathers and silver. All of his works are
modern interpretations of traditional or tribal designs.
To see some of his art you can go to http://www.artistsoftheblackhills.com and click on his name.
To see some of his art you can go to http://www.artistsoftheblackhills.com and click on his name.
