Bobbie Carlyle, a sculptor who has crossed two millennia and several decades, embodies the essence of modern artistry. Her journey in art is deeply intertwined with her personal experiences and family life. As a mother of seven and a grandmother, Bobbie has always found inspiration in the world around her, channeling her experiences into her bronze sculptures. She earned her degree in Fine Arts from Brigham Young University, a feat she accomplished while raising her large family, demonstrating her dedication and love for art and sculpture.
Living life to the fullest, Bobbie Carlyle sees the positive in every situation and learns from it. This perspective is mirrored in her art, where inner strength, depth, and intelligence shine through. Bobbie’s sculptures are not just pieces of art; they are reflections of her journey and her outlook on life. She has studied under many prominent artists, drawing influence from Leonardo Bistolfi, Solon and Gutzon Borglum, Daniel Chester French, and Michelangelo. This diverse array of influences has allowed her to develop a style that ranges from classical to art nouveau to contemporary, yet always distinctly Bobbie.
The essence of Bobbie Carlyle’s sculpture is captured in the words “bold strength” and “provocative intelligence.” Her subjects are diverse, ranging from figurative to liturgical, wildlife to western, with sizes from maquette to monumental. Bobbie excels at capturing the crux of the moment and the inspiration behind each idea, presenting it dynamically and uniquely.
One of Bobbie’s works is “Sunriser,” a bronze sculpture that epitomizes the themes of renewal and rebirth. “Sunriser” began as a design for a competition held by the National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL), which sought a solar-themed piece of art for an award. Bobbie took the seed of this idea and transformed it into a female Phoenix, an iconic symbol representing power and renewal throughout history.
The sculpture “Sunriser” embodies the essence of the Phoenix, rising from its ashes to signify new beginnings and the cyclical nature of life. In January 2021, Lifetime Fitness Center commissioned an enlargement of the original 8-foot-tall version, expanding it to a monumental 15 feet high by 8 feet wide. This double-sided relief was to be mounted off a window wall in their new building, a project that required the collaboration of many bright minds and strong hands.
The journey to create the enlarged “Sunriser” was not without challenges. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant delays, shutting down most businesses involved in the project. Despite these obstacles, the project became a symbol of perseverance and collaboration. Bobbie herself drove the completed bronze sculpture from Loveland, Colorado, where she lives near the bronze foundries, to Walnut Creek, California. This thousand-mile journey underscored her commitment to her art and the realization of her vision.
Bobbie Carlyle’s work is a testament to her bold strength and provocative intelligence. Her sculptures are more than just art; they are stories and experiences cast in bronze.
Her dedication to her craft, even while balancing the demands of a large family, speaks to her inner strength and passion for art. Bobbie’s work continues to inspire and provoke thought, challenging viewers to see the beauty in strength and the power of renewal.
As Bobbie Carlyle welcomes visitors to her official site, she invites them into a world where art meets life, and every sculpture tells a story of bold strength and provocative intelligence.
