ARTIST’S STATEMENT

”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 I the 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 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."

PROFILE

Célou Bonnet grew up surrounded by the beauty of Provence. Born in Carpentras, France… Her grandfather, classically trained as an artist, had asmall house near Aix-en-Provence in the village of Vauvenargues. She remembers visiting the home of Picasso for whom her grandfather worked. In her hometown of Carpentras, she visited a home where Degas vacationed. "At the time, I did not know how much my childhood would later influence my artwork," remarks Célou, "but given where I grew up, I can hardly deny that I was not influenced by the beauty ofthe region."
In 1981, Célou moved to California to work for the famed thoroughbred racehorse trainer Charlie Whittingham. She continued to ride horses, however, it was her move to Fallbrook in the winter of 1984 when she finally realized her artistic destiny - to create sculpture in bronze. She learned the technique of working with bronze from Bill Yancy at the Hammerman foundry in Escondido. She perfected her impressionistic style in the spirit of Degas. "There is something in the movement of horses that can only be expressed in the form of an impression. It is that ephemeral moment, when we catch a glimpse of their spirit, that I am trying to express in my artwork." In 1999, Célou was honored with the distinction of " Artists of the Year" by the Fallbrook Art Association. Célou's sculptures are in place throughout the state of California in many public and private displays.
On September 23, 200, Célou Bonnet became an American citizen.