ABOUT THE ARTIST
I thank God I live in the American West and was born and raised here. I have had a burning passion for the west, its lifestyles and history since I can remember. I enjoy the strength and beauty of bronze to portray the images I am inspired to sculpt.
There is an old native saying I love, " When the legends die there are no more dreams, when the dreams die there is no more greatness." My hope and belief is that through God's grace my art is a portrayal and telling of such things as legend. To show the richness of our western heritage and inspire dreams of our future that lead to greatness in this life.
- Pat Zabel
MORE ABOUT PATRICK
Patrick is a 5th generation native of Routt County, Colorado. Born in Steamboat Springs in 1959. His great great grandfather, on his mother's side, settled in Steamboat while working on the blasting crew that forged the way for the laying of the Moffat railway. His grandfather on his father's side, moved his family to the coal mining camp of Mount Harris, Colorado from Smith Center, Kansas, in the 1930's. He worked in the sawmill that provided the timbers for the underground mine.
Patrick started his sculpting career at a very young age and was in awe of the works of men like Charlie Russell, Curtis Zabel ( his uncle), Will James and many others. Real cowboy artists who realistically portray the lifestyle and experiences they have lived. Patrick studied these artists and their styles with a passion. Growing up with a passion and dream of the west, old and new, he worked on ranches, cowboy'd,..trained horses and worked as a guide on hunting and pack trips in the mountains and canyons of northwest Colorado.
The rodeo "dream" grabbed hold of Patrick at the age of 13. He rode bareback broncs in little britches, high school and the PRCA, leaving home after high school to hit the rodeo trail Patrick is educated in biblical theology and has studied, trained in and taught tracking and wilderness survival. He endeavors to put the feeling of his life experiences into his sculptures. Having studied Native American lifestyles and some native language he has had a lifelong admiration for his native friends. The seclusion of the American west holds a sacred place in Patrick's heart. Born to it and living in it he loves it.
