Elizabeth Guarisco’s horse bronzes

The horse is, of itself, a magnificent creation - an inspiration to artists since man first discovered its existence. To portray the animal in a strictly realistic physical image is powerful enough - for just its natural beauty inspires man to reflect on the miracle of nature. As an artist, Elizabeth is compelled to go further, to convey “beyond” what the eye sees - for the horse also lends itself itself very well to a more creative expression and interpretation. The image of the horse is not only an excellent means of exploring form, but also of expressing emotions that mirror man’s. Titles of Elizabeth’s bronzes such as “Dignity of Labor”, “Spirit of Competition”, and “Final Turn” all speak equally as much of human endeavor as they do of the equine subject.

The artist’s understanding of horse anatomy and character comes from a multi-faceted interaction with them. A childhood with horses as backyard pets first made her aware of their gentleness and serene beauty. English equitation, jumping, dressage and foxhunting in Middleburg Virginia, gave her an in-depth understanding of their anatomy and movement. The rider is taught to become “one” with the horse, and this gave her an unparalleled insight into the kind of power and suppleness, the source of impulsion, and the degree of gymnastic agility they possess. Summers of observation and study at the Saratoga racetrack proved to be invaluable for learning about anatomy and the horse in motion. An art history major in college and graduate school has also given her an understanding of how to translate the image of a horse into an art form.