Clayfolk Show! This is Shirley Usher: Oogy

This is Day 9 of 13 of my Clayfolk Art Show exhibit! I started with Lorene Senesac, Rhonda Hampton, Steve Kirkland, Bruce Finch, Vera Rogers, Jan Lacy, Cheryl Kempner, and CJ June.

Tonight's featured artist is Shirley Usher! Talk about one enormously talented animal sculpter!! WOW!! Shirley's artwork is detailed and gorgeous, and she is able to create realistic or whimsical styles with equal perfection. I especially love the touch of Dr. Suess I see in many of her pieces, and yet, she has a style all her own.

Unfortunately, every time I went by Shirley's booth in the hopes to speak with her, she was elsewhere, but my husband did get to talk to her and he assured me that she was fine with me taking pictures. He related that Shirley is a warm, friendly person who loves animals--so much in fact, that she donates a portion of her artwork income to animal rescue organizations! I'm so sorry I didn't get to say hello, as Shirley impresses me greatly in all regards.

Are you wondering about this cool sculpture? The story behind it is remarkable: Oogy is a real dog who was used as a Pit Bull bait animal. He was found nearly dead with the left side of his face bitten off, and yet miraculously, he lived and is now a very happy dog with a family who loves him with all their hearts. This story makes me cry from sorrow and even more from joy...

There are two links here that I hope you will visit. This is a web page about Oogy: www.mainlinerescue.com/advocacy/dog-fighting/

Here is a YouTube video all about Oogy: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfvxk_n6lgA

Finally, if you are interested, there is a book about Oogy too! www.amazon.com/Oogy-Only-Family-Could-Love/dp/0446546313

I have 7 images of Shirley's artwork here and I hope you take the time to visit each one, as they are all beautifully detailed, unforgettable pieces which should not be missed!

If you would like to contact Shirley Usher, you can reach her by phone: 541.846.6043

This image was taken on November 19, 2011 at the Clayfolk Show & Sale in Medford, Oregon. For more information about Clayfolk, please visit their website: www.clayfolk.org/