When words fail: nature, art & meaning | George Bumann | TEDxBozeman

George Bumann talks about his personal unification of art and science through wildlife sculpture, and finding the meaning in his life, while sculpting onstage.

George Bumann, a professional sculptor working in and around Yellowstone National Park, takes an unconventional approach to his art. Though reared in his mother’s New York sculpture studio, he initially turned his back to the arts to pursue a parallel passion–ecology. Later, living in the fabled Lamar Valley of Yellowstone, he was overcome by the depth of experiences that words could not convey. An effort to communicate the indescribable brought him back to the early lessons of the studio. The tug between art and science, in the end, led him on a very personal journey to unify his two worlds. Through his art, George chases the awe and the mystery of wild places and wild beings in pursuit of a deeper sense of what they mean to us, and more importantly what they reveal about us. When not working in his Montana studio, he may be found modeling clay beside a herd of bison, hiking primordial pathways, or scrambling up a tree to avoid an ornery moose.

[benjaminpolley]

George has a gift. He is among the most passionate and eloquent speakers I have ever heard. Keep the music Alive!

[tracybaumann]

One of the best TED talks I have ever seen... The visual of sculpting was a brilliant add. I would imagine sculpting and talking at the same time is difficult. You did it flawlessly, George. Bravo!

[nafsikaeuripi]

He talks like such a dork, he is amazing!