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| the creative way of life
STEFAN SAVIDES

Should you speculate how Stefan Savides became an award winning,
nationally and internationally known, high-end sales, sculptor, you’d
likely never guess the journey started with taxidermy. Twelve-year
old Stefan learned the craft from a retired preacher, taught adults as a
16-year old, and was making his living as a taxidermist in the Klamath
Basin at 18.

He always loved wildlife, influenced by his mother who taught him
about design and balance in nature. His parents were Greek immigrants,
and from his father he learned discipline and practicality. Throughout
life he appreciated art involving birds, and from taxidermy knew their
anatomy. Given his innate sense of art, the transition ten years ago
from taxidermy to sculpture was natural. His home has an enhanced
backyard pond, enabling him to study waterfowl in a natural habitat.

Interestingly, in taxidermy his birds almost have a sculpted look,
although he never changed their nature. His sculptures possess a crea-
tive naturalism.

Some of his works in public spaces include the swirl of terns at Sky
Lakes Medical Center, the pelican in Veterans Park, and two bald eagles
between Upper Klamath Lake and Lakeshore Drive.
www.SavidesSculpture.com

I trust this sampling of local artists has piqued your interest. Check out
what you’ve seen and explore on your own. Be open to new perspec-
tives. Most of all, enjoy!

84 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | summer 2018