Born in Germany and raised in Australia, Mick Doellinger has called the U.S. home since 2003. For over 40 years Mick has focused his time & energies on sculpting; beginning with more scientific sculpting of the mannikins used in the taxidermy industry, to now solely immersing himself in the creation of fine art sculpture, Mick’s subjects span the globe and highlight his varied interests.
“My earlier work was much more literal, but over time I’ve preferred to not ‘overwork’ the clay. With this looser style, collectors of my work will continue to notice something they hadn’t seen before, even if it’s just a partial fingerprint or smudge. These slight ‘imperfections’ are a reminder of the hands-on sculpting process, kept frozen in the finished bronze.”
Doellinger strives to capture “the essence” of an animal, and hopes viewers will connect with his sculptures in some way, noticing the subtle nuances of the shape, motion or character in each piece.
“For me, it’s less about creating a perfect replica of an animal, and more about sculpting a narrative or moment in time.”
Mick’s lifelong accumulation of in-depth knowledge of animals has given him unique insights into their anatomy, movements and behavior. From his many years of rodeo, commercial butchering, guiding & wildlife management, Doellinger believes his time in the field, studying the subjects & environments they occupy, is critical to his creative process.
“Although I’ve been sculpting most of my life, I continue to be inspired by new possibilities and feel my best years are still ahead.”
Awards:
* 2024 – Bronze Medal – National Sculpture Society / 91st Annual Juried Exhibition
* 2023 – Bronze Medal – Animal Art Paris Exhibition / Paris France
* 2023 – Marion & Gilbert Roller Memorial Award – National Sculpture Society / 90th Annual Juried Exhibition
* 2023 – People’s Choice – National Sculpture Society / TX–OK Juried Exhibition
* 2022 – Award for Most Outstanding & Creative 3D Work -Society of Animal Artists / 62 nd Annual Exhibition
* 2021 – Bob Kuhn Wildlife Award – Autry Museum / Masters of the American West Exhibition / Los Angeles, CA
* 2020 – Gold Metal Sculpture Award – Autry Museum / Masters of the American West Exhibition
* 2020 – Marion & Gilbert Roller Memorial Award – National Sculpture Society / 87 th Annual Juried Exhibition
* 2019 – Award of Excellence – Society of Animal Artists / 59 th Annual Juried Exhibition
* 2019 – Artists Choice – Briscoe Museum Night of Artists Exhibition / San Antonio, TX
* 2014 – Award of Excellence – NatureWorks / Tulsa, OK
* 2012 – Award of Excellence – Hiram Blauvelt Museum / Society of Animal Artists / 52 nd Annual Exhibition
* 2012 – Purchase Award – Hiram Blauvelt Museum / Society of Animal Artists / 52 nd Annual Exhibition
* 2010 – John Spring Art Founder Award – National Sculpture Society / 77 th Annual Exhibition
* 1999 – Excellence in Sculpture Award – Walk on the Wildside Exhibition / Victoria, Australia
* 1998 – Kodak Award – Wildlife Art Society of Australasia / Melbourne, Australia
* 1997 – Best Animal – Queensland Wildlife Art Society Exhibition/ Brisbane, Australia
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Museum Collections:
* 2023 – Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum / Cuero, TX “Headin’ North” – life sized longhorn steer
* 2022 – Briscoe Western Art Museum / San Antonio, Texas “Annoyed” – Alaskan Moose
* 2021 – Booth Museum / Cartersville, Georgia “The Getaway” – Whitetail Deer
* 2017 – Wonders of Wildlife Museum / Springfield, Missouri “Brute Force” – Black Rhino
* 2012 – Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum / Oradell, New Jersey “In the Shadows” – Kudu
* 2010 – Bennington Center for the Arts / Bennington, Vermont “Old Lonesome” – Bison
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Public Art:
* 2023 – St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office / St. Lucie, FL “K-9 Service” 1.25 life sized Malinois dog
* 2019 – Punahou School / Honolulu, Hawaii “Sparky” 1.25 life sized sitting lab
* 2018 – Bolen Public Safety Complex / Fort Worth, Texas “K-9 Service” 1.25 life sized Malinois dog
* 2015 – University of Texas Golf Club / Austin, Texas “Headin’ North” life size longhorn steer
* 2015 – University of Houston Stadium / Houston, Texas “Coach Bill Yeoman” 8ft football coach
* 2006 – Crowley Deer Crossing / Crowley, Texas “Airborne” 1.5 life sized white tail
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Professional Associations:
* California Art Club / Elected – SIGNATURE MEMBER
* National Sculpture Society / Elected – FELLOW
* Society of Animal Artists / Elected – SIGNATURE MEMBER
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