Thus One Goes to the Stars…
A Latin phrasing often referring to immortality… “thus one goes to the stars : such is the way to immortality”
I’m not sure how I ran across the photo online… but I found myself looking at one of the most exceptional statues I’ve ever seen. I was determined to find it when I went to Laramie, and I did!
My most favorite bronze remains the one just outside the famous End of Trail statue at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. While EoT is massive and emotional, the small statue outside is the one I love. I never can find a photo of it, but I know it exists! It depicts Little People hiding under a creek bank from a Native American brave who thinks he has heard something. Now, Little People have always fascinated me… and my mom even told me her dad would warn her to behave or “the Little People would come take her away”. Don’t be thinking leprechauns or sweet fairies… the Little People of Native American mythology (remember my grandfather was 3/4 Choctaw) were small, strong, and mean. (I’ve wanted to write a story about them for YEARS). OK, I’m getting off topic!
I’ve found my second favorite statue… and it’s giving those Little People a run for their money!!!!
It’s called Breakin’ Through.
Depicted is a 1920’s cowgirl… grinning as all get out… knowing she’s riding the horse her brother couldn’t ride (according to the artist). She’s decked out in silk shirt, fancy gauntlets, spurs, belt, and hat band.
This appeals to me on sooooo many levels.
Come to find out, the artist, D. Michael Thomas is from Buffalo… and is the artist who did the famous Chris LeDoux statue over in Kaycee.
She’s sixteen feet tall. The stone wall is twenty five.
Why the University doesn’t have a Wyoming Cowgirls t-shirt with this on it, is beyond me… C’mon, the front view on the front of the t-shirt and …
… the back view on the back of the t-shirt??? Dang… I’d buy a few!
I just like everything about this… kudos to the artist, and the University, and the mother/daughter team that made it happen!
*** There’s a nice Wyoming PBS story about the artist available online.
*** Unfortunately, the Wyoming Cowgirls lost to Arizona at the WNIT basketball tournament today. We’re still mighty proud they made it to the semifinals!
Find me here!
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That is stunning!
That is an amazing and meaningful statue! Thanks for posting it, and I agree that it would be great to have a photo of that printed on T-shirts and sweatshirts to sell at the bookstore there.
That is an awesome statue!
Amazing. Yep. A T-shirt would be great.
Very interesting and TOTALLY unique! I hope to see it someday. Enjoyed perusing D. Michael Thomas’ website, too. Thanks!!
I’ve been to Laramie many times, but I’ve never even known about this statue! I’ll for sure find it on my next visit this spring! Thanks!
It’s only a few years old…
Incredible.
I see it’s on campus but it’s been a few years. Is this on the NE corner of campus?
Right by the main entrance to War Memorial Stadium on 22nd Street.