WEST ROCK ART METAL - Casey / Iron War Horse

Casey / Iron War Horse

Casey the Iron War Horse came into the world in a way far more rudimentary than even that of a marsupial. His life commenced ironically even before his lengthy gestation period, beginning with a girth composed of an ancient roll of wire fencing, forming his torso. Pistons and control arms welded securely, forming lifelike hooves and leg ligaments, Casey was standing on his own. Equipped with an old saddle, twisted strands of fence wire and a lightning rod for a tail, the sheer magnificence of the eclectic entity began to emerge. From many additional steely appendages acquired from yard sale to junk yard Casey developed mass and strength.

Ruta Wilson, sculptor of this ever evolving equine, spent weeks scavenging for just the right parts to complete the head. Handsaw blades formed the rugged, handsome cheeks while horseshoes fashioned smooth, muscular lips and an old bridle was fitted to the muzzle. The grille from a Case tractor formed the robust rib cage, boldly reminding us that the horse was the tractor, and the tractor is the horse after all.

A year of development later, using parts of all vintages, some known and some unknown, Casey finally emerged on July 1, 2011, just in time for Canada Day. One unrelated, surgically welded transplant after another eventually transformed what had begun as a simple concept into a proud, hearty war horse worthy of representing the Canadian Mounted Rifles. Today Casey conveys a sense of flair and dignity, an extension of the artist's own endearing qualities.

Casey / Iron War Horse