This bronze sculpture, “Knees Up”, by Barbara Beretich is magnificent. It depicts a woman leaning back on her hands with her knees up. Her facial features are undefined as her head is tilted slightly upwards. The patina is a beautiful deep and rich green/ teal, complimenting the ambiguity of the piece. Perfect sized sculpture for a powder room or beside a bed, this piece will definitely receive much attention.
During her younger years in California, Beretich’s family raised multiple animals including hogs, cows, sheep and horses, influencing her artwork. Her work is very versatile including equine, other animals, human figures and abstract work. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a BA in art. The following year Beretich spent time in Europe where she met and became lifelong friends with French artist, Francoise Gilot. Later, she moved to Claremont CA where she earned an MFA in sculpture and became one of the major influences among the “Claremont School” of artists. Later in her life she established her home based gallery in Claremont and featured specialty work by other Claremont artists. Her home gallery was given historical-site status by the city of Claremont CA.
