About the Artist

Michael J. Boyce, a world-renowned hunter, taxidermist, second-generation artist, and long-time resident of Nevada, was a sculptor and painter of both the human and wildlife form. Exploring life's journey, Boyce was led to art as a silent expression of his passion. His philosophy on art was routed in its significant role throughout human history. For him, art was the thread through which we are connected to our ancient human ancestors, as it is found among the remnants of the first human civilizations. At a time when 99% of human efforts were geared towards survival, the human spirit still felt the necessity to express itself artistically. The paintings and sculptures that Michael created represent a deep exploration into human nature, as well as our relationship with our planet and its wildlife. “This connection to the land and to the earth represents the foundation to any art that I do.” Boyce believed that there was a delicate dance taking place between those three elements, each one depending on the other for survival. He recognized that while we live in a modern age filled with endless technological advancements, the human struggle remains. Through his sculptures, Boyce embraced this human condition, encouraging others to both accept it and learn from it.

Boyce originally delved into taxidermy in the mid ‘80s from his desire to bring the beauty of nature and the experience of the hunt indoors, yet his innate artistic drive (his father was a painter and commercial artist during Boyce’s youth) always begged more of him. In the late ‘90s he began sculpting, and then expanded his repertoire into painting as well. “It was like I was let out of school, he said. To me it’s all art. I’m like a kid around nature.” Noting the deep influence of wildlife artist Bob Kuhn, Boyce sought to capture the grace, movement, and profound respect for animals and that is evident in his paintings and bronze sculptures. “Michael was a real renaissance man in many ways, the market did not drive who he was or the art he created,” says Peter Stremmel, owner of Reno’s Stremmel Gallery and partner in the Coeur d’Alene Art Auction.

Boyce’s legacy of artistic works all adheres to a universal component: his appreciation for the beauty of creation. “The creative spark is infinite. If you feed it, it will take you places you had no idea you would ever go. It’s a wonderful journey full of surprises.”