2016 Prix de West Collector's Bolo: Quail Call by Ross Matteson

Ross Matteson’s 2016 Prix de West bolo, Quail Call, is based on his sold-out 1999 bronze of the same name. One of the reasons he chose this piece for reference, he said, is because the “iconic profile” of this cock California quail invites being framed in a circle. Additionally, the quail is signature subject matter in his portfolio.

Aside from these considerations, however, Matteson chose the California quail because, for him, it evokes the “life, smells, and sounds of the West.”

“This handsome little game bird’s range includes much of California, Oregon, and Washington,” he said. “A covey of quail almost requires a beautiful landscape, a perfect habitat that provides its needed food and shelter.

“In the morning or evening, a perfectly feathered cock bird will daringly expose himself on a fencepost to announce his presence and domain with a classic ‘quail call,’” Matteson said, “and then, almost as if he has surprised himself by his sheer audacity in the presence of numerous predators, jump down to the ground and comically scurry off as though embarrassed for what he might bring down on the covey.”

Thus, Quail Call “honors the ‘beautiful, meek and comical’ as profoundly important in creation,” Matteson said, “and in my view of the West.”

Yet there was another important consideration that went into the design of Quail Call: those wearing the bolo. Light weight; fun to touch; comfortable to wear; and safe while giving hugs – all were design criteria for the project because, for Matteson, it’s the people involved who make Prix de West so special.

“True friendships are nurtured in this community of staff, management, patrons, visitors, and artists,” he said. “Authentic, unique, hard-earned, original discoveries are honored. What a privilege to see the spirit of these ideas tangibly expressed right here on earth!”

Being asked to produce the 2016 Prix de West bolo was, for Matteson, a license to explore ideas, which he considers one of the greatest privileges of being an artist. “I am not alone among Prix de West artists in my curiosity to explore a wide range of media and scale,” he said. “In fact, some of my very first sculptures, and some of my most expensive ‘sculptures,’ are one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces.

“It is really a comfortable pleasure to be invited to design a piece of jewelry for Prix de West – the 2016 bolo.”

The Collectors' Bolo tradition began in 1986.

Add to your collection of our Prix de West bolos or start your collection today! These bolos are replicas of the original artwork. Each bolo comes with a braided horsehair bolo tie.

Discounts are not available for this item.