Clifton Ray Cheek, a resident of Poplar, Montana, was raised on Montana's Fort Peck Indian Reservation. He was born in Kentucky in 1937, and became keenly interested in the tradition of pioneer and Indian life in the Old West when he moved to the reservation. Mr. Cheek honed his artistic skills through hands-on experience, exposure to the Native environment of the Sioux-Assiniboine nations and the rigors of ranching. His early works consisted of pen and ink drawings, watercolors and oil paintings.

In 1978, Mr. Cheek developed a keen interest in sculpting. Included among his sculpting media are clay, wax, wood and poly form. These models form the basis for limited editions figures cast in bronze. Mr. Cheek's bronzes have been awarded both national and international acclaim and rest in the corporate offices and the private homes in England and the Orient as well as the US. He won his first art award at age 12, with his pen and ink drawings. His studio is 20 miles north of Brockton, Montana and has no electricity or running water.

Source:
Jan Tucker, Information from Gainsbourough Galleries, Kallispel MT