Essencia Media: Bernie Jestrabek-Hart

Meridian, Idaho

"I do barbed wire sculpture as a living, so I get to play all the time."

A former equestrian business owner and art teacher, Sculptor Jestrabek-Hart's work can be found in galleries in at least seven states; in numerous institutions from banks to ball fields; in museums; parks; race tracks; resorts; and in private collections.

She works with barbed wire, aluminum and other metals, making many of her pieces life-size. Today, in addition to creating new sculptures, she is teaching her art in classes and workshops.

Jestrabek-Hart's many awards and more pictures of her pieces and her new book, Creating Realistic Works of Art with Barbed Wire can be viewed on her website: www.sculptures-by-bjh.com

"My father didn't think that this was a way to make a viable living. You can't make a living with art....At least that's the old thought. It took me a long time to understand that I really do contribute to the world."