"Art is my chance to create and celebrate that which is beautiful, noble or important to the human spirit.
It seems for as long as I can remember two things have dominated my thoughts, time and ambitions: horses and art. I was playing at both as
a kid and I am still playing at them as an adult (the more things change the more they stay the same).
I grew up on a cattle ranch in the foothills of Pincher Creek, Alberta. We rode horses before we could walk and grew up with an appreciation
for the people, the creatures, and the way of life that is our western heritage. These have been the inspiration of much of my art and life. My mother tells me that I wanted to do something artistic from the moment they put a pencil in my hand. Art has
been so much a part of my life that I can't imagine life without it.
My career as a bronze artist began in 1979 when I was 25 years old. It was then that I learned the method of bronze casting and with a certain amount of trepidation and a
healthy dose of ambition decided to make my living as a professional artist. With hard work, the support of my family, friends and art dealers, I have been fortunate to have my work collected by people and corporations from many walks of
life.
Dad (Bob Toney) was always a great sportsman so he involved and enkindled an interest in sports in my brother, sister and myself. We skated, skied, fished and golfed from an early age. These activities have often been the subject matter of
many of my sculptures and have found their way into many a sportsman's trophy case.
One of the great joys of my life is my daughter Sheena. She has become the subject of various sculptures. Sheena has from time to time requested or suggested
that I do certain creatures or themes (commissions of the heart). All in all, my art is very autobiographical and my hope is that people will also find a little of themselves in viewing or owning my art.
My wife Verna, Sheena and I live in
Southern Alberta. We have sixty acres where we keep our eight horses and a small herd of cattle. Two dogs and three cats round out the animals and all help make for a rich and full life.
I feel very honoured to be a part of other people's lives
through my art. I sincerely hope that it brings them a measure of joy and happiness as they collect, receive or give gifts of various sculptures from the over 330 different limited editions bronzes including 3 life sized I have done thus far."
Don Toney
Collections
The Alberta Energy Corporation
Bow Valley Industries
Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Club
Alberta Law Society
The Edmonton Journal
Alberta Association of Chartered Accountants
First Ministers' Conference
Government of Alberta
Commissions
The Calgary Stampede Wild Horse Trophy
Canadian Petroleum Association Presidential Award
Lethbridge Country Club Tournament Champion Award
Calgary Stampede World Championship Blacksmith Competition Trophy
Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Sculpture
SunLife Skate Canada
Saskatchewan Oilman of the Year Award
North American Endurance Rider Award
Region 17 All Arabian Horse Show Perpetual Trophy
Canadian Western Bank Collection and Awards
Athol Murray College of Notre Dame Alumni Award
Alberta Art Foundation Collection
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Purchase
Alberta Hunter Horse Society Awards
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Fort McLeod Highwood Auction Trophies
Hungarian Cultural Society, Life Sized Falcon, Lethbridge, AB
