Tony L Koch works in the mediums of sculpture and photography. His work is reflective of his burgeoning spiritual path, and attempts to tell an autobiographical story of his journey, but also incites the viewer to make personal observations of their own spiritual journeys.
His sculptures are based on formal associations which open a unique poetic vein. His work is nature and animal based, and frequently incorporates various incarnations of the Horned God. Tony Koch currently lives in Foreston, MN.
"Rebirth" mixed media staff (ram skull, vine, feathers, fur)
This staff was inspired by "The Ram Prayer", which reads as follows:
"Great Horned Ram, filled with life force,
Teach me to be a black sheep,
Going my own way, following my inner path,
Not walking in the rut made by the narrow minded.
Help me to balance harmoniously in unstable places,
Keeping my freedom to be me."
The ram represents changes and new beginnings. The serpent represents fertility, wisdom, and immortality. It is indicative of the Horned God and his call to me to express my journey through my art. This staff represents my entry into the world of Pagan art.
[Curator's note: not only did this staff win the "Best in Show" award at the Third Offering gallery exhibit at Paganicon 2015, the staff itself belongs to the artist's wife and will be consecrated formally as a ritual tool after this exhibition, which means this is most likely the last time "Rebirth" will be exhibited publicly.]