Born in 1942,
Daniel Raymond Monfort grew up, attended college, and studied the
arts in the Bretagne region of France. Mr. Monfort’s potential
for drawing was exhibited at an early age, and eventually stories
of the American Far West became the vehicle by which he expressed
his artistic talents. His fascination with Red Cloud, Sitting Bull,
and other prominent Western heroes overshadowed his interest in
great European historical figures.
As
an art student at Quimper, and later at Nantes, Mr. Monfort found
the structured academics of the French schools frustrating and
disappointing. His interest was in western art, yet his instructors
emphasized a disciplined curriculum of abstract forms, colors,
and composition. But, he learned that talent alone was not enough,
and now realizes those years of strict instruction were necessary
and, in the long run, beneficial.
In 1964, while
reproducing famous paintings with colored chalk on the sidewalks
of Nice, to help finance his studies, he met the late Dutch artist
Van Dongen. Impressed by Mr. Monfort’s work, Van Dongen
prompted him to pursue his abilities.
Mr. Monfort
moved to New York City, hoping to become an illustrator of books.
While his drawings and caricatures were always well received,
sales were rarely realized. The following years were spent traveling
in Canada, the United States, and Europe.
His fascination
with the West never waning, Mr. Monfort moved to Denver in 1972,
bringing with him his wife and two children. He quickly established
a solid reputation as a sculptor of fine Western art.
Today, Mr.
Monfort's work is recognized the world over. Thousands of people
from all walks of life own a Monfort Original. Many are collectors,
for his sculptures are the finest of their type, and are sold
at very affordable prices. |
