Burt Brent

A surgeon and avid naturalist, Burt Brent has been interested in the natural world since before he can remember. Growing up in Detroit, he began collecting and studying insects at age four. He spent his summers in the Michigan woods surrounded by nature. When he was thirteen, he apprenticed in a taxidermy shop on weekends.

Dr. Brent sculpts a wide variety of subjects, though he generally concentrates on wildlife. His goal in creating art is to produce works that anyone can enjoy whether or not he or she appreciates animals. He also hopes that his work will encourage others to preserve the inhabitants of the natural world. About his work, he says:

"I wouldn't describe my art as being impressionistic; I have much more fun when I take liberties. I would describe my work as being stylized."

(Quote from: Wilkinson, Todd. "The Interplay of his Many Gifts Commands Attention in the World of Art & Medicine." Wildlife Art News, Nov./Dec. 1991: 138-142)