Item Description

G.M. Buffalo (1981) — Welded Steel Sculpture by Gary Mitchell

Open to serious offers • Direct inquiries welcome: [email protected]

Medium: Hand‑welded and cold‑hammered steel
Dimensions: 47" H × 37" W × 15" D
Location: Michigan (private collection since the 1980s)

Estimated Market Range: $150,000–$190,000
Based on artist history, scale, construction method, comparable Western welded‑steel works, and documented provenance including private offers made in 1991 by Paul Elliott (V.P. Head of Creative, DreamWorks Animation Worldwide).

About the Sculpture

G.M. Buffalo is a dynamic welded‑steel sculpture depicting the artist riding a buffalo — a humorous, expressive self‑portrait that embodies the rugged spirit of the American West. The work showcases Gary Mitchell’s signature technique of hammering and welding steel sheets, a sculptural method rooted in his early career as an aeronautical engineer.

The piece bears Mitchell’s initials and reflects his blend of craftsmanship, storytelling, and Western cultural identity.

About the Artist — Gary Mitchell

• B.S. Mechanical Engineering, UC Berkeley (1977)
• M.F.A., UC Santa Barbara (1995)
• Former aeronautical engineer in Palmdale, CA
• 50‑year career producing welded‑steel figurative and animal forms
• Works held in public collections including:
  • Delta State University (MS)
  • City of Hot Springs (AR)
  • City of Gillette (WY)
• Longtime art professor and mentor to emerging sculptors

Provenance & Documentation

• Private Michigan collection (1980s–present)
• Submitted to the Smithsonian American Art Museum for curatorial review (2025)
  • Museum confirmed the sculpture and artist information were added to their internal research files
• Additional provenance influence:
  • In 1991, Paul Elliott (DreamWorks Animation, global creative lead) made private offers on Mitchell’s sculptures, adding market credibility

Condition

Stable vintage condition consistent with age. No known repairs.

Terms of Sale

• Local pickup only in Michigan (exact location provided after buyer verification for safety)
• Private viewings available by appointment after funds have been verified
• Payment by bank wire transfer only after verified deposit before release
• Buyer is responsible for freight/transport
• Sold as‑is, standard for private sale
• No Payment through Unisquare
• Please contact the seller for details of all terms.

Contact

For offers, questions, or to arrange a viewing:
[email protected]

• Payment on Pickup