It is with great pride and gratitude that I present to you a few of my clients testimonies, accompanied by some of their sculptures and art.
Thank you to all of my wonderful clients who have taken the time to put into writing what their sculptures and my artistry have brought to their lives.
I am both humbled and grateful beyond measure for allowing me to be part of your "Circle of Life". Dawna
There are many more client testimonials located in my Guest Book.
If interested in viewing please click the link below.
August 12, 2008
From: Dennis Hanna Calgary, Alberta, Canada
RE: Native Wildlife Flute Jacket - Burned Designs
Hey Dawna, just wanted to let you know that I got the jacket just now - and it sure is beautiful - as usual words kinda escape me but then that has never stopped me before!!! Really love the depictions of all the AIWC mammals - it is just soo cool. The foxes and coyote on the back are soo incredibly life like and almost life size - very cool. Loved the renditions of porcy and moosey dude - on the front - very incredibly life like - porcy looks like he would almost take a twig of willow from me!!! Thanks so very much for creating this "Jacket of Memories" for me - it is just soo truly wonderful. Oh geez, now what am I gonna do - I have 2 of your NAF performing jackets now - it will take me forever to decide which one to wear now!!! Anahoo - one very happy camper on this end - thanks soo much again for all the effort you put into this - Totally Cool - Dennis
HOLLEY ROBERTSON'S "CIRCLE OF LIFE" HEALING PENDANTS
Having been a big fan of my dear friend Dawna Robertson's artistry for quite some time now, I was overjoyed to hear that her daughter "Holley" was developing her own line of "Circle of Life" Pendants!!! As soon as I heard about this new project, I ordered one immediately. I was very pleased with the very quick and courteous service I received and am now the very proud owner of "Circle of Life" pendant #2. Recently, I played my Native American Flutes at a local Fire and Healing Ceremony and was very honoured to wear my "Holley Robertson - Circle of Life" pendant for the first time. It was a very profound event for myself and wearing Miss Holley's pendant only helped to make it that much more significant for me!!! D. Hanna, Calgary, AB, Canada
From: Amanda Atzori
Re: SCULPTURE PENDANT
"Hi Dawna, I just wanted to thank you yet again, for another beautiful pendant. I have bought many from you and each and every one is more beautiful than the next.
Just recently I had asked you to create something new for me. We needed a unique gift for a very special teacher of one of my children. We found out that her favourite animal was a monkey and I had asked you to work your magic, and you certainly did not disappoint! When I received it, it had turned out even better than I could have imagined, the detail was nothing less than spectacular! The heart and soul that you put into this piece has made him look incredibly realistic, so realistic in fact that I swear when I looked into his eyes it was as if he was saying "hi" right back at me!"
Dawna, you are an incredibly gifted and talented person and we are all so fortunate to benefit from your amazing work!
I look forward to many more pieces of love (that's what I personally call your work), because I really do fall in love with every piece that you create!"
Amanda Atzori
Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada
GREAT HORNED OWL - "FLASH - THE GUARDIAN SPIRIT"
A real life Great Horned Owl - Last "Flight" to Calgary, AB February 2008 SOLD
"Firstly to Flash" - the level of reality that you have achieved is simply mind boggling to me. The fact that this was once a chunk of rock, to me, is simply amazing. Flash's spirit truly did emerge due to your very talented hands. There is nobody else who could have done this piece it's due other than yourself, since Flash has come to mean so much to you as well. There are those in the art world who throw splotches of paint on a canvas and call themselves an "artist" and then there are those who take on the portrayal of wildlife in a realistic way. This is the most difficult thing to do, in my opinion. Only the Robert Bateman's, the Bev Doolittle's and now the Dawna Robertson's, have the courage to attempt this feat. To know that you cared about the depiction of the living spirit of "Flash", makes this piece so packed with good intention, hope and soulfulness. When I think of all the organizations that you have helped through your work - Earth Rangers, Simon Jackson and the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition, Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation and the Canadian Whale Institute, I feel so doubly blessed to be a friend of yours. I know that the True Light of the Creator shines down on you with each and every piece you create - and the "real life" Flash was indeed sitting on your shoulder as the pieces fell away from a piece of rock that was soon to reveal her very own spirit. Spirit Guided Hands - what a blessing it must be for you to have this!!!! I know this is true as I was there to see "Flash" live out her final year at the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation, and I can state categorically, that you have captured her down to the minutest of details. I am proud to own this original Dawna Robertson Sculpture and it is even better when I can call you a "friend". As I have said before, you work from a place that comes straight from your spirit and that is something very few artists do. I just loved the detail of the talons - you just nailed those! The attention to detail, is absolutely astounding! You have a passion for your work that shines through with each and every piece. I know that "Flash's" spirit must be very proud with your depiction of her and is probably primping and preening her feathers right now so she can look as good as your depiction of her!! Going to go and play my Charles Littleleaf native flute "Golden Eagle" over Flash now - just to give her an extra special blessing upon arrival in my home. " Sincerely, Dennis Hanna, Calgary, Alberta February 2008
Re:"SPIRIT OF TRUTH AND FREEDOM" - DARK GREEN/BLACK BC SOAPSTONE
"Be still and know that I am God." This describes Dawna's creative expression as an Environmental Wildlife Sculptor. Her work is soul food and "awe" inspiring in how she depicts, in soapstone, the spirit of the animal. For me, she developed an intimate relationship with the Orca through her thorough research by communicating with marine biologists and scientists that gave her direction on the animal's features and behaviours. Dawna's meticulous artist's sense also explored, in depth, my need and desires to have this Orca specifically captured in stone in the pose of breaching out of the water. She infuses the right amount of her own artist's personal perseption with the accuracy of the science of the animal. Dawna's love for wildlife illuminates her sculptures. Her work immaculately demonstrates, through the Orca and her other works, her burning passions in defense of saving the planet and finding the ecological balance in preserving wildlife. Upon me finally naming the Orca "Spirit of Truth and Freedom", and what this represents to me personally and to the greater reality of the importance of the need of our human global efforts to protect whales and Orca's. Dawna's absorbed herself into this piece of artwork. the intelligence of these precious creatures have so much to teach us in the caring and nurturing of our planet for our future generations to come. Now that this Orca resides in my home, I am finding that the influence of this art piece is spell-bounding, contagious and transforming in my own evolving perceptions and points of views on how I want to become more actively involved in that global human effort to protect our planet from further suffering.
In closing, Dawna's sculpting engages the viewer into experiencing her energetic committment that she pours into the preservation of the life-blood of our mother earth."
A. B. - Ontario, Canada
RE: SPIRIT BEAR PENDANTS - WHITE BC SOAPSTONE - Commission
"Hi Dawna, Thank you so much for the beautiful bears, I am going to wear my pendant whenever we are invited out - it is so wonderful and I want to show it off. Our framer has incorporated your carving inside a dream catcher and framed it inside a pocket beneath my spirit bear print. It looks awesom! We'll keep in touch and let you know the public response to your sculptures. This particular framed painting is going in a local "high end" resort called Tigh-na-Mara, just south of Parksville, B.C."
Sincerely,
Judi Wild, Watercolorist and Wildife Painter (www.judiwildartist.com)
Fanny Bay, BC
WOLF AND BEAR - GREY ALABASTER - Commissions
"Dawna, Thanks so much for working on these lovely pieces for me. I am sure my friends will treasure them.
"You are very talented and have been lovely to work with."
Lindsay Lipton, LIPTONS Audio Visual, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
CHOW CHOW SCULPTURE - WHITE BC SOAPSTONE - COMMISSION - SOLD
"Dawna, Thank you so much for the magnificent sculpture of "Chai Chai" , the Chow Chow. I have never seen anything like it before! My friend will love it!"
Lorraine Fusco, Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada
RED TAILED HAWK - BROWN BC SOAPSTONE - DONATED TO DEB SCHULTE CAMPAIGN
REMARKS FROM ALBERTA ON THE REDTAILED HAWK:
"Thanks for sending me those pictures of the red tailed hawk sculpture - wow, you sure are one gifted artist. Having worked with these guys at the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation, I can tell you that you have captured the exact essence and attitude of a red tailed - they have a very feisty yet "above it all" attitude and you nailed it perfectly. I am always in awe of people with artistic talent such as yours!! I did a little artwork myself back in high school and know how difficult carving can be - that delicate beak must have given you a heart attack when you were carving it!! I especially loved the detailed of the red-tail - very cool! I am very envious of whoever your client is - she is a very lucky person!"
Dennis Hanna
Volunteer, Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation
Madden, Alberta
REMARKS FROM SCOTLAND ON THE REDTAILED HAWK:
"Hi Dawna, I was, and still am, absolutely delighted about the outcome of the red tailed hawk. I think your sculpture of it is simply fantastic and I'm delighted that the guy who won it is really, really pleased to get it - he is one very fortunate person and believe me the sculpture is worth far more than donated. Dennis Hanna's comments which I treasure for his precise description of your artwork is music to my soul and I wish I had written what he said - it's a joy to read and re-read because it is so accurate - spot on about your creative powers! If I lived in Canada, and had heard of the hawk before you donated it to Deb Schulte for her campaign, I would have definitely have bought it! I sure hope it contributed alot to her campaign. As for me, I got a huge buzz out of buying a raffle ticket and helping you and Deb - I'm delighted about that! Well done to you Dawna - your skill is outstanding and I mean it sincerely! I'm almost sure Scotland would like to see handiwork like the red tailed hawk - I think they would be stunned."
Alan Cowie, Sculpture owner/Soapstone Collector and Wildlife Enthusiast
Bearsden, Scotland, UK.
SPIRIT BEARS AND THE "SPIRIT BEAR YOUTH COALITION"
"Dawna Robertson is amongst the most gifted artists I know - her work is stunning and reflects the beauty, mystery and the uniqueness of a bear as unique to Canada as the Panda Bear is to China: the spirit bear. Her passion for the spirit b ear can be seen in her beautiful work and in her daily efforts to the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition in our quest to save the bear. I would recommend Dawna Robertson's art to anyone who has a passion for Canada, for our natural environment, and for our spirit bear. Each piece is unique, just like the rare bear she captures in her art, and each piece reflect the many remarkable characteristics of the spirit bear and its wild home."
D. Simon Jackson
Founder and Executive Director, SPIRIT BEAR YOUTH COALITION
Executive Producer, THE SPIRIT BEAR - HOLLYWOOD PHILANTHROPIC MOVIE
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Re: Spirit Bear Sculpture
"Dawna you are such an amazing example of someone who has found her passion and used it to make the world a better place. Anyone who sees your sculptures is reminded of the impact of the animals in our world and our need to respect and protect them. Art is able to convey a message in a way that no medium can. You have a very special gift and it's wonderful you are sharing it with others."
Jill-Marie Burke
Bombardier Aerospace, Toronto, Ontario
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE DAY
"The Dawna Robertson trophy sculptures were a stunning addition to the Cement Association of Canada's "Building a Sustainable Future" Day at the Earth Rangers Centre. The beauty and environmental significance of the sculptures added a dimension of meaning to this important initiative, and was a fitting reward for the sustainable ideas of student entrants. We were proud to offer this beautiful momento to our winners as a keepsake of this inspiring day."
"SHE'S MY WORLD" - SPIRIT BEAR SCULPTURE - BC CHLORITE
"We had heard of Dawna's artistic work some years ago, but only were able to see her carvings a few months ago. They are some of the best carvings we have seen, so much so, that we bought a magnificent Spirit Bear Sculpture entitled "She's My World" for ourselves and ordered a polar bear mom and cub carving for our son and his wife's anniversary. We wish the sculptor the success she deserves as an artist."
Jack and Elizabeth Harvey
Ottawa, Ontario
"PHOEBE - BUNNY SCULPTURE - PINK CHINESE SOAPSTONE
"Your sculptures are beautiful Dawna, the beauty is to see and touch."
Jean Christie
Aurora, Ontario
BIRD SCULPTURE
"A delightfully detailed sculpted bird, "Nutmeg" - so life like, I almost expect her to fly away when I pick her up!"
Alan Cowie, (bird watcher and sculpture owner)
Bearsden, Scotland, UK
IT'S A MOM'S THING - BEAR SCULPTURE - PINK CHINESE SOAPSTONE
"The pictures do not do Dawna's sculptures justice! I am looking at my sculpture entitled
"It's a Mom Thing" in pink chinese soapstone - it's so beautiful, the picture doesn't even come close."
The Grahams
Markham, Ontario
Trent University
Environmental Sculpture
Dawna Robertson
Wildlife/Dog
Soapstone Sculptor & Artist
Client /Corporate Testimonialstext.
D.Simon Jackson
September 10th, 2008
Dennis Hanna - Calgary, Alberta, Canada
RE: Baby Porcupine and Log
The feeling of utter shock I felt the day I found out about "Porcy's" unfortunate passing for me was simply indescribable. The very next thought I had after hearing the bad news was that I knew I had to get Dawna to do a sculpture of him as a memorial to his sacred little soul and how much he had meant to me. Being a volunteer in the field of wildlife rehab, you never know what form of injured wildlife will be coming through the door and how they will affect you on a personal basis. The day this porcupette came in from being orphaned in the wild was also the day that I fell absolutely and completely in love with this innocent little creature. I had dreams of taking walks with him to the back woodlot of the center and then maybe - just maybe - leaving him there one day to live out his life. In many ways this dream has now come to fruition as I feel his spirit has come to live with me now - in the guise of my new "Sacred Innocence" sculpture that my dear friend Dawna Robertson has created for me. To me it appears that his soul is peering out at me from his little black eyes that Dawna has so expertly captured in stone. The dream has been kept alive for me as now I can think of my "widdle buddy" and all of the wonderful times that we shared together. The stone representation of the wooden stump that "Porcy" used to stand on when being fed his formula is so realistic that I can almost smell that woodsy aroma which one encounters when taking a walk in the wild. This "Sacred Innocence" sculpture that Dawna has created for me will now allow me to take those "walks in the woodlot" in my mind's eye with my "widdle buddy". Such is the effect that the realism of this piece has upon me - and with the lovely turntable which accompanied the piece so I can now safely turn him around and view him from every perspective - perhaps from atop the lovely display/shipping crate which was custom made for his final journey to my home. The total effect that Dawna has created quite simply is complete and utterly satisfying on every level!!!!
Dennis Hanna
This page was last updated: December 26, 2009
FEBRUARY 3, 2009
CLIENT: ALAN COWIE BEARSDEN, SCOTLAND UK
RE: KATY THE KESTREL - BROWN BC SOAPSTONE
I was over-the-moon, Dawna, when Katy arrived in Scotland!
On opening her box she was in perfect condition and taking
her out was emotional for me as she was so much better than
the photographs you sent showed her!!! My goodness, she was AMAZING - so detailed, precise, looking exactly like a real bird! And her eyes - they're to die for - and - gives her the spirit of a real kestrel!!! Phew!!! She's a stunner, a beauty, lifelike to a T, incredible in looks and attitude and a bird who looks so real that others have thought exactly that!! I talk to and stroke Katy everyday as she studies me with her big brown eyes expecting her to whisper to me a few comments of life with you and Holley, and all the while I'm truly thankful for your skill and artistry in creating masterpieces of wildlife art for me and my family and friends to swoon at with awe and utter amazement every day!!!! Do I love her - you BET!!! Thanks a million for your BEAUTIFUL sculpture!!! She was definitely worth waiting for!!! And she loves Scotland!!!
Alan Cowie in Bonny Scotland
March 20, 2009
Recommendation by Sally Moore on my "Linkedin" site.
First Hired: 2005 (Environmental Sculptor - 2005-2008)
Dawna's Top Qualitites:
Great Results, High Integrity, Creative
Dawna completed sculpture and trophy carvings for the winners of our "Building a Sustainable Future" contest for 3 years. Her sculptures were a joy to the award winners and a worthy, meaningful keepsake that will remind them of the environmental contribution for all time. Dawna is creative, spiritual, professional and a joy to work with. Her talent is evident in the work she does, which embodies not just the spirit of the occasion, but the heart of it as well. A piece of her goes into everything she does, and it sets her work apart. I would highly recommend Dawna's work to anyone, whether they be an art collector, environmentalist, business owner or corporate contact."
Sally Moore, "Building a Sustainable Future" Contest
Click here to see the "Building a Sustainable Future" Contest photos and Sculptures for Seneca's Sustainability Partnership in Estonia!!
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March 22, 2009
Re: "Aragorn" The Bald Eagle
(Excerpt from my Guest Book)
Dawna,
Myself and Adriano are just loving Aragorn. It is the most wonderful eagle sculpture EVER!!! It is perfect and I can't thank you enough for making one of the greatest birthday gifts ever...Thanks a million.
Monica
June 26, 2009
Re: "Buster" Memorial Pendants (Recent Loss)
Dawna,
I received the pendants yesterday in perfect condition. They are absolutely fantastic. We did not expect the box that you made. That was extremely thoughtful of you and we are very appreciative that you took the extra time to create something for us that we can cherish along with the Buster Pendants. The box is GREAT!!! The box and one of the pendants will always be in our family room for all to see and to tell everyone what a great experience that I had working with such a caring and talented artist.
Thanks also for posting your work of Buster on your "Past Gallery" page. You will always be a part of Buster's story.
Most certainly we will call on you again.
Our sincerest appreciation,
Bob & Bev Merkel & Buster
June 4, 2009
Re: "Quibble, Denzid & Audrey" - Beaver Sculpture
Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Dear Dawna,
Your beaver sculpture is absolutely wonderful! Those great, shining eyes look at me with the love and wisdom I have discovered in the beavers I have been privileged to have as friends. Thank-you!
The sculpture will make a real contribution to the new programme we have begun at the Sanctuary. A log school house has been donated to us and built on our property. Teaching the children (and adults!) about the importance of wildlife is perhaps the best way to guarantee the future. We have been open for only a month and already have so many schools coming that I'm not sure how we will handle it all! The lessons contain information, of course, but also stories, music, and even some dancing but I was puzzled about how to show them really splendid artwork - especially about the beavers. (they seem to only be on the nickel!) Now your beavers will contribute more than any amount of money ever could - the children will see and gently touch, the spirit of the beavers. Your contribution is beyond words.
Just now I am raising, not only Denzid, but two little kits about a month old named Quimber and Quinte. They are not actual siblings, but are together now - both came out of rather tragic situations. Whey they are mature they will go free in a much safer place...actually I am rather hoping that Denzid will adopt them..we'll see. Just now, their little tummies are full and they are cuddled up together in a pen here beside me.
I hope that sometime your family can come up to meet all the animals and especially these two little beaver kits.
Again, thank you. I enjoy looking at it, touching it, thinking about it.
Sincerely, Audrey Tournay
Founder - Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Rosseau, Ont.
"Quibble" is the beaver on top
"Denzid" (named after real beavers at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary!) Note the tear!
"Audrey" beaver kit coming out of hollow log
Beaver "Denzid"
Chewed & cleaned
the stick in the sculpture!
July 21, 2009
Re: Memorial Pendant of "Tigger" (Recent Loss)
(Surprise Gift from D. Hanna)
Dawna, You Sweet Special Lady. This is the most special thing in the world to me. Thank you so much for all the talent and special detail you put into both the Beautiful necklace and the very special box. I am now wearing my Special Baby close to my heart in more than one way. Your painting is the Exact Likeness of my Tigger Bear! Thank you for all of the special detail you added as well. Dawna you have no idea how much these two pieces mean to me. I will use the box to store his collars and tags in. It has comforted me all day long and will continue to do so.
I thought I would share something with you. I ordered alot of jewelery from India and was very anxious to get this Lapis Lazuli necklace that retails for $200.00 and wanted to keep it for myself/ I couldn't wait for it to arrive! Well, it came at the same time yours did and after opening yours I forgot all about opening the package with the lapis necklace in it. Mom reminded me that I hadn't opened it a few hours late and when I did we just kind of looked at it. She said it kind of pales in comparison to the Special Treasure I had just received from you. I agreed and I posted the lapis necklace online as I didn't want it anymore. That is how special this heart pendant with my baby is to me and a whole lot more! I can't thank you and Dennis enough.
Bless you always, Bridget Grassick - North Carolina, USA
Featured In the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation Newsletter July 2009!!!
July 30, 2009
Re: "Toby" the River Otter
Memorial of "Toby" The (late) Cocker Spaniel
Dawna,
We were delighted that Toby arrived yesterday in one piece to Leeds, England! He sure is a handsome devil!! You really capture the spirit of the animals in your work. Gail and I think he is great! You can be rightly proud of your talent and your work! We are pleased that you think our family members both past and present (that you have done sculptures of ("Whiskers" the beaver kit and "Kim and Scamp" the spirit bears) are also cute! They were really loved and spoiled!
Look after yourself and once again, thank you for Toby!
All our love and best wishes,
Trevor and Gail Timmins
LEEDS, England, UK
The late "Toby" whom reminded them of a river otter
The Soapstone "Toby" Memorial (Top)
August 20, 2009
Re: "Piper" Pendant
Memorial Dog Pendant of "Piper
Hi Dawna,
Wow!! Thank you so much for the pendant - it is beautiful and close to our hearts. I have sent three pictures of the items you sent me. And a very special thank you for sending the very special birch bark case Piper's Pendant came in - I am touched by this wonderful gift.
Your extra care and attention shows your diligence and professionalism as an Artist. We will recommend you to all our friends and family.
Thanks again Dawna - I deeply appreciate it. Please feel free to adding this to your very happy customer webpage!
Thank you,
Mr. Bari and Patricia Demers
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
December 21, 2009
Re: Beaver Pen & Ink Illustration
Mother Beaver & 3 Kits (babies)
Hey Dawna,
The package came in today! It's absolutely perfect and very well packed! I appreciate all the time and effort that you put into this work for me. I can't wait to give it to my mom! I just can't stop smiling, it turned out great. You have an amazing talent.
I also managed to find a copy of Grey Owl on Ebay and I ordered that in time for my mom's birthday, which was yesterday. She looooooved the movie! Thanks for everything!
Stephanie Seman
Texas, USA
