Matilda by Mark Rane is a delicate exploration of form, perception, and presence.
Constructed from steel wire, the 38-inch sculpture shifts as the viewer moves around it. Lines overlap, dissolve, and reassemble, at times appearing solid and at others nearly disappearing. The result is a figure that feels both tangible and fleeting, inviting closer observation.
Rane’s work is rooted in his long-standing drawing practice. Years of sketching people in passing have shaped his approach, focusing less on exact likeness and more on capturing essence through minimal line. In Matilda, that philosophy carries into three dimensions, where gesture and structure suggest personality and emotion without defining them.
The sculpture resists a fixed interpretation. Rather than presenting a single narrative, it leaves space for individual response. Each angle offers a slightly different experience, encouraging viewers to engage, reflect, and form their own connection with the work.
Based in Utah, Rane is a sculptor, product designer, and educator. He studied at Brigham Young University, where he explored both fine art and industrial design. His work bridges these disciplines, combining observational sensitivity with structural precision to create pieces that are both thoughtful and quietly engaging.
Previous Entries
Cash – 2025
$16,000 – 13′ x 12′ tall x 5′ – Steel
Sponsored by Bold & Delaney Winery
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This is Cash. To me, there is no better animal than the horse to embody the spirit of the west: freedom, strength, grace, and natural beauty. With this piece, I hope to remind people of the natural beauty that exists all around us and have a stronger connection to the natural world.
Through simple lines, I hope to capture the essence of an animal in a way that is approachable, easy to understand, while also being endlessly interesting.
Timothy – 2024
$6,500 – 42” X 18” X 48” – Steel
Sponsored by City of St George
I call this piece “Timothy,” and it is inspired by the quail that are often found scurrying through our neighborhood. I think they are beautiful little creatures and interesting to watch as they bob through my yard. I always like to name sculptures, as I am trying to imbue them with personality and feeling. With all of my sculptures, I try to create pieces that are both approachable and engaging, simple but with complexity. I feel as though I am successful if people are drawn into my work and smile. This sculpture is made from steel, in various wire gauges.
Paula – 2023
The final figure of “Paula” is a composite of my own observational sketches of local women. The sculpture is made from steel in various wire gauges. As with all my pieces, I am trying to capture the essence and personality of people through simple lines.
Mary – 2022
This piece is a portrait representing Utah’s strong women of the past. During the recent anniversaries of the suffrage laws here in Utah, I was inspired as I learned about the amazing women from this area. This was clearly not an easy place to settle; everything had to be earned. Survival required a strong sense of self-reliance, commitment, and creativity. I think those traits continue today, and I hope to foster them through this piece. The model for my piece is a conglomerate of women that I have seen in both historical photographs and my own observational sketching. It is constructed entirely from steel, in different wire gauges. It has a strong presence and conveys a feeling of confidence while being friendly and engaging.
