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Wood, plastic, metal
Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 5
Purchased through a National Endowment for the Arts grant, 1972

The Artwork

Constructed of various woods, this sculptural wall hanging, presents the viewer with a window which opens, presenting a mysterious toy. The Toy Beast itself may remind the viewer of a boar, bear, or other animal. Protruding from the toy animal's mouth is plastic tube which may be interpreted as a canon or fire. Within the window, this mysterious animal stands upon a platform of wheels which may signify the legendary Trojan horse, circus animals arriving by train, or the viewer's own interpretation. From the playfully sculpted clouds to the nondescript beast, the artist clarified very little in this artwork so that the viewer would have the opportunity to let their imagination run wild.

The Artist

Robert Sieg earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Central State University (now University of Central Oklahoma) in 1963 and his Master of Fine Arts from the Instituto Allende of the Universidad de Guanajuato in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in 1966. From 1963 to 1966, Sieg workd as an art teacher at Carl B. Albert Junior-Senior High School in Oklahoma City before joining East Central University (ECU) in Ada as Assistant Professor in 1966. He continued to teach at East Central University until 2000. Along with fellow ECU professors D.J. Lafon and Bob Barker, Sieg was considered a member of the 'Ada Trio' who would exhibit together across the state of Oklahoma and regionally.

Sieg exhibited in group, juried, and invitational shows across the U.S. and won numerous awards. He had several one-person exhibitions at institutions including the Firehouse Art Center in Norman and the Galeria San Miguel in Guanajuata, Mexico. His work is included in prestigious permanent collections including the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and Arkansas Art Center.