THE RUSS ESTES STORY.

A Fine Art Artist, Published Author, and Film maker, he started his career in the arts over thirty-five years ago.

His work in Dry Point Etching and Relief Printing has won him acclaim as an outstanding American Artist.

Collected and Exhibited worldwide, Mr. Estes had amassed an impressive collection of Blue Ribbons and Best of Show awards.  One exhibit that stands out was a 26 country fine art competition held in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Mr. Estes won First Place in the Graphic Media portion and Best of Show.  he was presented with the key to the City.  He'd fondly remembered that the Key didn't open one casino.

Russ has always had an interest in things that are slightly, "on the edge" such as, Paranormal anomalies and things that go "bump in the night."  That interest and his appetite for research led to his role as writer, producer, and director of five documentaries on the subject of UFO's  He is also an author of three books with his most current one, "The Abduction Enigma", that deals with the phenomenon of Alien Abduction.  In a review by Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Jack Anderson, he quoted; "this could be the most shocking and important book of the new millennium."

With all of the diversity in Mr. Estes's life, he never forgot the Arts or his place in them.

Due to some medical problems over the past few years Russ was unable to continue with the very physical aspects of Etching and had been looking for a media to apply his talents.

About three years ago, while on a field trip with his wife Patricia, he was introduced to the world of Gourds.  With Pat urging him on, his second love became Gourds!  "This is the first time that a media that is so organic has led me to do what it wants, not what I want.  The three dimensional aspects of the gourd and the history of this natural material lets me know what to do with it."

Mr. Estes works to create an art piece that combines early American, pre-Colombian , and ancient Mexican designs that have been found on shards of early gourd work.  "All of my work is one of a kind, I let it flow from my mind to the gourd."

Combining Pyro-engraving and colorful Dyes, R. Estes brings to you what he has named, "Organic Pottery."  Displayed to over 250,000 visitors at the 2002 Millard Sheet exhibition Russ's Organic Pottery was truly the hit of the show.  Please visit the Millard Sheets picture Gallery in our web site to see how Russ's work was utilized in sample room venues.

Russ's talents went far beyond that of Gourd art.  His work in Jewelry art also was well respected in the art world.  Several unique and one of a kind pieces now are in the Russ Estes Collection which will soon be added to this site. 

Russ was the consummate teacher.  His expertise and love for the art provided Russ with the foundation for sharing his love with all who asked. 

Russ had another side too.  His work with the amputee community  saw him rise to the Presidency of the national organization, the Amputee Information Exchange.  He again excelled and was the driving force that continued to grow the organization.

Words cannot express, nor describe all that Russ was.  He was truly a one of a Kind precious art form his self.

Russ the artist, the musician and entertainer. Russ the Veteran, husband and father, all of these things have now waned.  But the memory and the art will live on. 

Rest in Peace Russ!
You are missed!