More Art in the Desert

We were exploring Anza-Borrego State Park in Southern California when suddenly some amazing metal sculptures loomed before us.

It turned out they were the work of Ricardo Breceda.

Born in Durango Mexico, Ricardo has lived in California for about 25 years. He has been creating his metal animal kingdom, since the release of the movie Jurassic Park III.

His daughter's enthusiasm over dinosaurs sparked his interest in the creation of these prehistoric beasts. What started as a hobby quickly became a passion to transform metal into incredible life like creations. Since then Ricardo has become a well known sculptor / designer.

Ricardo eventually encountered Dennis Avery, land owner of Galleta Meadows Estates in Borrego Springs. Dennis had the vision of using his land as an enormous outdoor gallery, home to Breceda's Artwork.

There are now roughly 130 Breceda sculptures in the Borrego Valley.

You can pick up a detailed map to the scuptures at many locations around town. The full story of how Borrego Springs became home to an extensive collection of outdoor art is told in the book "Ricardo Breceda: Accidental Artist."

The art is amazing. Here a just a few examples.

There was a field of horses. You can see more in the distance

The size and detail was amazing

So I couldn't show you just one

And this eagle with its prey is wonderful. So much detail.

I loved this one. Amazing how he captured the tenderness between mother and baby in metal.

Ohhhh Vicious!!

This wonderful dragon appeared in and out of the desert - even crossing the road.

It is hard to believe that this was made with some pieces of metal and a blow torch.

You can see many more images of these sculptures here.