Biography

“Each of Pershing’s pieces represents an authentic glimpse into the history of the west. Each piece is also an extension of the artist’s innermost feelings. There is no pretense in Pershing’s work. Whether the sculpture is that of a Plains Indian, a buffalo, or a cavalryman, the research is meticulously done, the concept is refined, and the execution is faithfully rendered.  His work has been known and appreciated both locally and statewide in Wyoming. His art is now a part of many art collections in the United States” and foreign countries.

~Pershing Geiger Retrospective
Nicolaysen Art Museum &
Central Wyoming College Fine Arts Center
(Text by Phillip Gordy, M.D.)

Born and raised in Arkansas, the son of a master cabinet maker, he grew up in the midst of hardwood forests. This undoubtedly influenced his love of wood and wildlife, inspiring his work as a custom cabinet maker and later a wood sculptor. Self-taught in art, he worked initially in woodcarving. As one of a kind pieces, they remain in demand. Later he pursued working in clay and then casting in bronze. Selected pieces of his bronze sculpture remain available in limited editions.

After serving as a Marine Raider in World War II, Pershing lived in Casper, Wyoming, the childhood home of his wife, Louise Wilson Geiger. Numerous pieces of heroic size bronze sculpture are displayed in public areas of Casper, with a permanent collection of smaller works, both wood and bronze on display at Casper College. Pershing was especially gifted in portrait sculpture of living individuals and historic Native Americans. Additionally, his love of nature is evident in his many sculptures of western wildlife.

In Pershing’s words, “For my work, I have chosen realism because I think it presents a greater challenge…In depicting historic subjects it can and will help preserve our heritage and culture.”