Hib Sabin: Shamanic Visions in Wood and Bronze

Hib Sabin is an artist whose work bridges the physical and spiritual worlds, inviting viewers to explore themes of transformation, mythology, and connection to nature. Rooted in shamanistic traditions, his sculptures—crafted from wood and bronze—capture the essence of animal spirits, particularly birds, as guides between realms. A selection of his pieces is featured in our upcoming Old & New Masters auction, offering collectors a chance to encounter Sabin’s visionary world.

Hib Sabin, Eagle Ritual Stick. Estimate $800–1,200.

Hib Sabin, Dreaming Guardians. Bronze, Limited Edition #3 of 15. Estimate $5,000–10,000.

A Life in Art and Spiritual Exploration

Sabin has spent his career refining a personal artistic language inspired by indigenous traditions and global mythology. Deeply influenced by shamanism, he believes in the interconnectedness of all things, infusing his sculptures with symbolic meaning. His work embodies the idea that animals, particularly birds, serve as intermediaries between the human world and the spiritual plane.

From his home in rural Santa Fe, New Mexico, Sabin carves juniper wood by hand, selecting each piece for its natural energy. While his original works remain one-of-a-kind, bronze castings extend their reach, allowing a broader audience to engage with his vision. His approach transforms raw materials into sacred objects—artifacts of a world where spirit and form converge.

Sabin's process is both meticulous and intuitive, with his work spanning from small totemic objects to larger ceremonial pieces that recall the ritualistic function of indigenous artifacts. Through his bronze castings, he expands the reach of his vision while preserving the essence of his original carvings.

Birds as Symbols of Wisdom and Transformation

Among Sabin’s most recurring motifs are birds—particularly owls, ravens, and eagles—which hold deep symbolic resonance across cultures. Often representing wisdom, guidance, and the ability to traverse different planes of existence, these creatures embody the themes of transformation and introspection that define Sabin’s work.

Hib Sabin, Lunar Dreamer. Limited Edition, Sculpture. Estimate $2,000-$3,000.

Owls, with their silent flight and penetrating gaze, are often seen as guides through the unknown. In shamanic traditions, they symbolize insight and the ability to see beyond the surface. Ravens, trickster figures in mythology, represent creation, change, and prophecy, appearing in many indigenous legends as shape-shifters and harbingers of transformation. Eagles, revered for their strength and keen vision, symbolize spiritual ascension and a higher perspective. Sabin’s sculptures capture these qualities, portraying birds not just as animals, but as powerful totems of the human experience.

Sabin has developed a distinct artistic vocabulary that explores themes of renewal, introspection, and the search for meaning. His work is not merely representational; it seeks to channel the spiritual essence of his subjects, transforming raw materials into sculptures that resonate on a symbolic level. Each piece invites contemplation, offering a bridge between ancient mythologies and the modern soul.

Six stunning pieces by Sabin highlight our Old & New Masters auction inviting contemplation, encouraging the viewer to reflect on their own relationship with nature and the unseen world.

Sabin’s Legacy and Collecting His Work

Sabin’s sculptures are more than decorative objects—they are vessels of meaning, crafted with intention and reverence. By distilling mythology into tangible form, he offers collectors both artistic craftsmanship and a deeper philosophical narrative.

With his limited-edition bronzes and singular wood carvings, Sabin’s work continues to resonate with those who seek art that speaks to the soul. This auction presents a rare opportunity to acquire pieces that not only adorn a space but also invite a dialogue between the past, present, and the mysteries beyond.

Hib Sabin, Ritual Bowl. Bronze, Limited Edition #3 of #25. Estimate $2,000–3,000.

For those new to his work, this collection offers an entry point into an artist’s lifelong exploration of the unseen forces that shape our world. Whether drawn to the wisdom of the owl, the power of the eagle, or the mysticism of the raven, Sabin’s sculptures serve as reminders of the sacred connections that bind us to nature and spirit.

Bidding for Old & New Masters is now open through February 19, 2025. Explore this rare opportunity to acquire Sabin’s visionary works.