SHELLI WALTERS

Multi-Media Artist

Bend, Oregon

“CASSIDY”

There was no question about becoming part of the Pony Up! Project. The lives of my two oldest sisters, Terri and Rhonda, were cut short; my family knows the loss of children. The Grateful Dead was Rhonda’s favorite band. Their song, “Cassidy,” echoes thoughts on life, death, and renewal. I discovered my pony’s copyright year and patent stamped on her belly: 1960 – the year Rhonda was born, while the patent numbers, added up, total 28 – her age when she died.

To free Cassidy of the trappings of her past life, I swallowed her saddle in layers of papier-mâché, setting the tone for her new life – setting her spirit loose with a robust yet streamlined shape to house that big heart and joyful spirit. With her new feathered friend, she will never be alone.