I had heard of sculptor Jean Clagett and her meticulous bronze sculptures but had never had the occasion to visit her or even her studio. This all changed when I was asked to pick up her donation to the Middleburg Humane Foundation's Silent Auction.

What I discovered in Boyce was a treasure trove of beauty, craftsmanship and dedication.

There, in a modest farm house surrounded by her dogs, horses and a cat, lives a woman of incredible talent. Her warm welcome led to a conversation in her kitchen that filled me with awe.

"I have been sculpting for more than 15 years working for part of this time in France," Jean said. She told me that she prefers working directly with her clients rather than using an agent or middleman. Besides this saving a gallery commission, she finds it important to meet the owners and animals she portrays to enable her to "see" them through their owner's eyes.

"Where possible I initially work with live models," she tells me and then shows me an email received that very day from a Hackney breeder in Argentina. He offers to supply photos and videos and the ability to arrange her visit there if she feels it necessary. I glance at her email reply to her latest client thousands of miles away. "I'm more familiar with the polo world from Argentina – wasn't aware of many hackneys down there. BUT HORSES ARE GOOD, REGARDLESS OF BREED OR OCCUPATION."

This pretty much summarizes Jean's love for her and all horses. And it is this love of all animals that translates into her sculptures. It is obvious that she thrives on and enjoys expressing that love in bronze.

"I have a major in literature and minor in chemistry," and then adds "the chemistry has really helped me in developing patinas necessary to finish the work myself".

Jean then invites me to visit her studio. Crossing the yard with dogs in tow and stopping to caress her two horses, I found myself in a very modest studio. There shapeless wax or clay is transformed into incredible, prize winning bronzes. Lest this sounds an over simplification, one must remember the initial inspiration, the capture of the personality of the subject, meticulous detail to bestow the life like quality for which she is famous, the casting, soldering and skill to customize the patina.

Back in the house Jean shows me pictures of some of her works. There is the perpetual trophy for the Upperville Colt and Horse Show. Exquisite equine bronzes of beloved horses include: a life size bronze of eventer Bruce Davidson riding "Eagle Lion" over a cross-country drop fence installed in the Kentucky Horse Park; a 17 inch bronze of Kentucky Derby winner "Smarty Jones" standing in the winner's circle (for owners Pat and Roy Chapman) and the Sue Lyon Memorial Trophy.

My eyes fall on a photograph of an exquisite silver sculpture of Prince Charles on "Mora", captured with every minute detail of his polo pony. And then, awestruck I look at a silver centerpiece created for Lord and Lady Roborough, England, featuring their broodmare, "Regent's Folly" with her little foal "Suave Dancer".

"I love my work and love the animals who inspire me," Jean says. "I am fortunate to have my works in homes and collections from Middleburg to England, Italy and France".

As I rise to leave, thinking of my birthday, I wonder aloud if she also creates more modest commissions. Jean smiles "Oh, yes, of course. I even do custom-designed awards and plaques for a wide range of events".

I take my leave compelled to give her a big hug. Was I hoping that some of that talent would rub off on me?

As I head back to my car I realized that I had just visited a magical place. Magic right here in Boyce.

For more about Jean Clagett and her work, visit www.atelierwest.com