C.M. Herden, Livestock artist

“I am a farm girl from Montana, and I like to think of my work as a bridge between ranch life and the art gallery”

Raised in a multi-generational ranching family, I developed an intuitive, ‘second-nature’ understanding of livestock anatomy and behavior that cannot be taught in a classroom. My creative process is a literal evolution from playing in the mud as a kid to sculpting in clay as an artist—moving from a childhood preoccupation with animals to a professional pursuit of their beauty through art. 

I like to create sculptures and awards for those who know that truly capturing an animal requires more than an eye for detail; it requires a deep, intuitive respect for the subject. My portfolio represents a fusion of artistic flare and livestock knowledge, bringing unique anatomical accuracy to my custom commissions and fine art bronzes. Whether I am honoring a prize bull, a wild Mustang, or a beloved show animal, my goal is to freeze a moment in time and the memory of that animal into a piece of art that can be treasured for years to come

With my ‘boots-on-the-ground’ perspective, I strive to provide collectors and livestock owners with a tangible testament to the animals that define our lives. Every piece—from the initial clay sculpture to the final casting—is crafted to honor the authentic spirit and soul of the animal,  resonating with those who live and work alongside them.

Carol’s Original WorkS LLC

How the artist became a business

Being an artist is natural, but doing business required learning  different skills.   It can be a challenge at times for or me to manage my art and creative space, and maintain a business.
It all began in 1996. That was the year I decided to do my art full-time and leave standard jobs behind. I moved to the Midwest, and with my husbands encouragement, we made a business plan. I knew that making it official meant it was no longer just a hobby.
With plenty of blood, sweat, and tears, we built something great. Today, we have a fantastic customer base, a busy workshop, and our own storefront studio space in the town of Amboy, MN. My collectors span my entire journey. Some have been with me since our first attempts at making our own molds. Now, we are creating brand new followers by working with a commercial toy company.
Some of our work includes a large cow shaped cart that the Inn at Little Washington uses to serve their customers still today to farm signs, to annual awards for various breed association.
Meet the Team!
With out the help of family, friends, and talented people we would not be what we are today.

Cheese Cow

Hoard’s Dairymen Magazine,  World Dairy Expo edition.  2019

Magazine Articles

mn business

Being a Small Business in Amboy, MN, I was interviewed in 2017 for the MN Business magazine.