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Torres' sculptures illustrate the Apache people's way of life. Even his sculptures of animals-bears, buffalos, horses and eagles--pay tribute to the culture and heritage of the Apaches, the culture and heritage of Jordan Torres himself. A descendant of Cochise and Naiche, the 35-year-old Torres was born, raised and still lives on the Mescalero Reservation. He is part Mescalero, Chiricahua and Lipan Apache. One of only a few Mescalero artists, the self-taught Torres has no formal art training. Yet his first sculpture, a white buffalo titled On the Edge, won grand champion first place many years ago at the Alamogordo Art Show in New Mexico.

When people view an alabaster Apache warrior or woman, Torres wants them to come away with a better understanding of his ancestors. "I want them to be put in [my ancestors'] shoes and to see and feel the way they felt when they were on the run," he says. "I want them to see the way they lived and to appreciate why they had to fight for what they believed in."