#139, preparation for installing in Norfolk

Next week I will be installing three sculptures: Freedom Wings, Bald Eagle and Flag and the Forgotten Soldier. The sculptures will be permanently installed at two Veterans Parks in Nebraska. 

Freedom Wings will be cantilevered on a granite column 17 feet above the ground. The life size female American bald eagle will be perched above a beautifully designed Veterans Park in Nebraska about to take flight. The 250 pound bronze sculpture is our symbol for freedom and strength and will soar above the park for many many years.

Bald Eagle with Flag is a 5 foot tall bronze sculpture that will be installed on top of a nine foot tall black granite column with laser etched images from WWII on the sides. The six sided column will also have laser etched words describing significant battles during the war, such as the Battle of Normandy.

Korean War Soldier, aka The Forgotten Soldier, is a statue of a life size soldier on the frontline during the Korean War. The aluminum sculpture will be permanently installed at the same sight as the Bald Eagle with Flag representing the Korean War on top of a similar black granite column representing that war. Laser etched images and text will represent scenes from the Korean War.

#138, details details details

The other day when I was putting on some small detail work my friend asked what in the heck was I doing? "Working on details" was my reply. "Everyone LOVES details." And this sculpture of a US Marine Honor Guard has a lot of them. There are Marine emblems of different sizes on the belt buckle, cap, buttons on the jacket and collar. In addition to all of the detail work that had to placed just right, there was symmetry to deal with, something that is always challenging on a sculpture. Feet together, shoulders square, eyes straight forward. It's all of these little things (as well as the big things like composition and the silhouette) that make a sculpture really good. If there is symmetry involved it needs to be done really well. If there is detail work such as emblems those also need to be nicely done. Details such as those help bring people closer to the sculpture and connect people allowing them to admire the sculpture for a longer period of time. And the goal is always to capture peoples attention for the longest period of time.

Honor Guard Presenting Arms (US Marine) by Sutton Betti, detail 

#137, Present Arms clay sculpture

Honor Guard Present Arms by Sutton Betti

This life size sculpture of a Marine Honor Guard will be cast in bronze and installed at the entrance to a veterans park, along with his twin brother of an Army Honor Guard. There is still more clay work to do, but it’s mostly there.