Since early January of this year I have been focused on this half life size monument that will honor Wally Stealey, a Colorado based lobbyist who helped launch the political career of many politicians. Mr. Stealey passed away in late 2017.
I have been working with Mr. Stealey’s family on the sculpture that will be cast in bronze and permanently installed at Roselawn Cemetery in Pueblo, Colorado. It will be installed on a raised concrete pad with a sandstone base under the 300 plus pound bronze monument and not far from one of my other monuments at Pueblo Community College created in 2015.
Although I’ve sculpted many large scale outdoor monuments in the last 10 years there is always something new to learn in each project. But one of the more important things I continue to develop with each project is patience. Nothing good can come too quickly I was taught when younger and entering this field. Sculpture is about mastering the art of patience. First off, it takes many years to master ones craft; spacial hand/eye coordination, human and animal anatomy, proportions, movement, expression, engineering, developing a unique style of expression, surface textures, etc. If you can master these elements you are a fraction of the way to “making it”.
The other things which are not taught in art school are equally important; maintaining a studio space, scheduling, reaching deadlines, business marketing/networking, communication skills, how to sell your own art, being a commissioned artist and how this DOESN’T mean you have to "sell your soul", and being likable and trustworthy enough to be entrusted with large sums of money. All of these are learned ‘old school’ and from not being afraid to make mistakes as you know that something will be learned from it if you mess up.
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| Bareback Bronc Rider by Sutton Betti, half life size, clay for bronze |
