Cottrill specializes in large-scale bronze figurative works. Over more than 30 years he has created over 500 life-size or larger monuments installed throughout the United States.
In 1990 Cottrill first worked with clay and soon sold his business interests to pursue sculpture full-time. He studied at the Art Students League and National Academy of Design in New York City and took anatomy courses using cadavers at Columbia Medical Center.
Early life and business career
Cottrill was born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio. After brief college attendance, U.S. Army service, and truck driving, he entered the fast-food industry. He met his second wife, Susan, while owning Domino's franchises and together they founded Four Star Pizza, which grew into a successful multi-national chain. Business travel on U.S. government trade missions exposed him to major art museums worldwide, sparking his interest in art collecting and painting.[4]
Sculpture career
In 1990, Cottrill first worked with clay and soon sold his business interests to sculpt full-time. He studied at the Art Students League, National Academy of Design, and anatomy (via cadavers) at Columbia Medical Center in New York City.[4]
Cottrill has created over 500 life-size or larger monuments installed across the United States, including the Thomas Edison statue selected in 2014 for National Statuary Hall (replacing William Allen).[5]
In 2024, Cottrill completed Don Colossus, a 15-foot polished bronze of Donald Trump depicting his raised-fist reaction to the Butler assassination attempt. Commissioned by cryptocurrency supporters for ~$400,000, it was intended for display at Trump's second inauguration and a subsequent tour.[6]
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