Gary Lee Price

Last updated
Gary Lee Price.png

Gary Lee Price (born May 2, 1955 [1] ) is an American sculptor.

Contents

Biography

Gary Lee Price with Joan of Arc.jpg

Gary Lee Price is an American sculptor known for his uplifting bronze sculptures that capture the essence of the human spirit. Throughout his prolific career spanning over 30 years, Price's sculptures have found homes in public and private collections worldwide, gracing galleries, museums, libraries, corporations, cities, and educational institutions. His works range from intimate pieces to monumental sculptures, each reflecting his belief in the power of art to inspire and uplift humanity. [2]

Born in Montpelier, Idaho, [3] Gary Lee Price's journey into the world of art was shaped by both tragedy and resilience. At the age of 6 years old, Gary Lee Price witnessed the murder-suicide of his mother, Betty Jo Reeder, and his step-father, Ted Reeder in Manheim, Germany. [4] He was shipped back to the states to be raised by his mom's first husband, Wayne Price. Price went to both grade school and high school in Montpelier, Idaho. After graduating from Montpelier High School, he went on to study at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. He then served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in southern Germany. Following his mission, Price studied in Jerusalem for six months through Brigham Young University’s Study Abroad program. He then studied at the Utah Technical College in Orem, Utah (now Utah Valley University), where he met and studied with sculptor Stan Johnson. [1] With Johnson's encouragement, Price decided to continue his education at the University of Utah where he graduated with a BA in Art. His professional sculpting career took off almost immediately with the sales of his early Western and Native American pieces, including "Sacred Meat" and "Ascent". Price credits the piece "Ascent" as the inspiration for his "Statue of Responsibility". Stephen R. Covey was instrumental in introducing Gary Lee Price to the Statue of Responsibility. Dr Covey was a friend and colleague of holocaust survivor, Viktor E. Frankl, author of Man's Search for Meaning, Covey made a commitment to Frankl to make sure that Frankl's vision of a Statue of Responsibility on the West coast would one day "bookend" the Statue of Liberty on the East coast. Price holds the trademarks and copyrights, and is the official sculptor for this project. Price and his wife, Leesa Clark-Price have created a non-profit organization, Statue of Responsibility Foundation which is currently[ when? ] in the third phase[ clarification needed ] of this endeavor. Price's memoirs, Divine Turbulence will be[ needs update ] released in the spring of 2022.

Career

After leaving Utah Valley University, Price enrolled at the University of Utah to study painting, drawing, and anatomy. He studied under Alvin Gittins as well as Stan Johnson. In 1982, he earned his B.F.A in painting and drawing. [1] During his high-school years, Price painted and sold his landscape paintings. Later on, he worked as a ranch hand, a farmer, a jewelry salesperson and manager, and worked in Stan Johnson’s studio and foundry in Mapleton, Utah. Price gained many skills through his work including mold making, wax and slurry casting, and welding. These skills would later become very important in influencing the direction of his art. Some of his earliest subjects include Southwestern and wildlife themes, such as Buffalo Nickel and Return of Fury. His first recognition came with the Death Valley Art Show, followed by recognition for his sculpture They Rise Highest Who Lift As They Go. [1] aka "Ascent".

In 1991, Gary Lee Price was elected a member of the National Sculpture Society, [5] a prestigious honor that recognizes his contributions to the field of sculpture. In November 2001, he received the "Governor's Mansion Artist Award," from Governor Michael Leavitt of Utah, for his support of the arts. Aside from his sculpture images appearing on the covers of a few various magazines and books, the December 2003 issue of Utah Valley Magazine featured a cover story on Gary and his career entitled, "The Spirit of Giving." In 2005, it was announced that he had been selected to create the 305-foot Statue of Responsibility [6] on the west coast of the United States. [7] Price is currently in Phase III of this history making project. In 2014 Gary was elected by his National Sculpture Society peers to the status of FELLOW.

The Statue of Responsibility Foundation

One of Gary Lee Price's most ambitious and significant projects is the creation of the "Statue of Responsibility." [8] This monumental sculpture embodies the vision of Holocaust survivor Viktor E. Frankl as a counterpart to the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing the importance of personal responsibility and meaningful existence. [9] The concept of the Statue of Responsibility originated from Viktor E. Frankl's experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Despite enduring unimaginable suffering and loss, Frankl discovered a profound truth: the ultimate freedom lies in the ability to choose one's response to any given situation. This insight became the foundation of his seminal work, "Man's Search for Meaning," in which he emphasized the importance of taking responsibility for one's own life and finding purpose even in the face of adversity.

Frankl envisioned the Statue of Responsibility as a physical manifestation of this philosophy, a monument that would stand as a reminder of the interconnectedness of freedom and responsibility. He believed that just as the Statue of Liberty symbolizes freedom, its counterpart on the West coast should represent responsibility, creating a balanced and holistic representation of the ideals that define America.

The realization of Frankl's vision gained momentum through the efforts of Stephen R. Covey, author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," who was deeply inspired by Frankl's teachings. Covey and his team sought out a sculptor who could capture the essence of responsibility in art, eventually discovering Gary Lee Price at his foundry in Springville, Utah. Upon learning about Frankl's vision, Price was deeply moved and felt a profound sense of connection to the concept of responsibility. Drawing from his own experiences of overcoming tragedy and adversity, Price embarked on the monumental task of designing and sculpting the Statue of Responsibility, imbuing it with symbolism and meaning that resonated with Frankl's philosophy.

The design of the Statue of Responsibility reflects Price's belief in the power of interconnectedness and mutual support. At its core is a powerful image of two hands clasped together, symbolizing the bond between individuals and the shared responsibility to uplift and support one another. This gesture embodies the spirit of collaboration, compassion, and solidarity that lies at the heart of responsible living. Inspired by his earlier work, "The Ascent," which depicts two Native Americans supporting each other on a cliffside, Price incorporated elements of trust and mutual assistance into the design of the statue. The outstretched hands reaching towards each other represent the human capacity for empathy and connection, transcending barriers and divisions to create a more compassionate and inclusive society.

The Statue of Responsibility represents not only a monumental work of art but also a profound statement about the human condition and the values that define us as individuals and as a society. Through his collaboration with Frankl's vision, Price has created a timeless symbol that inspires reflection, dialogue, and action towards a more responsible and compassionate world. As the Statue of Responsibility takes shape, it serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations, reminding us of our collective duty to uphold the principles of freedom, justice, and dignity for all. With its completion, the statue will stand as a testament to the enduring power of art to ignite change and transform lives, leaving a legacy of responsibility for generations to come. [10]

Legacy and Impact

Gary Lee Price's sculptures have left an indelible mark on the world of art, inspiring viewers with their message of hope, resilience, and human connection. From his early works rooted in personal tragedy to his monumental projects aimed at promoting global responsibility, Price's art continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

His sculptures can be found in prominent public spaces, including museums, libraries, corporate headquarters, and educational institutions, serving as beacons of inspiration and reminders of the enduring human spirit. Price's dedication to his craft and his commitment to uplifting others through art have earned him a place among the most respected sculptors of his generation.

As Gary Lee Price continues to create and share his vision with the world, his legacy as an artist and a champion of the human spirit remains an enduring testament to the power of art to transform lives and inspire positive change. [11] Through his sculptures, Price invites viewers to embrace their own responsibility to uplift and support one another, fostering a more compassionate and interconnected world for future generations.

Ascent.png

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sculpture</span> Artworks that are three-dimensional objects

Sculpture is the branch of the visual arts that operates in three dimensions. Sculpture is the three-dimensional art work which is physically presented in the dimensions of height, width and depth. It is one of the plastic arts. Durable sculptural processes originally used carving and modelling, in stone, metal, ceramics, wood and other materials but, since Modernism, there has been almost complete freedom of materials and process. A wide variety of materials may be worked by removal such as carving, assembled by welding or modelling, or moulded or cast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phidias</span> Greek sculptor, painter and architect (c.480–430 BC)

Phidias or Pheidias was an Ancient Greek sculptor, painter, and architect, active in the 5th century BC. His Statue of Zeus at Olympia was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Phidias also designed the statues of the goddess Athena on the Athenian Acropolis, namely the Athena Parthenos inside the Parthenon, and the Athena Promachos, a colossal bronze which stood between it and the Propylaea, a monumental gateway that served as the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. Phidias was the son of Charmides of Athens. The ancients believed that his masters were Hegias and Ageladas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Viktor Frankl</span> Austrian Holocaust survivor, neurologist, psychologist, philosopher, and author (1905–1997)

Viktor Emil Frankl was an Austrian neurologist, psychologist, philosopher, and Holocaust survivor, who founded logotherapy, a school of psychotherapy that describes a search for a life's meaning as the central human motivational force. Logotherapy is part of existential and humanistic psychology theories.

<i>Mans Search for Meaning</i> 1946 book by Viktor Frankl

Man's Search for Meaning is a 1946 book by Viktor Frankl chronicling his experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II, and describing his psychotherapeutic method, which involved identifying a purpose to each person's life through one of three ways: the completion of tasks, caring for another person, or finding meaning by facing suffering with dignity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gutzon Borglum</span> American sculptor (1867–1941)

John Gutzon de la Mothe Borglum was an American sculptor best known for his work on Mount Rushmore. He is also associated with various other public works of art across the U.S., including Stone Mountain in Georgia, statues of Union General Philip Sheridan in Washington D.C. and in Chicago, as well as a bust of Abraham Lincoln exhibited in the White House by Theodore Roosevelt and now held in the United States Capitol crypt in Washington, D.C.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moses Jacob Ezekiel</span> American sculptor (1844–1917)

Moses Jacob Ezekiel, also known as Moses "Ritter von" Ezekiel, was an American sculptor who lived and worked in Rome for the majority of his career. Ezekiel was "the first American-born Jewish artist to receive international acclaim". Ezekiel was an ardent supporter, in both his writings and in his works, of the Lost Cause revisionist view of history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carl Milles</span> Swedish sculptor (1875–1955)

Carl Milles was a Swedish sculptor. He was married to artist Olga Milles and brother to Ruth Milles and half-brother to the architect Evert Milles. Carl Milles sculpted the Gustaf Vasa statue at the Stockholm Nordic Museum, the Poseidon statue in Gothenburg, the Orpheus group outside the Stockholm Concert Hall, and the Fountain of Faith in Falls Church, Virginia. His home near Stockholm, Millesgården, became his resting place and is now a museum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leo Mol</span> Canadian artist

Leonid Molodozhanyn, known as Leo Mol, was a Ukrainian Canadian stained glass artist, painter and sculptor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Japanese sculpture</span>

Sculpture in Japan began with the clay figure. Towards the end of the long Neolithic Jōmon period, "flame-rimmed" pottery vessels had sculptural extensions to the rim, and very stylized pottery dogū figures were produced, many with the characteristic "snow-goggle" eyes. During the Kofun period of the 3rd to 6th century CE, haniwa terracotta figures of humans and animals in a simplistic style were erected outside important tombs. The arrival of Buddhism in the 6th century brought with it sophisticated traditions in sculpture, Chinese styles mediated via Korea. The 7th-century Hōryū-ji and its contents have survived more intact than any East Asian Buddhist temple of its date, with works including a Shaka Trinity of 623 in bronze, showing the historical Buddha flanked by two bodhisattvas and also the Guardian Kings of the Four Directions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frederick Hart (sculptor)</span> American sculptor

Frederick Elliott Hart was an American sculptor. The creator of hundreds of public monuments, private commissions, portraits, and other works of art, Hart is most famous for Ex Nihilo, a part of his Creation Sculptures at Washington National Cathedral, and The Three Servicemen, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marshall Fredericks</span> American sculptor

Marshall Maynard Fredericks was an American sculptor known for such works as Fountain of Eternal Life, The Spirit of Detroit, Man and the Expanding Universe Fountain, and many others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stone sculpture</span> Sculpture made from stone

A stone sculpture is an object made of stone which has been shaped, usually by carving, or assembled to form a visually interesting three-dimensional shape. Stone is more durable than most alternative materials, making it especially important in architectural sculpture on the outside of buildings.

Rusafa or Al-Rasafa is one of the nine administrative districts in Baghdad, Iraq, on the eastern side of the River Tigris. It is one of the old quarters of Baghdad, situated in the heart of the city, The Rasafa side is one of the main parts of the city of Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. Along with Karkh, it forms the essential components of the city, with the Tigris River flowing between them. The Rasafa side is known for its numerous cultural and historical landmarks, including the Old City, the Republic Bridge, and various markets and residential areas. and is home to a number of public squares housing important monumental artworks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">E. M. Viquesney</span> American sculptor (1876–1946)

Ernest Moore Viquesney was an American sculptor best known for his popular World War I monument Spirit of the American Doughboy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith Memorial Arch</span> Memorial arch in Pennsylvania, U.S.

Smith Memorial Arch is an American Civil War monument at South Concourse and Lansdowne Drive in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Built on the former grounds of the 1876 Centennial Exposition, it serves as a gateway to West Fairmount Park. The Memorial consists of two colossal columns supported by curving, neo-Baroque arches, and adorned with 13 individual portrait sculptures ; two eagles standing on globes; and architectural reliefs of eight allegorical figures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colossal statue of Shapur I</span> Statue of the 2nd Sassanid shah in Fars Province, Iran

The colossal statue of Shapur I is a statue of Shapur I, the second shah (king) of the Sassanid Empire. It stands in the Shapur cave, a huge limestone cave located about 6 km from the ancient city of Bishapur in the south of Iran.

<i>Dickens and Little Nell</i> (Elwell) Sculpture by Francis Edwin Elwell

Dickens and Little Nell is a bronze sculpture by Francis Edwin Elwell that stands in Clark Park in the Spruce Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia. The sculpture depicts the 19th-century British author Charles Dickens and Nell Trent, a character from his 1840–41 novel The Old Curiosity Shop. The grouping was one of the most celebrated American sculptural works of the late 19th century.

<i>The Great God Pan</i> (sculpture) Sculpture by George Grey Barnard in Manhattan, New York, U.S.

The Great God Pan is a bronze sculpture by American sculptor George Grey Barnard. Since 1907, it has been a fixture of the Columbia University campus in Manhattan, New York City.

The year 2015 in art involves various significant events.

The Statue of Responsibility is a proposed monument that is meant to complement the Statue of Liberty. Inspired by the Austrian neurologist, psychologist, philosopher, and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl, the project was endorsed by the governor of Utah in 2023, and it is planned to be built on the site of a former prison.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Gary Lee Price". Archived from the original on 2009-02-28. Retrieved 2009-03-26.
  2. "About Gary Lee Price – Sculptor Gary Lee Price" . Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  3. "Gary Lee Price (sculptor) | Meyer Gallery". www.meyergalleries.com. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  4. Price, Gary (May 9, 2022). Divine Turbulence (1 ed.). Inspired Legacy Publishing. pp. 13–22. ISBN   979-8986063812.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  5. "Gary Price | Pitzer's Fine Arts". pitzersart.com. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  6. "Statue of Responsibility – A colossal inspiring monument to celebrate and promote the principle of Responsibility" . Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  7. "Sculptures | Gary Lee Price". Archived from the original on 2008-09-05. Retrieved 2009-03-26.
  8. "Statue of Responsibility – A colossal inspiring monument to celebrate and promote the principle of Responsibility" . Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  9. "Statue of Responsibility – A colossal inspiring monument to celebrate and promote the principle of Responsibility" . Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  10. "Statue of Responsibility – A colossal inspiring monument to celebrate and promote the principle of Responsibility" . Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  11. "Sculptor Gary Lee Price – Lifting the Human Spirit Through Sculpture" . Retrieved 2024-03-07.