Whyte with his sculptures of Dublin Soldiers (2019)
Steven Whyte (born 17 March 1969) is a sculptor classically trained in the traditional methodology of figurative bronze and portrait sculpture living in Carmel, California. He has produced many public memorials and installations in both England and throughout the United States with subjects ranging from miners, to soldiers and fire fighters. He is credited with over fifty life size and larger bronze public figures and major monuments including The Silverdale Mining Memorial, The Lance Sergeant Jack Baskeyfield VC Tribute, The Spirit of 1948, and The Dr. John Roberts Monument. Whyte's multimillion-dollar, sixteen-figure monument in San Diego, California entitled National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military is one of his most notable works.
Whyte's work also includes four life size figures for a memorial to the fallen officers of the San Diego Sheriff's Department which was unveiled in May 2011. He also completed a nine figure composition for Cannery Row, Monterey, CA, and a life size Jumbo the Elephant for Tufts University, MA. One of Whyte's most complex works, the massive statue for Texas A&M University titled The Aggie War Hymn Monument, has twelve 1.6 times life size bronze figures of students, "sawing off variety's horns". The 10ft by 39ft sculpture was unveiled in September 2014, at a cost of $1.7M. In 2016 Whyte was awarded Sports Artist of the Year, sculptor, by The United States Sports Academy and The American Sport Art Museum & Archives.[1] In December 2016 The Smithsonian Institution acquired Whyte's bronze bust of Congressman John Conyers Jr. for the National Portrait Gallery (United States) in Washington D.C..
Whyte was the sculptor for the Column of Strength, San Francisco's controversial Comfort Women Memorial.
Biography
The son of Campbell MacNaughton Whyte (retired Royal Air Force) and Janice Whyte (Homemaker, Gardener and Artisan), Steven Whyte was born 17 March 1969 in Amesbury,[2] United Kingdom and grew up in various parts of Europe including Scotland, Germany, the Netherlands, England, and the Shetland Isles.
Whyte, a dyslexic, has been described as first using art as a social solution, rather than a potential vocation: "Art class was often the only place I felt confident that I could contribute and learn at the same rate as my peers.” Whyte's first art courses were drawing and graphic design, but it was not until high school that he began learning ceramics and sculpture. As an undergraduate, he was granted a full scholarship and became the youngest applicant accepted to the Sir Henry Doulton School of Sculpture, under the late Professor Colin Melbourne ARCA and Dame Elisabeth Frink RA.[3]
After leaving school, Whyte co-wrote the only validated figurative sculpture course in England[4] and accepted a teaching position at Stafford College. He then became the youngest member of the London-based Society of Portrait Sculptors, where he served as Vice-President alongside President Franta Belsky PPRBS, late sculptor to the Royal Family. Whyte's early career consisted primarily of private commissions and portrait work, with over 70 completed commissioned official portraits to date.[3]
In 2003, Whyte opened his first US open studio and gallery on Cannery Row in Monterey, California. In 2007, the Steven Whyte Sculpture Studio and Gallery moved to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California where it is currently open to the public every day.[4]
Nurture from Steven Whyte's signature Stance series, 2003–ongoing
Artistic style
The human form is Whyte's preferred subject, and he typically works with live models whenever possible. His sculptures are ultimately cast in bronze, but they begin as clay.
Steven Whyte describes himself as a "sculptor of people"[2] and although his pieces are reminiscent of classical figures, Whyte chooses to put importance on "the emotional quality and impact of the sculpture" more than the adherence to traditional technique. Whyte intends for his work to have "narrative and tangible personality".
Whyte currently works in a studio that is open to the public. The interaction and response has become a part of his work. “There's a constant energy. It's like when a film actor does theater and suddenly there's no distance between his work and the audience, the response is both immediate and honest.”[3]
Public collections
Museums:
Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, Washington D.C.
The House of Commons, London
National Portrait Gallery, London
National Marine Corp Museum, VA
The Carter Center, GA
Municipalities:
San Diego Port Authority, CA
City of Stoke-on-Trent, UK
City of Fontana, CA
City of Seaside, CA
City of Monterey, CA
City of Hollywood, FL
City of Seoul, South Korea
City of Dublin, CA
The State of Florida
Educational Institutions:
Texas A&M University
Tufts University
Houston Baptist University
Furman University
Public commissions
• The State of Florida's Slavery Memorial Monument. Multiple over-life-sized bronze figures representing the history of slavery of African American history. The Florida State Capitol Building, Tallahassee, FL. 2023
• Michael Marotta Memorial. Life-size seated figure of "Mr. Monterey" for Monterey, CA. 2021
• Joseph Vaughn. Life-size standing bronze sculpture of Joseph Vaughn, the first African-American student at Furman University for Furman University in Greenville, SC. 2020
• President Jimmy Carter. Three times life-size bust of President Carter for Carter Center, Presidential Library. Atlanta, GA. 2019.
• Chief Justice Earl Warren. Three-times life-size portrait bust on 15ft sculpted column. California Memorial Masonic Temple. San Francisco, CA. 2019.
• Comfort Women's Circle of Strength. Four life-size figures of WWII Comfort Women, interactive and inclusive of today's movements for the protection of women. Seoul, South Korea. 2019.
• Don Biddle Memorial. Life-size bust of Councilman Don Biddle for Don Biddle Community Park. Dublin, CA. 2019.
• Dublin Veterans Memorial. Four 1.5 times life-size military figures and plaza. Crossing Park, Dublin, CA. 2019.
• General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. A life-size figure of United States Air Force general and commander of the WWII Tuskegee Airmen. United States Military Academy at West Point. 2018.
• Congressman John J. Conyers, Jr. Life size bust of the U.S. representative for Michigan's 13th congressional district. Member of Congress since 1965 and is currently its dean. Washington D.C. 2017.
• Jumbo the Elephant. Life-size (11ft) African elephant monument for Tufts University's mascot. Tufts University, Medford, MA. 2014.
• Aggie War Hymn Monument. Twelve 1.6 times life-size figures on a 40' x 4' base. Representing Aggie students standing side-by-side during a traditional “sawing off Varsity's horns” cheer. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 2014.
• A National Monument to John Steinbeck and Cannery Row. Nine slightly over life-size figures on a 17' x 20' x 16' stone formation. Author John Steinbeck and eight characters from his novel Cannery Row. Cannery Row, Monterey, CA. 2014.
• Senator William T. Moore. Life size half figure bust of Senator Moore for Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. 2013.
• Tribute to Fallen Deputies. Four life-size figures in tribute to fallen officers and their families. San Diego Sheriffs Deputies Association, San Diego, CA. 2011.
• John David Crow. Twice life -size portrait action figure of 1957 Heisman Trophy Winner John David Crow for Texas A&M. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. 2010.
• St. Anthony of Padua. Life-size full depth relief of St. Anthony and Child. Carmel Mission San Carlos Borromeo, Carmel, CA. 2009.
• Dream Speech Bust. 1.5 times life-size portrait bust of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. displayed above a plaque containing his “I Have a Dream” speech in its entirety. City of Hollywood, FL. 2008.
• Column of Knowledge. 1.5 times life-size portrait bust of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. perched on a stack of books that had influenced his life and work. City of Fontana, CA. 2008.
• A National Tribute to Bob Hope and the Military. Eight life-size figures representing various eras of service men, women and veterans. San Diego Port Authority, San Diego, CA. 2008.
• Dr. John L. D. Roberts Monument. Life size statue of the founder of Seaside, California. Citizens Committee, City of Seaside, CA. 2004.
• David and Lucile Packard Relief and chairs the Board of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Relief Portrait plaque, 16” x 16”, bronze. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California. 2003.
• Spirit of 1948. Three life-size figures in cast stone as a tribute to the Staffordshire Fire Service. Staffordshire, England. 1998.
• Holden Lane High School Relief. Project with local high school to create 21' x 7' brick relief. Burslem, England. 1998.
• Mier Portal. 36' x 14' brick relief for interstate tunnel portal. Mier, England. 1997.
• The Lance Sergeant Jack Baskeyfield VC Tribute. Twice life size (12ft) full memorial figure of the Victoria Cross winner, and the only monument to a non-commissioned soldier in Britain. Hanley, England. 1996.
• The Silverdale Mining Memorial. 1.5 times life-size miner, pushing mining tub with eleven bronze plaques including four life size portrait reliefs. Newcastle-under-Lyme, England. 1996.
• Tribute to Reginald Mitchell. 1.25 times life-size full memorial figure to the aeronautical designer of the Spitfire aircraft. Staffordshire, England. 1991
• Destiny. Queen's Moat Hotel Group. Staffordshire, England. 1991.
• Bust of May Walley. Victoria Hall, Hanley. Staffordshire, England. 1990.
Religious Work
• Five Saints. Five half life-size figures sculpted for niches in the Cloisters on the Platte chapel. Omaha, NE. 2019.
• Stewart Morris, Sr. A life-size figure of one of Houston Baptist University's founding fathers. Houston Baptist University, Houston, TX. 2017.
• Saint Mary and Saint Joseph. Life-size figures of Mary and Joseph. Cloisters on the Platte, Omaha, NE. 2018.
• Mary and Joseph. 7ft figure of Mary and 8ft figure of Joseph. Cloisters on the Platte, Omaha, NE. 2018.
Titled Portrait Works from life
UK Busts and Figures 1989-2000
Shami Ahmad - Chairman, Pinwise PLC
Lord Alexander - Chairman, National Westminster Bank PLC
1 2 Noszlopy, George and Fiona Waterhouse (2005). Public Structure of Staffordshire and the Black Country. Liverpool: Liverpool University Press. ISBN978-0-85323-999-4.
1 2 3 Wilson, Ellen (Summer–Fall 2004). "Steven Whyte: The Next Generation of Great Figurative Sculptors". Carmel Magazine.
1 2 Wilbur, Brett (Winter 2008). "Steven Whyte: An Artist at Work". Carmel Magazine.
Related Research Articles
Edward Hodges Baily was a prolific British sculptor responsible for numerous public monuments, portrait busts, statues and exhibition pieces as well as works in silver. He carved friezes for both the Marble Arch and Buckingham Palace in London. His numerous statues of public figures include that of Horatio Nelson on top of Nelson's Column and Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey on Grey's Monument in Newcastle upon Tyne. Throughout his career Baily was responsible for creating a number of monuments and memorials for British churches and cathedrals, including several in St Paul's Cathedral.
Sir William Hamo Thornycroft was an English sculptor, responsible for some of London's best-known statues, including the statue of Oliver Cromwell outside the Palace of Westminster. He was a keen student of classical sculpture and was one of the youngest artists to be elected to the Royal Academy, in 1882, the same year the bronze cast of Teucer was purchased for the British nation under the auspices of the Chantrey Bequest.
Edward Onslow Ford was an English sculptor. Much of Ford's early success came with portrait heads or busts. These were considered extremely refined, showing his subjects at their best and led to him receiving a number of commissions for public monuments and statues, both in Britain and overseas. Ford also produced a number of bronze statuettes of free-standing figures loosely drawn from mythology or of allegorical subjects. These 'ideal' figures became characteristic of the New Sculpture movement that developed in Britain from about 1880 and of which Ford was a leading exponent.
William Ordway Partridge was an American sculptor, teacher and author. Among his best-known works are the Shakespeare Monument in Chicago, the equestrian statue of General Grant in Brooklyn, the Pietà at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, and the Pocahontas statue in Jamestown, Virginia.
Charles Allan Grafly, Jr. was an American sculptor, and teacher. Instructor of Sculpture at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts for 37 years, his students included Paul Manship, Albin Polasek, and Walker Hancock.
John Henry Foley, often referred to as J. H. Foley, was an Irish sculptor, working in London. He is best known for his statues of Daniel O'Connell in Dublin, and of Prince Albert for the Albert Memorial in London and for a number of works in India.
Sir George James Frampton, was a British sculptor. He was a leading member of the New Sculpture movement in his early career when he created sculptures with elements of Art Nouveau and Symbolism, often combining various materials such as marble and bronze in a single piece. While his later works were more traditional in style, Frampton had a prolific career in which he created many notable public monuments, including several statues of Queen Victoria and later, after World War I, a number of war memorials. These included the Edith Cavell Memorial in London, which, along with the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens are possibly Frampton's best known works.
Alan LeQuire is an American sculptor from Nashville, Tennessee. Many of his sculptures are installed in the city.
Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal, usually known as Bertram Mackennal, was an Australian sculptor and medallist, most famous for designing the coinage and stamps bearing the likeness of George V. He signed his work "BM".
Allen George Newman III was an American sculptor, best known for his statue "The Hiker".
Francis Edwin Elwell was an American sculptor, teacher, and author.
Sir Charles Thomas Wheeler was a British sculptor who worked in bronze and stone who became the first sculptor to hold the presidency of the Royal Academy, from 1956 until 1966.
Edward Alfred Briscoe Drury was a British architectural sculptor and artist active in the New Sculpture movement. During a long career Drury created a great number of decorative figures such as busts and statuettes plus larger monuments, war memorials, statues of royalty and architectural pieces. During the opening years of the 20th-century he was among the foremost architectural sculptors active in Britain and in that period created the series of works in central London for which he is perhaps now best known. These include the figures on the Old War Office building in Whitehall, elements of the facade of the Victoria and Albert Museum and four of the colossal statues on Vauxhall Bridge.
Raffaello Romanelli was an Italian sculptor, born in Florence, Italy.
Zenos Frudakis, known as Frudakis, is an American sculptor whose diverse body of work includes monuments, memorials, portrait busts and statues of living and historic individuals, military subjects, sports figures and animal sculpture. Over the past four decades he has sculpted monumental works and over 100 figurative sculptures included within public and private collections throughout the United States and internationally. Frudakis currently lives and works near Philadelphia, and is best known for his sculpture Freedom, which shows a series of figures breaking free from a wall and is installed in downtown Philadelphia. Other notable works are at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina, the National Academy of Design, and the Lotos Club of New York City, the Imperial War Museum in England, the Utsukushi ga-hara Open Air Museum in Japan, and the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.
William Robert Colton was a British sculptor. After completing his studies in London and Paris, Colton established himself with solid, career-long business relationships, secured admission to exhibitions at the Royal Academy and the Salon in Paris. His works included commissions for busts, statues and war memorials. His clientele included royalty in England and India.
David Watson Stephenson was a Scottish sculptor, executing portraits and monuments in marble and bronze.
John Francis Kavanagh was an Irish sculptor and artist. In 1930 he was awarded the British School at Rome Scholarship in Sculpture.
The San Francisco Comfort Women memorial is a monument dedicated to comfort women before and during World War II. It is built in remembrance of the girls and women that were sexually enslaved by the Imperial Japanese Army through deceit, coercion, and brutal force. It is approximated that there were around 400,000 "comfort women" from Korea, Taiwan, China, Indonesia, the Philippines and other Asian countries. The site is located near the Saint Mary's Square, at the crossroads of San Francisco Chinatown and the Financial District. The statue "Comfort Women" Column of Strength, by sculptor Steven Whyte, is one of nine and the first sculpture placed in a major U.S. city to commemorate the comfort women.
Roger Noble Burnham was an American sculptor and teacher. He is best remembered for creating The Trojan (1930), the unofficial mascot of the University of Southern California.
References
Noszlopy, George and Fiona Waterhouse (2005). Public Structure of Staffordshire and the Black Country. Liverpool: Liverpool University Press. pp.118, 138, 152, 29. ISBN978-0-85323-999-4.
Wilbur, Brett (Winter 2008). "Steven Whyte: An Artist at Work". Carmel Magazine. pp.268–271.
Wilson, Ellen (Summer–Fall 2004). "Steven Whyte: The Next Generation of Great Figurative Sculptors". Carmel Magazine.
City of Hollywood to Unveil the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Multicultural Art Project Press Release
Online pages on Steven Whyte from the book, Public Sculpture of Staffordshire and Black Country
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
