Portraits & Figures
Rip Caswell, Sculptor General Information: Rip Caswell is recognized as one of America s preeminent bronze sculptors. Caswell s artworks can be found in public spaces and private collections throughout the United States and abroad, including New York, Washington DC and England. Caswell s ability to capture and convey emotion through his sculpture is as distinguishable as the talent that makes his creations come to life. Many who behold his bronze figures are brought to tears by the range and the impact of sentiment felt. The passion and artistic aptitude that drives Caswell is embodied in every piece he creates. This quality has earned him a national reputation. Rip sculpting Tommy Tucker Memorial Caswell has earned professional esteem through collaboration with skilled architects, designers and developers. Rip s flexibility as an artist and his capacity to create work that embodies the emotion and theme of a specific site has been proven through the completion of many public installations. His ready availability to project principals and managers has gained Rip a reputation as a solid partner on large scale and timeline driven ventures. Examples of Relevant Project Experience: TOMMY TUCKER MEMORIAL 2009, for the Tucker Memorial Committee, Madras Oregon GOVERNER TOM MCCALL MEMORIAL 2008, for the Tom McCall Memorial Committee and the Oregon Community Foundation, Salem Oregon KATHY ALBEE BUST 2010, for John Albee and the Epiphany Catholic Church & School MAESTRO JAMES DEPREIST BUST 2003, for Friends of the Oregon Symphony Artwork in Public Spaces Throughout the United States Many Successful Collaborations with Architects and Developers Projects Completed On-Time and Within Budget Skilled Artist Team Long Standing Relationship with Foundry
Artist Team Member Steve Parks, Foundry Owner General Information: Steve Parks is respected as a foundry owner who completes each art commission in a timely and budget sensitive manner. His experience in collaborating with the Rip Caswell Sculptures Team includes the casting and final foundry work on many large scale and publicly visible artworks in the Pacific NW as well as other states across America. Park s twenty-four years of sculpture and foundry experience has gained him the much needed ability to supervise and implement large scale art installations, while working with both governmental and public agencies and committees. He makes himself available to artists and clients because he understands the uniqueness of each project and the importance of timelines and budgets. Steve Parks assists with McCall Installation Relevant Project Experience: STAHURA CHILDREN PORTRAITS 2011, for a private residence near Seattle, WA KATHY ALBEE MEMORIAL BUST 2010, for John Albee, Normal Illinois TOMMY TUCKER MEMORIAL 2009, for the Tucker Memorial Committee, Madras Oregon GOVERNER TOM MCCALL MEMORIAL 2008, for the Tom McCall Memorial Committee and the Oregon Community Foundation, Salem Oregon 24 years of Foundry Experience Budget and Timeline Sensitive Installation Expert Committee and Governmental Project Experience
Artist Team Member Kathy Toynbee, General Manager Kathy and Rip under the Troutdale Entryway Arch General Information: Kathy Toynbee has been the primary point of contact for Rip Caswell clients and commissioning agencies since early 2006. Her skill at facilitating and ensuring clear client/artist communication has been pivotal to the success of many Caswell Sculpture projects, from proposal development to final installation. By listening and truly hearing clients needs and by having a clear understanding of both public and private art projects, Toynbee is able to draft, negotiate and finalize Commission Agreements efficiently and with precise attention to detail. Examples of Relevant Project Experience: TOMMY TUCKER MEMORIAL 2009, for Tucker Memorial Committee, Madras Oregon Contributions: Assisted with subject research and concept development; conducted all contract negotiations and agreements and budget, project and timeline management. GOVERNER TOM MCCALL MEMORIAL MONUMENT 2008, for the Tom McCall Memorial Committee and the Oregon Community Foundation, Salem Oregon Contributions: Assisted with subject research and concept development; assisted with contract negotiations and agreements and budget, project and timeline management. STAHURA CHILDREN 2010, for Paul and Florence Stahura, Seattle WA Contributions: Assisted with concept development, conducted all contract negotiations and agreements and budget, project and timeline management. Research and Concept Development Expert Extensive Proposal and Contract Writing Experience Private Committee and Government Experience Trained in Project and Timeline Management
Approach to Commissioned Art Projects I have worked closely with a variety of public and private entities, to create both individual sculptures and sanctuary like settings that tell stories and create moods, as developed by the client. These entities, among others, include major developments, business parks, national parks, schools and churches. The approach I have taken with all of my commissioned projects is to be involved with client or committee early on in order to relay the desired message through design and final artwork. Process in Completion of Commissioned Art Projects The process I use in my commissioned projects involves client input as well as collaboration with designers, architects and landscape architects as needed. This input is gathered at meetings, interviews, and during presentations. My involvement and availability are guaranteed throughout the artistic process. This process involves the following: 1) Research of subject and theme 2) Presentation to client of a detailed concept drawing (if required) 3) After approval of the drawing, sculpting begins 4) Presentation to client of the artwork in clay (the sculpture) 5) After approval of the sculpture, casting begins 6) Artist involvement in all stages of foundry work 7) Assistance with placement and installation of artwork as required by client. This process, and my availability and accessibility to the client, ensures that requirements for the project are met to the client s satisfaction and within the project timeline.
Rip Caswell Sculpture Project: Tommy Tucker Iraq War Memorial Friendship Park, Madras Oregon Friends and family of Tommy Tucker approached Rip after the young soldier lost his life during a tour of duty in Iraq. An outpouring from sympathetic Americans who had followed Tommy s story of abduction and torture left the family with the desire to pursue a memorial in Tommy s name. After spending many hours with Tommy s immediate family and best school friends to learn all he could of the young soldier, Rip conceived of and created the final image of Tommy assisting an Iraqi girl among the rubble of her war torn country. The life size figure of Tommy and the Iraqi girl stands at Friendship Park, on the corner of the busy highway that runs through town. Just as the family and the Committee wished, the image tells the story of the American hero and his love of children to all who drive past and view the finished sculpture. The sculpture was completed and installed within budget and on time to the Committee s specifications. Installed: 2009 As a part of the Thomas L. Tucker Memorial Committee I cannot say enough about our experience with Rip Caswell and his staff during the entire process of creating our tribute sculpture. From the initial concept to the completion of our memorial Rip s passion for his craft and pure talent exceeded every expectation. His dedication to creating our dream was exceptional and his attention to detail is second to none. Along with the rest of the committee, I would not hesitate to recommend Rip. ~ Lyndsay Hessel
Rip Caswell Sculpture Project: Governor Tom McCall Memorial Location: Riverfront Park, Salem Oregon The Oregon Community Foundation and the Tom McCall Memorial Committee hired Rip to create a monument sculpture of Oregon s beloved Governor Tom McCall to be installed near the Capital building at the Riverfront walkway in Salem. The Committee had a vision in mind, as McCall himself had selected the photographed image to be used for any future monuments erected after his departure. Rip utilized the selected photograph taken of Governor McCall to create the design for this monument piece. He also was able to use the very hip-waders and fly rod McCall carried when the image was taken along the Umpqua River during a fishing trip. To emphasize the popular Governor s contributions to Oregon, the artist incorporated into the bronze the environmental bills that McCall was instrumental in passing during his time in office. Installed: 2008 Your sculpture stands alone at the pinnacle of expressive and beautiful art. My father lives in the statue and his spirit radiates with a vibrant humanity that belies the metallic fabric. I think you capture the person of Tom McCall, and honor the medium simultaneously. ~ Governor McCall s son Tad McCall in a letter to Rip
Rip Caswell Sculpture Project: Kathy Albee Bust Location: Epiphany Catholic Church and School, Normal Illinois Rip was contacted by Kathy Albee s husband and asked to create a memorial bust of his wife who had passed away quite young from cancer. Mrs. Albee had been a teacher at the local Catholic Church and had touched the lives of many children and parents over the course of her career. Mr. Albee s wish was to capture his wife s character and shy smile in the bust so that her spirit lived on and could be shared with others. Mr. Albee was able to send Rip jewelry and clothing worn by Kathy, which was incorporated into the bust design, adding even more of her personality. The project was under a tight deadline to coincide with a scheduled school event, and Rip was able to meet the deadline to the client s great delight. Installed 2010
Rip Caswell Sculpture Project: Maestro James DePreist Bust Location: Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland Oregon This bronze portrait bust was sponsored by friends and supporters of the Maestro James DePreist, formerly celebrated conductor of the Oregon Symphony. Caswell spent time at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall studying the Maestro s every move and expression as he led the Symphony in performance. Installed: 2003 Dear Rip, I can t tell you how uncanny your sculpture is. I, at first, thought as I scrolled down, that you had sent me a photograph. You have captured the absolute essence of my appearance. Rip, you are extraordinary. Thank you!!! ~ James DePreist in a message to Rip after receiving an image of the bust
Rip Caswell Sculpture Project: Stahura Children Location: Private residence, near Seattle Washington Sophie and Anthony two of three portraits for a Seattle family Rip was approached by the mother and father of three, who live in the Seattle region and who wanted to capture their children in bronze portraits at ages, ten, eleven and thirteen. They had seen and heard of Rip s work and contacted the studio when ready to discuss the details around commissioning an artist for this personal type of project. The parents were most focused on capturing the essence of each child and their distinctly different personalities. Rip traveled to their home, where he spent an entire day watching the children going about their daily activities and interacting with their family. Rip took many pictures and brought them back to the studio. From those moments spent with the family and from his collection of photographs, Rip was able to conceptualize what the parents have called perfect snapshots of their two sons and daughter. Rip also assisted with the placement of each portrait sculpture at the family home as part of the agreement. Installation: July 2011
References: Project and Installation Date: The Epiphany Catholic Church Baptism of Christ Monument 2009 Contact: Rita S. Kress, Patron Kress Corporation 227 Illinois Street Brimfield, IL 61517 309.446.3395 The Epiphany Catholic Church Contact: Monsignor Eric Powell 1006 E College Avenue Normal IL 61761 309.452.2585 Paul and Florence Stahura Stahura Children Portraits 2011 Contact: Florence Flo_stahura@hotmail.com 425-269-6794 Tommy Tucker Memorial Committee Tommy Tucker Memorial Monument 2009 Contact: Lyndsay Hessel P.O. Box 24 Madras, OR 97741 541-788-9154 lyndsay_lopez@yahoo.com R ip C a s w e ll S t u d io P O B o x 8 5 0 2 5 5 E. C o l u m b ia R i v e r H w y T r o u t d a le O R 9 7 0 6 0 5 0 3. 4 9 2. 2 4 7 3 R ip C a s w e l l. c o m