Proposal for The National Garden of American Heroes
Kraig Varner
Sculptor
As a figurative sculptor it is always a challenge to capture the spirit and personality of the person for or into lasting bronze. Not only is the human form challenging to master, but all its nuances and expressiveness. There is also its long and fascinating history. In addition, when it is used to honor a particular person, there are all the elements of design and likeness to bring forth. Figurative art and sculpture is particularly interesting to me because I have always been intrigued by people and their accomplishments. Moreover, it is the wondrous process from clay to mold to final bronze that is so captivating. It is awe-inspiring watching the roar of the furnace come to life and seeing the molten bronze at over 2100 degrees Fahrenheit being poured into the ceramic molds. So these are just some of the reasons for my lifetime pursuit in art. I hope that this joy and effort comes through from my work to the viewer.
Proposed Historical Figures
Nathan Hale “The Young Patriot”
I chose Nathan Hale because to me he is the example of the young patriot. He was commissioned as a Captain in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary war and is best known for his selflessness and courage for the cause of freedom and a government of the people, for the people, and by the people. He was born June 6th, 1755, in Coventry, Connecticut, Graduated from Yale College in 1773 at the age of 18, with first class honors. He taught school in New London, Connecticut, then joined the Continental Army in 1775. He was commissioned a Captain in the 7th Connecticut Regiment. He volunteered to gather intelligence on British troop movements and fortification and disguised himself as a Dutch school master. He was captured and hung for espionage by the British at the age of 21. His now legendary final words at the gallows were, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
Maria Tallchief “America’s First Prima Ballerina”
Maria Tallchief was an Osage Native American ballerina. Her full birth name was Elizabeth Marie Tallchief. She was America’s first major Prima Ballerina and the first Native American to hold that rank. Maria Tallchief, together with the Georgian-American choreographer George Balanchine, revolutionized The American Ballet. In 1947 she became the first American to dance with the Paris Opera Ballet. It was George Balanchine who created her signature Firebird role that took Paris by storm in 1949. She was the Prima Ballerina with the New York City Ballet. She is known for one of her best roles, the Sugar Plum Fairy, which she originated in the Nutcracker. In 1960 she performed at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, making her the first American to do so. She became one of the only American dancers of her era recognized as a reigning Prima Ballerina and international superstar.
“Body and Soul” A portrait of Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday is considered one of the greatest American Jazz singers and one of the most original. She had no formal musical training, but had an instinctive sense of musical structure. Her early years at the root level of jazz and blues gave her a singing style that was deeply moving and original. She made her first recording with Benny Goodman in 1933 at the age of 18. Two years later she recorded with Teddy Wilson and Count Basie bands. It launched her career as the leading Jazz singer of her time. In 1937 and 1938 she toured with Count Basie and Artie Shaw. Her recordings between 1936 and 1942 marked her peak years. During that period she was associated with saxophonist Lester Young, who gave her the nickname “Lady Day”.