GNSI DC: October 2001 Meeting Report-
Behind the Scenes Tour of the National World War II Memorial Sculpture
at the Kaskey Studio
by Mary Ellen Didion
This was a rare opportunity to see the sculpture work in progress for the much debated National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Hosted by one of the three members of the sculpture team, Perry Carsley. GNSI members had the opportunity to see the entire process of the creation of monumental sculptural works. Specifically in the studio at the time were two 15' tall eagles with wings spread that are to be part of the World War II Memorial and two 12' medallions for a Texas courthouse. Both of which grew from preliminary drawings to tiny hand size clay models to half size mock ups with a Styrofoam base and clay skin to the actual size works in progress that were being readied for the lost wax casting process of the bronze foundry. A number of site models and partial mock ups at the actual scale of the memorial were there to see as well.
Perry discussed in detail the long process for gaining such high profile commissions and the inherent difficulties of design approval by committee process. He also spoke about the importance of the detailed study of life models and knowledge of anatomy, both human and animal, that are indispensable to creating believable realistic sculpture. It was interesting to learn that all those who work in the visual arts share similar frustrations from explaining their artistic vision to those less educated in the arts to cash and work flow problems. He also went into detail explaining the technical issues of working in and producing such large works of art including the design of the interior structure for the sculpture, transporting and securing the sculpture in place and the complexities of casting, mold making and patinas. One thing that was clear was that a good knowledgeable team can really help guarantee the success of a project.
Perry also shared with the group a bit of his background from a small Canadian town to oil rigger in the North West Territories to his sculpture and painting training under the tutoring of Hans Schuler in Baltimore. It is Mr. Schuler who Perry credits his knowledge, passion and skill for classical realistic art. Besides working on this large project, Perry continues with his own sculpture and portrait painting work in new his new studio; recently moved to the same building as the Kaskey Studio. He also teaches artistic anatomy, life drawing, painting and sculpture at The Art Student League in Old Town Alexandria and Maryland Hall in Annapolis.
If you would like to learn more about the memorial or Perry's work you can contact him through his website:
http://pages.prodigy.net/carsleystudio/index.html
Also, there has been such demand for the Behind the Scenes Tour Perry is considering offering it again in the spring. If you are interested be sure to drop him a line.
Click on the small images below to see a larger version.
The first image shows Perry in the background and his young son Ben watching the camera in the forground.