Preserving the significant past accurately describes the magnificent work of Colorado sculptor Robert Henderson.
Saying his greatest reward comes in "seeing the looks on the faces of the people whose history I'm recording," his sculptures can make you both laugh and cry.
With collectors worldwide, Robert's art is eclectic. Respect, appreciation, tradition, honor, and even a little humor are themes throughout his art.
"Most of the work I'm doing is chronicling our times, people and things. My work is my life entirely," he says, inspiration in his voice.
In meticulous detail, Robert honors the crews and pilots of the WWII Air War through his monumental bronze airplanes which are displayed throughout our nation. The Sculpture Garden at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs features replicas of a P-51 Mustang, P-47 Jug, P-40 Warhawk, B-17 Flying Fortress, and two P-38 Lightning sculptures. The sixth plane, a B-24 Liberator, will have a 20-foot wingspan and weigh a total of four to five tons. It will be unveiled at the USAF on September 25, 1998.
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Robert's goal to "be just as truthful as I can be," is evidenced in every piece he creates from exquisite water gardens like "Paradise" located at "Old Max" prison in Canon City to a 9-foot high steel sculpture, "Tradition," which depicts oneness of family. Currently, Robert is working on a series of sculptures honoring several racecar drivers.
"I've done four of them, and they are all-time greats: Jimmy Clarck, Ayrton Senna, Mark Donahue, and Bruce McLaren. They were so very young when they died; they were so very great and accomplished so much."
Sculpting life-size bronze busts of prominent individuals is nothing new to him. He recently completed the John Denver memorial now displayed at Aspen Airport, and has previously sculpted about 15 busts including Walter Cronkite, Mike O'Callaghan (former Nevada governor), and the latest one is of INXS musician Michael Hutchence.
But in addition to the numerous sculptures he is currently doing, Robert also has a grand dream which he would love to make a reality. Called "Buffalo Mountain," Robert envisions a mega-structure in the form of a reclining buffalo encasing major attractions such as a shopping mall, entertainment center, ski resort, condominiums or other such public attractions. Essentially, his dream means the creation of a gigantic complex consisting of levels, not self-standing, but coordinated plazas interconnected from the ground levels to the uppermost suites.
Externally, the shape of a buffalo is in honor of "the finest animal to ever roam our land." Between the buffalo's bronze horns, he would sculpt five bronze facial portraits of prominent native American tribal figures approximately the size as those on Mount Rushmore.
With such a mountain measuring from 300-1200 feet high, and from 600 feet to one-half mile in length, Robert's dream would require some major funding.
"I don't do anything halfway. Whatever I do, I get serious about. It's a dream that could be. You know how things have to do with timing. Walt Disney had an idea and made it work. It is in that order. It's all possible."
Toward that, Robert has even made a 9-minute video presentation tape available which explores his concept in detail.
Having studied with some of the greatest sculptors living, Robert is, himself, becoming one of our greats. At age 54, his creative vision is unbounded.
Visitors to Robert's studio are welcome if they call 1-800-305-1738 or 719-275-1422, in advance, to make an appointment to see the works in progress in Canon City.
This
activity is supported by funding from the Colorado Council on the Arts, a
state agency funded by the Colorado General Assembly and the National
Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
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