Master Sculptor, 90, Completes 9/11 Elegy and Tribute

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nonagenarian sculptor, John Henry Waddell (http://www.artbyjohnwaddell.com), has completed a monumental 30-figure bronze bas relief which took flight with the events of 9/11. An artist whose work spans nearly a century and depicts politics, humanity, the beauty of the individual and our struggle as humans to realize our best potential, Waddell pondered on how to articulate the unfathomable in the work.

"It was after 9/11 that the figures in the relief started to rise. I thought, 'They can fly. They will express a hope for a kind of release and freedom,'" Waddell said.

The 50-foot monument, which Waddell titled "Rising" (http://www.risingbywaddell.com), evolved over a period of 10 years. It depicts 29 bronze human figures captured in a moment of ascension. Some figures are walking, some rising, some flying, but on all levels there are figures reaching out to one another. A lone figure in the work watches the ascent of the rest blurring the line between subject and object, and inviting the viewer as a joint witness to the unfolding experience. The figures will be installed on a vertical surface, either free standing or part of an existing building.

"Like all of my work, it is inspired by the beauty and uniqueness of each human being. My vision is for a more compassionate and accepting world," said Waddell.

Upon seeing "Rising" in 2009, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, advocated for its display in New York to Mayor Bloomberg. "There is no need to reiterate the profound effect September 11 had on all Americans, or the range of deep feelings it elicited across our nation. But I wanted to bring to your attention this stirring piece," Napolitano wrote.

Originally Waddell focused on placing “Rising” at the memorial site in NYC.

“The actual work has yet to be seen by anyone involved in the development of the Ground Zero site,” said Waddell.

He is open to other locations, as well, including the United Nations and sites both here and abroad.

“It would be gratifying to me to see this work in a place where many people could see it,” Waddell said. “For now, viewers are welcome to view 'Rising' at my studio.”

For more information, visit: http://www.risingbywaddell.com, http://www.artbyjohnwaddell.com

Contact: Amy 310.283.1355, [email protected]

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SOURCE John Henry Waddell