US Capitol, D.C.

10′ x 3′ x 3′

Bronze

2007

This bronze sculpture of Frederick Douglass to commemorate the abolitionist, politician and publisher, who is seen here portrayed as an orator in the middle of giving a speech. Crumpled in his hand is the self-published North Star, the influential Black antislavery newspaper that Douglass founded, printed, and distributed himself. Gripping the lectern, lips pursed, about to say what needed to be said for hundreds of years, Douglass is shown moving forward, staring intently out as he is about to address the crowd. In this dynamic moment, we see a passionate, confident and determined Frederick Douglass stepping forward, forever leading the nation with his impassioned orations and profound writings.

Additional symbols can be found within the figure, including the chain on his vest, leading to the watch in his breast pocket, which speaks to time passing and issues for which he fought in this country that are still not eradicated now. The chain is oversized for a typical watch, representing the chains of bondage and Douglass’s early life as a child born into slavery. On the podium stands an ink pot and quill, representative of his prodigious and influential writings.

The sculpture was commissioned by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities. It took a constitutional amendment, passed by both houses of Congress, and Presidential Signature, to allow the District of Columbia to place the statue of Frederick Douglass in the US Capitol. The dedication ceremony was officiated by then Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker John Boehner. Also in attendance were Senators Chuck Schumer, Harry Reid, Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes-Norton.

Watch the creation of the Frederick Douglass Statue

John A. Wilson Building, Pennsylvania Ave., D.C.

8′ x 3′ x 3′

Bronze

2018

This heroic-sized bronze sculpture commemorates the life and work of Washington, D.C.’s beloved “Mayor for Life,” Marion S. Barry, Jr. The intention was to portray the mayor walking among and waving to his constituents, as he always had, highlighting his dedication to his community and Washington, D.C. After learning more about his life, legacy, and presence in D.C., his unique story and exceptional personality are expressed in this statue. Friendly, determined, and a skilled politician, he is portrayed as most remembered him, in his favorite suit and crocodile skin shoes. A quote from Barry’s autobiography is engraved in the plinth, explaining his efforts while holding D.C.’s most powerful office.

Commissioned by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, the statue is currently on permanent display outside of the John A. Wilson building on Pennsylvania Avenue. This is one of only three full-body, bronze statues of African Americans erected in the District of Columbia. Barry is also the first local-elected official to be honored with a statue.

Embassy of Bangladesh, D.C.

3′ x 2′ x 2′

Bronze

2017

This larger-than-life bronze bust of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father and first president of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, was commissioned by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington D.C.

Bronze casting by New Arts Foundry, Baltimore, MD

WSSC Headquarters, Laurel, MD.

10′ x 7.5′ x 20′

Bronze

1992

The heroic-scale figurative bronze fountain celebrating the employees of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) bursts out of the lobby of their corporate headquarters and incorporates themes of labor and multi-racial collaboration. The original RFQ did not specify the subject matter of the fountain, but after researching the WSSC, it became clear just how important the workmen are and how much responsibility goes into their work keeping the water running to the public 24/7, no matter the weather conditions.

This sculpture highlights the workmen themselves at the entrance of the headquarters. This dramatic fountain appears as if the workmen have excavated the lobby, revealing a broken 18” horizontal gate valve from which water pours out. A tool is discovered in one of the men’s back pocket, which only people in this occupation would recognize. When trying to locate the source of a break, this device helps them listen closely to the water and determine, based on sound alone, where the break is. Showing the two workmen laboriously struggling together is a symbol of the strength and collaboration that comes from the act of working closely with others.

CSCC, Columbus, OH.

11.5′ x 14′ x 20′

Bronze

2000

Renowned wood carver Elijah Pierce was born in 1892. The youngest child of two former slaves, Pierce spent his youth carving wood, with a simple pocket knife, the figures of animals on his family’s farm in Baldwyn, Mississippi. As an adult, Pierce was a barber and preacher though he soon grew famous for his prolific carvings of biblical scenes. In 1982, just two years before his death, his talents and vast influence on the American artistic community were recognized with a prestigious National Heritage Fellowship, awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts. His home and barbershop were located on Columbus’ northeast side. The two-room shop that he built in 1954 at 534 East Long St. served as a gallery to display his carvings as well as a place to fulfill his ministry. The large book behind him references the story of Elijah from Second Kings and reads, “Elijah, your life is a book and every day is a page.” The book also refers to his renowned large-scale plywood book, carved with Biblical passages, the spine bound together by giant rings.

Since Pierce was a wood carver and a minister, he is shown deep in concentration, from one angle he appears to be praying but, from the other, he is seen carving with his pocketknife. An ethereal cloak appears to be floating in the air beside him, symbolic of the biblical story of Elijah and his cloak. The impression of his barber’s stool appears beneath the cloak, referencing the seat and cloth he would have used in his barbershop. Leaning against the cloak is a staff with quotes from the Bible carved into it, which was one of Elijah’s own artistic mediums. These symbols and references included in my sculpture speak to his multifaceted relationship to religion, art and life. The statue itself is 10’ tall and sits on two 8” risers.

Artist’s Studio

42″ x 22″ x 16″

Bronze

2001

This piece tells the tragic and beautiful Japanese folktale about a crane, or “Tsuru” in Japanese. In the story, a young man observes a group of boys abusing a crane by a lake and chases them away, allowing the bird to fly away freely. The next day, the young man meets a beautiful woman named Tsuru in his village and they fall in love. He discovers that she has a secret and unique skill for weaving a fabric softer than anyone has been able to before.

Before agreeing to marry him, she asks that he respect her privacy and allow her to weave without ever observing or interrupting her. As long as he does that, she promises to love him unconditionally forever, and agrees. Her weavings are so unique and beautiful that they are sought after from all across Japan, but after a few years, he notices that she has started becoming depleted and worn. Out of concern for her, one evening, he goes to her private workspace and pulls the curtain back, only to reveal the crane pulling feathers out of her body and using them in her weaving. The bird looks at him, ashamed, and flies out the window, never to return again.

For this sculpture, Tsuru is portrayed with the delicate elegance of a crane, perched atop a boulder, holding herself in a pose that embodies a sense of privacy and gentleness.

Artist’s Studio

18″ x 12″ x 12″

Bronze

1990

This bronze bust of Eugene Casey was a private commission.

Artist’s Studio

16″ x 8″ x 8″

Bronze

1999

This bronze bust depicts George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights as well as the Virginia Bill of Rights and Constitution. This was a private commission.

Artist’s Studio

42″ x 18″ x 18″

Bronze

1994

This figurative bronze depicts a woman consumed by flames of passion.

Artist’s Studio

42″ x 18″ x 18″

Bronze

1993

This figurative bronze depicts a man consumed by flames of passion.