Scott Rogers American Bison Monument
This catalogue illustrates the creation and delivery of Scott Rogers’ monumental bronze “American Bison” (Edition # 7/10).
The following images are photos from the creation of the original clay sculpture, mold, casting, welding, patina, as well as the delivery and finally the installation of this monumental sculpture from Metal Arts Foundry, Lehi, Utah to Bethesda, Maryland.
We could not have been more delighted to work with such an accomplished sculptor as Scott throughout this entire process.
Summer of 2023
Thank you Scott, Janette and Sam for making this whole thing happen.
Lily and DavidDowning
Yudain LLCAll images in this catalogue are © Scott Rogers
AMERICAN BISON
I love iconic images of Americana (i.e. the Grand Canyon, Texas Longhorns, the Giant Redwoods). The “American Bison” is one such iconic image. Can we, of this era, (we who call Animal Control if a stray dog shows up out of place) come close to imagining the sounds made by millions upon millions of bison as they rolled across the prairie? Can our minds even wrap around the sight of these unchecked animals moiling in movement for days…..as they come into view and pass into the horizon?
Pondering such thoughts….adjectives abound: Majesty, Power, Nobility.
I find a dichotomy, of sorts, with the bison. Here is an animal, one of the most powerful beasts on earth, yet it is not a predator. It’s content to be left alone, eat grass and move on to the next range to graze.
I like to think that what our nation holds as the American Spirit can be found and witnessed in the bison. There is power in the individual, instincts towards protection of self and others, oriented toward family and not predatory.
SCOTT ROGERS
Note: Researching the subject prior to sculpting, I found information that led me to learn (based on a bison skull) that the largest bison on the North American continent was 7 feet tall at the hump.
I based this sculpture on an animal that size. I wanted it to represent the largest known bison on the North American Continent.
Scott Rogers
Biography
b. 1961 Mesa, Arizona-lives in Logan, Utah
History and art course through the veins of David Scott Rogers, a sculptor of thirty-two years. John Rogers, his great grandfather (six times removed) died as a martyr, burned at the stake in 1555, for translating and printing one of the first English bibles. Two of his relatives, Thomas Rogers and Samuel Fuller, signed the Mayflower Compact, Plymouth 1620. His great, great grandfather, Henry Clay Rogers, was part of the expedition that settled Lehi, Arizona, in 1877 (now present day Mesa, the very town into which Scott was born). His uncle, Grant Speed, was a renowned artist in western art.
Some quotes that have been overheard about Scott’s work: “He sculpts on the edge and gets away with it.” “With in his work, I see perfection in the chaos”. “The presence of this work is larger that the physical confines of the sculpture itself”. “His sculptures breathe.”
Scott has mentioned, “I sculpt for my art to be an instant conduit to a rich body of knowledge, anatomy, feeling, history, period customs and lore, all the while holding to traditional artistic values. I sculpt with the intention of my work lifting the spirit, assisting one to reach out for that which is good in life, inspiring one to feel better about themselves and their fellowmen. I want to compel a viewer to be an active participant in the event or the time portrayed.”
As a youth Scott was not drawn to creating art, however, it gives insight into his present artistic outlook on life to learn of a few experiences he had at a young age. At twelve years old, he gave mouth to mouth to a drowned boy, “witnessing first hand…life returning”. In becoming an Eagle Scout Scott swam for miles, camped in the snow, ran raging rivers in canoes and in Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains, at 12,000 foot elevation, found himself caught in a lightning storm. At the age of 16, Scott won a Golden Gloves boxing championship (mix in a few street fights as well). He played football, participated in track and field, rode bulls in rodeos throughout Texas and Oklahoma and acted and sang in plays. Scott picked pineapples in the fields of Lanai (Hawaii), trapped and skinned scores of animals, was selected as a principle nominee to attend the Naval Academy (suffering a broken back from bull riding prevented him from attending), and worked as rock crusher in an Alaskan gold mine. All these experiences add to the authenticity and believability people see and feel in the sculptures he creates. Look closely at an artist’s work, for when you do, you’re actually seeing a self-portrait of the emotional fingerprints left by it’s creator.
In Scott’s own words: “The feelings I portray I’ve had all my life. I remember fondly the hours spent as a youth, reading of renegades, outlaws, of wild men and horse, ferocity, passion, cunning, honor, loneliness, fear and freedom. I enjoy depicting men and woman, who unknowingly, found themselves in historical settings requiring courage, and who played a role in something larger than themselves.
“My desire is to use art as a vehicle to inspire others to see the beauty in all life.”
American Bison Placements
American Bison #1/10 Cibolo Creek Ranch, Marfa Texas
American Bison #2/10 Buffalo Ridge Golf Course, Hollister Missouri
American Bison #3/10 Private Collection, Colorado
American Bison #4/10 Private Collection, Wyoming
American Bison #5/10 Private Collection, Jackson Wyoming
American Bison #6/10 Private Collection, Rock Springs Wyoming
American Bison #7/10 Private Collection, Bethesda Maryland
