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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 - 1/1 Marine Memorial at Castaways ParkItem S September 4, 2007 `� �Yy�r �i yfr� y� r • 4 r To: Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission From: Wes Morgan, Director Re: 1/1 Marine Memorial Committee The 1 /1 Marine Memorial Committee has reconsidered their previous decision to locate the war memorial at Ensign View Park. The Committee notified staff of their intention to place the memorial on the bluff at Castaways Park. The Committee is seeking consensus from the Commission for this change. Memorial fundraising will begin this fall. Attachments: 1. Pictures of locations at Castaways Parks. 2. Memorial Information E Beniamin Victor: Design Statement ]"Marines, 0 Battalion My artwork is conceptually based figurative work which has a focus on the heroism of humankind. I have been fortunate to have received very large commissions at such a young age, but that is not really what drives me. What really excites me about what I do is creating works of art that are centered on people whose lives are models of what society should be. From the War Memorial Sculpture to my Recent Monument to Firefighters 1 have had the opportunity to study and create works of art based upon the lives of heroes who gave their lives for others. I cannot think of a more worthy undertaking to devote my life to than that of memorializing great people who put the lives of others before their own. When working on the Aberdeen Regional Airport War Memorial Sculpture I personally interviewed over 200 Veterans. Their stories, along with the mountains of written histories I researched, gave me a deep appreciation for our service men and women. They inspire me to create so that their story lives on. They also inspire me to create so that others will read of their lives and appreciate what they gave for this great country. And they inspire me to create so that proper respect and homage is paid to the selfless gift that each gave to our society. I truly believe that creating a Monument to our Soldiers is the greatest undertaking an artist could have, which is why I am so excited at the prospect of creating a Monument to the I" Battalion, 1" Marines. When this design came to me 1 was going over my notes and countless interviews • with young soldier. Their testimonies to the feelings of family members before, during, and after their tour of duty spawned this moving idea for a monument. I heard the tearful stories of families who had sent their loved one off to war and he "never came back". I saw a young soldier who left and (after a severe injury to the head) returned to his wife without any memories of their past before his service. 1 have seen the fortunate soldiers weep as they tell me of how lucky they are to come back "without a scrape ". All of these experiences are distilled into this emotive design. The design will encourage interpretation, thought, empathy, and appreciation for our service men and women. My preliminary drawings outline the design which includes life size bronze sculpture of soldier. He is walking forward while looking back. As he walks forward he is enveloped by a 9 foot tall polished black granite corridor. He is literally walking into the granite corridor which creates an interesting set of questions and leads the viewer towards introspection. Is he already away from home and in the war, "looking back" on the times he had at home before he went off to war? Or is he taking a final look back as he heads off to war, giving a last "goodbye" glance before he is deployed? Our questions are met by no less a paradigm as we walk around the piece to realize that the limbs being enveloped by the granite piece are not coming through the other side. He "enters in, but does not come back out. Instead we see the name of the soldier's unit, or even perhaps the names of the fallen soldiers) from the I" Battalion, I" Marines. This will not only serve as a powerful visual metaphor for the soldier leaving for war never to return, but also an artistic response to the fact that every soldier is profoundly changed by their i - - experiences in battle_ It is a visual statement expressing the plight of the soldier who • - leave for war; and if they return, they return profoundly changed. The design will include a circular polished black granite base which will be low (8" to 1 ' tall). The circular design of the base will encourage 360 degree viewing of the piece and its polished, reflective finish will reinforce the "reflective" theme of the piece_ The lower height of the base will cause the viewer to identify more readily with the soldier. It will also allow them to get a closer look at the details of the gear, and see clearly the emotions on his face as the soldier looks back. Also included in the design will be 4 polished black granite benches. They will invite viewers to sit and have a quiet time of introspection around the monument, and perhaps remember a loved one as they read the writing and/or names on the back of the granite corridor. My artwork is understood and enjoyed on many different levels. Some people who view my artwork will see its aesthetic and design value. Others enjoy the attentiveness to detail, and appreciate the skill and time it takes to create such works_ Others connect my works to the stories, ideas, and metaphors that they represent. Still others understand the iconography, and symbolism. Most of all, I hope people who view my artwork gain sensitivity to the truth that my artwork represents. There is not a more noble truth than honoring those who have given their lives for others. It would be my honor to be chosen to create the Memorial Honoring the 1'' Battalion, I" Marines for Newport Beach in my home State of California. • Sincerely, Benjamin V for 605- 380 -4528 www.benjaminvictor.com bvictor tc�_r,benjaminv_ictor_coin 0 J Benjamin Victor Studios Fine Art -- Sculpture 1200 S. Jay Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401 Phone (605)380 -4528 bvictorobenjaminvictor. com TO Jana Barbier City of Newport Beach, CA QUOTE ITEMIZED QUOTE #7 - DATE: JULY 7, 2007 EXPIRATION DATE: DEC 7TH 2008 JOB SHIPPING METHOD SHIPPING TERMS .,� PAYMENT ^ DELIVERY DATE TERMS I DUE DATE 1/3 Up Front; j - -- 1 - -- Sculpture T Sculpture Sculpture p 113 on 1" Battalion By Studios pricing Below As Previously Finished Clay As Previously Shipped /Installed Shipping Stated in RFP 1/3 on Stated in RFP $100,000.00 Finished 1 Trip ravel Bronze p Expenses in Dedication Ceremony ! Included I - TM_ I -I- -- � UNIT PRICE E Ill... -- ', TOTAL 1 Bronze Sculpture T Sculpture Sculpture p Presented Drawing, including ng 9 Granite piece, 1 $100,000.00 i $100,000.00 granite base, plaque, and 4 benches 1 Shipment Shipping Shipping one Life Size to 6'6" Tall Sculpture as Included $100,000.00 Presented in Scale Maquette with full insurance 1 Trip ravel Artist Travel to Install Sculpture and Participate p Expenses in Dedication Ceremony ! Included I $100,000.00 1 Install of Rigging, Manpower, drilling and permanent !, Installation Bronze install of Finished Sculpture Included $100,000.00 SUBTOTAL $100,000.00 SALES TAX N/A TOTAL $100,000.00 Quotation prepared by: This is a quotation on the goods named, subject to the conditions noted below: (Describe any conditions pertaining to these prices and any additional terms of the agreement. You may want to include contingencies that vnll affect the quotation.) To accept this quotation, sign here and return: THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESSI v r77 s; tic -.;9' r�� t •. s4E-c k :c:: s � /'� ' , ?� g'�� t .r44 ?�- .,, The project was within budget requirements with the first cast being purchased by the State of Nevada for $85,000 and the second -for $72,000. Additional money (also within original budgeted contract amounts) for granite bases and bronze plaques and half - scale bronze sculptures for the State Museum brought the total project amount to approximately 174,000. This also included a stipend for the artist' travel to Washington D.C. and Carson City for the unveilings, and for a one and a half month residency in the State Library Gallery to allow schools and members of the community to visit the studio and learn about Sarah Winnemucca, sculpture, and the arts. Enough additional money _was raised to purchase another two half size versions for the Las Vegas City Hall and the Nevada State Museum permanent collection. All of the deadlines were met on this project. .Below are comments and statements made during the dedication in Washington D.C. along with an art review written by the curator of the United States Capitol. For verification of budget and timeline please feel free to contact my references related to this project (Governor of Nevada Kenny Guinn and First Lady Mrs. Dema Guinn; Honorary Chair of the Sculpture Selection Committee, (775) 684 -5670, or 775 - 687 -1065, and Susan Boskoff; Nevada Arts Council, 77S- 687- 6688). • Beniamin Victor: Design Statement Marines 1'r Battalion My artwork is conceptually based figurative work which has a focus on the heroism of humankind. I have been fortunate to have received very large commissions at such a young age, but that is not really what drives me. What really excites me about what I do is creating works of art that are centered on people whose lives are models of what society should be. From the War Memorial Sculpture to my Recent Monument to Firefighters I have had the opportunity to study and create works of art based upon the lives of- heroes who gave their lives for others. I cannot think of a more worthy undertaking to devote my life to than that of memorializing great people who put the lives of others before their own. When working on the Aberdeen Regional Airport War Memorial Sculpture I personally interviewed over 200 Veterans. Their stories, along with the mountains of written histories I researched, gave me a deep appreciation for our service men and women. They inspire me to create so that their story lives on. They also inspire me to create so that others will read of their lives and appreciate what they gave for this great country. And they inspire me to create so that proper respect and homage is paid to the selfless gift that each gave to our society. I truly believe that creating a Monument to our Soldiers is the greatest undertaking an artist could have, which is why I am so excited at the prospect of creating a Monument to the 1" Battalion, 1" Marines. • When this design came to me I was going over my notes and countless interviews with young soldier. Their testimonies to the feelings of family members before, during, and after their tour of duty spawned this moving idea for a monument. I heard the tearful stories of families who had sent their loved one off to war and he "never came back ". I saw a young soldier who left and (after a severe i nj tuy to the head) returned to his wife without any memories of their past before his service. I have seen the fortunate soldiers weep as they tell me of how lucky they are to come back "without a scrape ". All of these experiences are distilled into this emotive design. The design will encourage interpretation, thought, empathy, and appreciation for our service men and women. My preliminary drawings outline the design which includes life size bronze sculpture of a soldier. He is walking forward while looking back. As he walks forward he is enveloped by a 9 foot tall polished black granite corridor. He is literally walking into the granite corridor which creates an interesting set of questions and leads the viewer towards introspection. is he already away from home and in the war, "looking back" on the times he had at home before he went off to war? Or is he taking a final look back as he heads off to war, giving a last "goodbye" glance before he is deployed? Our questions are met by no less a paradigm as we walk around the piece to realize that the limbs being enveloped by the granite piece are not coming through the other side. He "enters in, but does not come back out. Instead we see the name of the soldier's unit, or even perhaps the names of the fallen soldier(s) from the 1" Battalion, l" Marines. This will not only serve as a powerful visual metaphor for the soldier leaving for war never to return, but also an artistic response to the fact that every soldier is profoundly changed by their experiences in battle. It is a visual statement expressing the plight of the soldier who • _ leave for war; and if they return, they return profoundly changed. The design will include a circular polished black granite base which will be low (8" to 1 ' tall). The circular design of the base will encourage 360 degree viewing of the piece and its polished, reflective finish will reinforce the "reflective" theme of the piece. The lower height of the base will cause the viewer to identify more readily with the soldier. It will also allow them to get a closer look at the details of the gear, and see _ clearly the emotions on his face as the soldier looks back. Also included in the design will be 4 polished black granite benches. They will invite viewers to sit and have a quiet time of introspection around the monument, and perhaps remember a loved one as they read the writing and/or names on the back of the granite corridor. My artwork is understood and enjoyed on many different levels. Some people who view my artwork will see its aesthetic and design value_ Others enjoy the attentiveness to detail, and appreciate the skill and time it takes to create such works. Others connect my works to the stories, ideas, and metaphors that they represent. Still others understand the iconography, and symbolism. Most of all, I hope people who view my artwork gain sensitivity to the truth that my artwork represents. There is not a more noble truth than honoring those who have given their lives for others. It would be my honor to be chosen to create the Memorial Honoring the I" Battalion, I" Marines for Newport Beach in my home State of California. Sincerely, cam`— . Benjamin V for 605 - 380 -4528 www.beniaminyictor.com hvictor6�benjaminv_i uoi coin • JOB QUOTE - • Benjamin Victor Studios PAYMENT DELIVERY DATE TERMS DUE DATE 1/3 Up Front; Bronze ITEMIZED QUOTE # 1 Fine Art -- Sculpture DATE: JULY 7, 2007 1200 S. Jay Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401 EXPIRATION DATE: DEC 7TH 2008 Phone (605)380 -4528 BV Studios bvictor@benjaminvictor.com As Previously Finished Clay As Previously TO Jana Barbier Shipped/ Installed City of Newport Beach, CA _ JOB SHIPPING METHOD SHIPPING TERMS PAYMENT DELIVERY DATE TERMS DUE DATE 1/3 Up Front; Bronze A Life Size to 6'6" Tall Bronze Sculpture as Sculpture Sculpture Presented Drawing, including 9' Granite piece, 1/3 on r 1 Battalion BV Studios Pricing Below As Previously Finished Clay As Previously Shipping one Life Size to 6'6" Tall Sculpture as Shipped/ Installed ;Stated in RFP 1/3 on Stated in RFP i Trip Travel � Finished Expenses in Dedication Ceremony 1 Bronze Rigging, Manpower, drilling and permanent Installation Bronze install of Finished Sculpture QTY ITEM DESCRIPTION'�— 1 Bronze A Life Size to 6'6" Tall Bronze Sculpture as Sculpture Sculpture Presented Drawing, including 9' Granite piece, j 5100,000.00 granite base, plaque, and 4 benches 1 Shipment Shipping Shipping one Life Size to 6'6" Tall Sculpture as Presented in Scale Maquette with full insurance i Trip Travel Artist Travel to Install Sculpture and Participate Expenses in Dedication Ceremony 1 Install of Rigging, Manpower, drilling and permanent Installation Bronze install of Finished Sculpture UNIT PRICE TOTAL l $100,000.00 $100,000.00 Included $100,000.00 Included $100,000.00 Included j 5100,000.00 SUBTOTAL $100,000.00 SALES TAX N/A TOTAL $100,000.00 Quotation prepared by: '- This is a quotation on the goods named, subject to the conditions noted below: (Describe any conditions pertaining to these prices and any additional terms of the agreement. You may want to include contingencies that wilt affect the quotation.) To accept this quotation, sign here and return: _ _._ THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS! • 'R �....r.`_ ,... The project was within budget requirements with the first cast being purchased by the State of Nevada for S85,000 and the second -for $72,000. Additional money (also within original budgeted contract amounts) for granite bases and bronze plaques and half - scale bronze sculptures for the State Museum brought the total project amount to approximately 171,000. This also included a stipend for the artist' travel to Washington D.C. and Carson City for the unveilings, and for a one and a half month residency in the State Library Gallery to allow schools and members of the community to visit the studio and learn about Sarah Winnemucca, sculpture, and the arts. Enough additional money was raised to purchase another two half size versions for the Las Vegas City Hall and the Nevada State Museum permanent collection. All of the deadlines were met on this project. .Below are comments and statements made during the dedication in Washington D.C. along with an art review written by the curator of the United States Capitol. For verification of budget and timeline please feel free to contact my references related to this project (Governor of Nevada Kenny Guinn and First Lady Mrs. Dema Guinn; Honorary Chair of the Sculpture Selection Committee, (775) 684 -5670, or 775- 687 -1065, and Susan Boskoff; Nevada Arts Council, 775 -687- 6688). • n L • k It ,a y .. � � er `• a .r . \� fir., , ' Oka �' �. -.4 `+•F;✓ a it ::I• �-_� i f} 1, i .. r 'f w� rn 1, 1 1 r _ t f - i 1 , - i t ' -YA �L 9 /5((rj 1 ti 4 F owl p yyR� ♦ . f , •A • III 1111 �• i � ry, } � ;T±n 7E.,\ iR I� ' I A