Portrait Sculpture - George Taft
Native New Yorker George Taft is a highly recognized and respected forensic scientist and laboratory director who has spent years striving to promote procedural integrity and justice in Alaska and elsewhere. In the early 1980s, while George was at the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory, he was very encouraging to me in my pursuit of forensic art. Years later, I did a portrait sculpture of him that is now in the Alaska State Troopers' Museum in Anchorage. George was responsible for setting up the first Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory for the Alaska State Police. It was a privilege to honor this kind man who was so instrumental in helping me forge my career path.
This image shows the portrait of George in the clay stage. I was experimenting with how to add his wire-framed glasses. I used these actual glasses as a guide for the carefully sculpted ones I then added. It is sometimes possible for glasses to be molded, cast separately and then welded on. Some sculptors prefer this but it was not my preference for this project. I opted to sculpt a suggestion of glasses in clay that would incorporate them more directly into the sculpture. This made the bronze foundry very happy!
This shows George side by side with his sculpted profile. It is also possible to see the fully incorporated glasses that meld into the bronze face. When a sculpture is to be placed in a public museum, this helps insure that there is less likelihood for damage.
This shows the portrait sculpture in place at the Alaska State Troopers' Museum.
The bust is mounted on a base of Alaska Jade and the pedestal is walnut with Alaska birch trim, both of which offer attractive and meaningful enhancements.
There was a lovely dedication ceremony attended by Alaska's governor and other dignitaries. I enjoyed being there to see my dear friend receive this honor and to hear all of the accolades made during the speeches about his years of service. All in all, a suitable tribute to a very "Good Guy"!
George still comes to visit Texas from time to time. We always get together and enjoy some Mexican food at his favorite place!
