Steven Whyte facts for kids
Steven Whyte is a talented sculptor born on March 17, 1969. He learned classic ways of making sculptures of people and portraits using bronze. Steven lives in Carmel, California. He has created many public statues and art pieces in both England and the United States. His sculptures show all kinds of people, like miners, soldiers, and firefighters.
Steven Whyte has made more than 50 life-sized or even bigger bronze statues for public places. Some of his famous works include The Silverdale Mining Memorial and The Lance Sergeant Jack Baskeyfield VC Tribute. One of his most well-known projects is the National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military in San Diego, California. This huge monument cost millions of dollars and features sixteen figures.
In 2010, Steven Whyte revealed a very large statue of John David Crow, a famous football player, at Texas A&M University. He also made a life-sized statue of St. Anthony and Child for the Basilica of Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Steven Whyte also created four life-sized figures for a memorial to police officers who died in San Diego. He made nine figures for a project in Cannery Row, Monterey. Another fun project was a life-sized statue of Jumbo the Elephant for Tufts University. One of his most detailed works is the The Aggie War Hymn Monument at Texas A&M University. This massive sculpture shows twelve bronze figures of students. It was unveiled in 2014. In 2016, Steven Whyte was named Sports Artist of the Year. The Smithsonian Institution also added his bronze statue of Congressman John Conyers Jr. to the National Portrait Gallery (United States) in Washington D.C.
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About Steven Whyte
Steven Whyte was born on March 17, 1969, in Amesbury, United Kingdom. His father was in the Royal Air Force, and his mother was an artist and gardener. Steven grew up in many different places in Europe. These included Scotland, Germany, the Netherlands, England, and the Shetland Isles.
Steven has dyslexia, which means he learns differently. He found that art class was a place where he felt confident. He said, "Art class was often the only place I felt confident that I could contribute and learn at the same rate as my peers.” He started with drawing and graphic design. Later, in high school, he began learning about ceramics and sculpture. He earned a full scholarship to the Sir Henry Doulton School of Sculpture. He was the youngest student accepted there.
After school, Steven helped create a sculpture course in England. He also taught at Stafford College. He became the youngest member of the London-based Society of Portrait Sculptors. He even served as Vice-President. Early in his career, he mostly made portraits for people. He has completed over 70 official portrait commissions.
In 2003, Steven Whyte opened his first art studio and gallery in the United States. It was on Cannery Row in Monterey, California. In 2007, his studio moved to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. It is still open to the public every day.
How Steven Whyte Creates Art
Steven Whyte loves to sculpt people. He often works with real people as models for his art. His sculptures start as clay. Then, they are turned into bronze.
Steven calls himself a "sculptor of people." His art looks like classic figures. But he focuses more on the "emotional quality and impact of the sculpture." He wants his work to tell a story and have a clear personality.
Steven works in a studio that is open to visitors. He enjoys interacting with the public. He feels that their immediate reactions give his work energy.
Famous Sculptures and Public Art
Steven Whyte's sculptures can be found in many important places. These include museums, cities, and universities.
Art in Museums
- Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, Washington D.C.
- The House of Commons, London
- National Portrait Gallery, London
- National Marine Corp Museum, VA
- The Carter Center, GA
Art in Cities and Public Spaces
Steven Whyte has created many sculptures for cities and public areas.
- He made a monument about the history of slavery in Florida. It has several large bronze figures. This is at the Florida State Capitol Building.
- He sculpted a life-sized seated figure of "Mr. Monterey," Michael Marotta, for Monterey, CA.
- For Dublin, CA, he created the Don Biddle Memorial. This is a life-sized statue of Councilman Don Biddle.
- He also made the Dublin Veterans Memorial. This memorial has four large military figures and a plaza.
- In San Diego, he created a Tribute to Fallen Deputies. This work features four life-sized figures honoring officers and their families.
- He made a large tribute to Bob Hope and the Military in San Diego. It includes eight life-sized figures of service members and veterans.
- He created a statue of Dr. John L. D. Roberts, who founded Seaside, California.
Art for Universities
Steven Whyte has made many sculptures for schools and universities.
- He created a life-sized bronze sculpture of Joseph Vaughn. Joseph Vaughn was the first African-American student at Furman University.
- For Tufts University, he sculpted Jumbo the Elephant. This is a life-sized (11-foot) monument of the university's mascot.
- At Texas A&M University, he made the Aggie War Hymn Monument. This huge sculpture shows twelve student figures. They are standing together during a traditional cheer.
- He also sculpted John David Crow, a famous football player, for Texas A&M.
Achievements and Awards
Steven Whyte has received many honors for his work.
- In 1987, he received a special scholarship to attend the Sir Henry Doulton School of Sculpture.
- From 1994 to 1996, he was the Vice-President of The Society of Portrait Sculptors.
- From 2005 to 2007, he was voted "Best Artist" in Monterey County.
- From 2008 to 2009, his studio was voted "Best Sculpture Gallery" in Monterey County.
- In 2016, he was named Sports Artist of the Year by The United States Sports Academy.
- Also in 2016, the Smithsonian Institution added his bronze statue of Congressman John Conyers Jr. to their collection.
- In 2019, his work was acquired by the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library.
- In 2021, he won the Stanley Bleifeld Memorial Award from the National Sculpture Society.
See also
- List of sculptors
