Brian and Joe Sculpting at Mount Vernon
Christmas 2004 was like most of our Christmas days we went to mass at the national cathedral, spent some time with bishop Chane and his wife saw many of our friends and the proceeded to George Washington’s home Mount Vernon, it was here that we began the sculpture of Cornerstone of the Nation as a special gift to our son made with soil taken from the White House and Mount Vernon mixed with white stone we began the sculpture on the bowling green of the mansion. We usually spent the time before dinner painting watercolors or taking pictures but this day it was destiny that helped us with its hand.A year later 2 busts of president Washington and cornerstone came with us as a gift to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association; a thank you for their continued hospitality.Christmas 2005 became a turning point in our art. Jim Reese and the Mount Vernon Ladies Association asked if we could create a number of originals to commemorate, the opening of the new Ford Orientation Center and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center at Mount Vernon.We instantly agreed and with only a handshake and trust our amazing adventure began.John Marshall took us on a wonderful adventure through the history of the presidents home that That ended with us begin given the highest honor we could imagine of laying the wreath at the tomb of the first president on behalf of a thankful Nation; a moment we will never forget. We often think of our friends at these junctures. It’s these memories of times together that get us through the rough spots and help us savor the high points.
Gala’s on the East Lawn
The year was filled with a rollercoaster of highs and lows all bringing us to one moment that changed everything. Many people look back and the changes in their lives are so gradual that they can’t mark the moment of change. We are fortunate to know the moment, Thursday the twenty-sixth of October; two thousand and sixth at President Washington’s home Mount Vernon our work was unveiled. 2 years of our life 500 original sculptures entered the homes and collections of 5 Presidents, 2 former first ladies and 493 of the most influential Americans of the last half-century.The evening was almost surreal our work launched us into a world and life we could scarcely imagine just days before when vandals had destroyed a years work and pushed us head on towards not completing the project.We had to work 20 hour days with only a distant hope of finishing. Yet we had to finish because unlike most business projects this was based on a handshake and nothing was coming between that bond and completion of our word.This bump in the road made our time latter that evening even sweeter; we spent the night on the Piazza of the mansion after the VIPs departed and sculpted till sunrise. we did this for two weeks and sculpted a handful of very special pieces. The last artist to work here was Jean Antoine Houdon when he sculpted Washington in 1785.each very special original sculpture was created with a mix of Whitestone and soil from Mount Vernon and the White House.It was an unbelievable month as we worked we were becoming part of history, we sculpted at President Washington’s home Mount Vernon and in the Cunningham meeting room and Dinning rooms of the west wing, our time in Washington will forever be a highlight of our life.
The Wall of Honor
When we first saw our names carved on the wall of Honor among 400 patriots of America we could hardly believe the day was real carved in a marble wall from the white house our memories and time in Washington will remain forever. A proud yet humbling experience made possible because of the faith and trust of our friends. One handshake, no contracts no legal gibberish just a shared dream and a handshake making strangers friends.The last year would not have been possible without our family and friends the moment our paths crossed we knew that no matter how brief each friendship is the foundation that will give us the hope and inspiration for our next adventure.When you trust your heart and let your dreams live anything is possible, the best foot print you can leave on this earth is one based on Love, in the end that’s the greatest treasure of our year the new friendships we love and treasure…on to our next adventure, with Abraham Lincoln…a penny can change your life, trust us on that…
Joseph Sculpting President Washington on the Piazza of the Mansion.
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We have deliberately held a couple of sculptures of the Cornerstone of the Nation in our studio to be given to Institutions, individuals or foundations that will provide such an extraordinary piece a home. Should you wish to nominate a location to house one of these very special sculptures please send us the Name, Address and contact information of both the location and yourself. As well as the reasons you feel we should place the Cornerstone of the Nation sculpture, in less than 200 words.
