David Frech

David Frech earned his BFA in sculpture from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and his MFA from the New York Academy of Art. A recipient of the Ludwig Vogelstein Foundation Grant, the Roger T. Williams Prize, and the Leonard J. Meiselman Memorial Award, he was elected a Professional Member of the National Sculpture Society in 2001. Some of his work includes: a portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in City of Newburg, New York; a portrait of Matthew Vassar, founder of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York; a portrait of Nathan Blaser, philanthropist for the National Parkinson Foundation in Miami, Florida; and a life-size monument of Tad and Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Frech says he hopes "to capture the dignity and intelligence of Barbara Jordan and the ideals that she committed her life to."

In this maquette I've sought to manifest the many qualities and attributes of Barbara Jordan; a woman of keen intellect, moral integrity, and eloquence.

The composition is literal in its likeness but symbolic in its design. Believing that this monument should capture more than her likeness, it should capture her spirit, her values, and how she approached life. She holds in her right hand a book and the united colors of our flag; the pairing of the two contributes to the significance of each.

Her presence is meant to be commanding yet not threatening. The gesture of speech is both active and inclusive. She speaks to us but also welcomes us to the discussion. My intent has been to make her voice and her message visible.

My aim has been to design a monument that would serve the memory of Barbara Jordan and celebrate her life of service to the country, community, and to us - her students.

David Frech
1/3 Scale Barbara Jordan

Artist Web site: http://www.davidfrech.com