The Bipartisan Collection Joins the Conversation

The Bipartisan Senate Series by Brad Oldham

Last year, in conjunction with the launch of The Bipartisan Collection, Pure Sculpture joined forces with the Bipartisan Policy Center, a non-profit Washington, D.C.- based think tank that actively promotes bipartisanship and works to address key challenges facing the nation. On July 23, 2013 the BPC's Commission on Political Reform convened in Philadelphia's National Constitution Center to discuss public service in America. The Commission on Political Reform launched with two main purposes - to understand the causes and consequences of America's partisan political divide and to advocate for specific electoral and congressional reforms to help Americans achieve shared national goals.

In view of Independence Hall where our nation's founders drafted the Constitution 226 summers ago, winners of the Snaps of Service photo contest were awarded medallions created and donated by Pure Sculpture's Brad Oldham. In addition, The Bipartisan Collection was onsite for the event which was moderated by USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page and included discussions with Former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, Governor Dirk Kempthorne, Senators Trent Lott and Olympia Snowe.

Senator Olympia Snowe with Pure Sculpture's Kristen Everett.

Many important conversations took place that day, including discussing barriers to elective office and appointed positions in the government, ways to increase the number of women interested in running for office and the state and need of public service in America. To view the entire webcast of the Commission's event, visit here.

Thanks to the Bipartisan Policy Center for including Pure Sculpture and The Bipartisan Collection in this important event.

What's In a Name?

The road to creating Together, the latest series by Brad Oldham for Pure Sculpture, is paved with many inspirations and an important mission. Portraying a striking moment between two lions, this bronze sculpture is the result of a unique collaboration between Oldham and conservationists, photographers and filmmakers Beverly and Dereck Joubert in support of the National Geographic Big Cats Initiative.

Photograph by Beverly Joubert/National Geographic Society

Initially, it was the beautiful way that the Jouberts work together that inspired the sculpture’s title. Oldham also works with his wife Christy Coltrin, and the closeness of these relationships and resulting works intrigued him. As Oldham sculpted the life-sized bronze sculpture (installed at the National Geographic Washington, D.C. headquarters in June 2013) the title continued to resonate with him. Each element of this sculpture’s story represents a significant relationship.

Together celebrates the awe-inspiring magnificence of lions and emphasizes the need to ensure that lions thrive in their natural habitat, far from the threat of extinction. The creation of this series is rooted in collaboration and partnerships all dedicated to protecting big cats. The help of passionate people, companies, and organizations is also required, as we all work Together to make a difference.

Together Desktop by Brad Oldham for Pure Sculpture

From Beverly Joubert

"It is not often that the artist will dedicate his time to a cause especially for an effort as enormous as creating a life size sculpture of a lion and cub. This takes a huge amount of work considering the scale and detail of the bronze. We thank Brad for his commitment to Big Cats that are clearly in dire straits. They can use all the help they can get."

- Beverly Joubert         

Beverly Joubert
Photograph by Dereck Joubert

To learn more about this extraordinary partnership benefiting big cats, visit ngs.puresculpture.com

NEWS NEWS NEWS

If you follow Pure Sculpture on Facebook and Twitter (it’s the place for all our latest and greatest happenings) then you know it has been a busy couple of months around here. In case you haven’t heard the tremendous news: National Geographic has partnered with Pure Sculpture to raise awareness of National Geographic programs through the artistic medium of sculpture. The first collection of this partnership, created by sculptor Brad Oldham, is in support of National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative, a long-term effort to halt the decline of big cats in the wild.  The sculptures in this exclusive Pure Sculpture collection were inspired by iconic images of lions by Beverly and Dereck Joubert, renowned National Geographic photographers, filmmakers and conservationists.

This exciting partnership and sculpture collection launched in June, with the installation of Oldham’s bronze life-size lion at the National Geographic Washington, D.C. campus. Available in life-size, half-life-size, desktop and tabletop editions, each of these sculptures has that signature Pure Sculpture craftsmanship and net proceeds from each of these artworks will help support vital expedition, conservation, research, and education programs.

Make sure to visit the National Geographic + Pure Sculpture website for developments on this collection and partnership.

Together Life Size by Brad Oldham

The Journey of a Life-Size Bronze Lion 

It is no small feat to create and install a large-scale public sculpture. On June 11, 2013, 417 hours of intensive planning and skilled craftsmanship came together seamlessly as Pure Sculpture co-founder and artist Brad Oldham’s life-size bronze lion was installed in the courtyard of the National Geographic Society’s Washington, D.C., campus.

From the onset, Oldham had a strong vision for the installation of the 450-pound lost-wax cast bronze lion created in support of National Geographic Society’s Big Cats Initiative. In the months leading up to the installation, Oldham visited the grounds, taking note of every detail, down to the bed of wood chips under the sculpture’s hand-cut marble base. From lighting to signage, Oldham’s clear direction made for an efficient installation and, ultimately, a fantastic display of three-dimensional art.

The life-size lion made its 1,300 mile journey from Dallas to Washington, D.C. By 6:00 a.m. on June 11, National Geographic’s Engineering and Museum teams met Oldham in the courtyard, ready to install and unveil the majestic bronze sculpture, which stands over 66 inches wide and 36 inches tall. Thanks to Oldham’s preparation and the help of the many skilled hands that touched this project, the sculpture was installed in less than 45 minutes. By the time National Geographic staff entered the campus on that Tuesday morning, they were greeted by a magnificent depiction of an adult male lion and its cub.

The installation of this exquisite work marks the beginning of a partnership between NG Licensing and Pure Sculpture to raise awareness and funds for National Geographic programs through the fine art medium of sculpture. Check back here for updates on this exciting project.