Art

Item Description

In November of 2007, artisans Kim Company and Stan Watts of Atlas Bronze, Salt Lake City, Utah, were commissioned by the Howard family to craft two unique, historical bronze statues of Seabiscuit; one showing him with jockey Red Pollard, the other showing him with jockey George "The Iceman" Woolf.

As is clearly evidenced by the original Howard family photographs, both bronzes accurately and beautifully reflect the grace and power of Seabiscuit and the character of the men who rode him. Both author Laura Hillenbrand and Colonel Michael Howard U.S.M.C. (ret.) have worked closely with the artists to make sure the sculptures accurately reflect the spirit of Seabiscuit and the men who shared his spectacular victories.

Modeled after a photograph that was a particular favorite of Marcela Howard, the Morning Workout bronze shows the Biscuit with George Woolf up during a workout at Del Mar just prior to his famous match race on August 12, 1938 against Ligaroti. This race was part of the buildup to the greatest match race of all time, in which Seabiscuit met War Admiral on November 1, 1938. Morning Workout depicts Seabiscuit in a quiet moment, relaxed, confident and on top of his game, with George The Iceman Woolf up.

Artists: Kim Corpany & Stan Watts

Available in French Brown Patina

• Length: 22 inches
• Width: 7 1/2 inches
• Height: 19 1/2 inches (includes 2-inch walnut wood base)
• Walnut Base length: 18 1/2 inches (The bronze extends over the base lengthwise.)
• Weight: 30 to 40 pounds

Cast in 873 Everdur Bronze; mounted; finished piece on walnut base.

Artist Stan Watts is a native of Salt Lake City, Utah. Even at the young age of three he remembers having a love of art, preferring drawing pictures to playing with toys. He loved to sit and draw family and friends as they worked and played.

As a teenager Stan studied art in school working with ceramics, watercolors and oil paints. The Utah Arts Council, the Springville Museum of art and many other art institutions recognized his accomplishments. Having received many scholarships from a variety of universities, Stan elected to attend Utah State University.

After returning to Salt Lake City, Stan was commissioned to create a sculpture of Moses. While doing research for the project it was suggested that he pay a visit to the renowned sculptor, Dr. Avard Fairbanks who had also done sculptures of Moses. The two men formed a lasting friendship and Stan studied with and learned from the great sculptor until Dr. Fairbanks passed away in 1987. Stan still feels inspired by the late sculptor and feels that he continues to learn from Fairbanks' work as Stan's foundry casts many of the master's well-known pieces in bronze.

Stan has gone on to produce numerous bronze monuments, the largest to date being the National Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial located in Emmitsburg, MD. It represents the three fire fighters raising the flag over ground zero and is a colossal monument, meaning that it is three times life-size. Each fireman stands 19 feet tall, with the flagpole soaring over 36 feet high.

Along with his artwork, Stan owns and operates his own foundry, Atlas Bronze Casting. He has been in the foundry business for over 25 years, producing fine art bronze castings as well as custom architectural bronze work.

Artist Kim Corpany grew up on the backs of her family's horses in Morgan, Utah, participating in 4-H and any other horse competition she could find to ride in. She has always loved doing artwork, too, especially when she could include horses in it.

She earned an Associates Degree at Weber State University and went on to Utah State University where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. She continues to study art whenever a special class comes along. She studied sculpting with renowned CAA artist Mel Lawson at the Scottsdale Artist School, sat at the foot of the Teton Mountains painting landscapes with Jim Wilcox, and gained a greater understanding of the effect of light in painting with Tom Browning at the Scottsdale Artist School.

She has studied horse psychology, anatomy, and training with reining horse trainer Vaughn Knudsen. She continues to enjoy training and showing her Quarter horses and Paints in reining competitions.

All of these experiences have come together as she sculpts horses at the Atlas Bronze Foundry in Kearns, Utah, where she works with Stan Watts. After sculpting several pieces of her own involving horses, Stan asked Kim to team with him to create a monument representing Joseph and Hyrum Smith on horse back. That piece now stands in front of the Nauvoo LDS Temple in Illinois. The team also created George Washington on horseback which was placed at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania in 2006. In 2007 Kim helped Stan create a colossal memorial which was placed at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland. It represents the three firefighters who raised the flag at 911.

Kim really appreciates the opportunity and training that Stan has given her. He has been a great teacher and has found many wonderful jobs that they have sculpted together. Currently they are working on a one and one quarter life-size monument of the great race horse Seabiscuit.

Kim finds joy in art and horses and is always amazed at the privilege she has of having a career that combines them both.

Item Special Note

Winner pays shipping and insurance. Unless delivered outside California, 7.375% sales tax will be added to purchase price. Please allow approximately six weeks for delivery.