Thomas Marsh

Thomas Marsh resides in Orange, Virginia with his wife and three children. He received a BFA in painting from the Layton School of Art, Milwaukee, WI, in 1974, an MFA in sculpture from California State University, Long Beach in 1977, and has studied extensively in Italy. His works include: John the Baptist for Old Mission in San Juan Bautista, California; portraits for individual private collections; a figure of Dick Van Dyke and a portrait of Betty White, both at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida; a portrait of scientist and founder Dr. Lawrence Roberts at Caspian Network Systems in San Jose, California; and a Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington, D.C. Mr. Marsh says, "As a sculptor and as an American, it would be an honor and a privilege to be able to create a statue of Barbara Jordan, a woman whose integrity was unwavering in support of justice, fairness, the dignity of the human person, and the rule of law."

This portrait sculpture of Barbara Jordan would stand six feet high at full scale in bronze, which is slightly larger than life. The sculpture concept consists of four elements: the figure, a “virtual lectern”, a cane, and a bronze base. Together they form a bronze ensemble which itself is integrated into a small architectural plaza with limestone and granite paving.

• The figure of Barbara Jordan shows her in an age range of approximately forty to fifty years. Her facial expressions are subtle and varied, depending on the viewer's vantage point.
• The “virtual lectern” stands for the “worlds unseen” - the life of the mind and spirit. It calls to mind Barbara Jordan's roles as inspirational teacher and orator.
• Barbara Jordan's medical condition, a disability which she transcended, is represented by a cane, which she has placed on the ground.
• The bronze base serves to unify the bronze ensemble as it transitions outward to the architectural paving elements.

It is my hope that this sculptural-architectural plaza will serve to inspire future generations, teaching them about Barbara Jordan, and thus allowing her to continue to teach them.

Thomas Marsh
1/2 scale Barbara Jordan

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