Dick Idol has created some of the largest, most dramatic and complex bronze monuments in North America. As a master sculptor, his work has become internationally known for its portrayal of dramatic action, true to life gestures, stunning anatomical correctness and an overall bronze presentation unmatched in today’s art world. Perhaps his most profound contribution to the bronze monument world is what Dick has coined “Interactive Bronze Monuments” whereby numerous sensory elements are incorporated for maximum viewer interaction. The judicious use of water and lighting features above and below the water line, audio, artificial and natural stonescapes and other features all add up to maximum “WOW” power.
“WILD BAND OF RAZORBACKS”
University of Arkansas
In early 2014, Master sculptor Dick Idol was commissioned to create a signature piece of art to honor one of the most recognizable mascots and universities in the country. In November 2018, the project was completed and dedicated at the Arkansas/LSU football game.
The monument funds, $2M, were donated by Jerry and Gene Jones family, owner of the NFL Dallas Cowboys and former player on the 1964 National Championship football team.
The monument was created in honor of that team and stands as a tribute to the history and tradition of the University of Arkansas and the state of Arkansas.
Monument Statistics:
- Monument is incorporated within the football stadiums north end-zone complex
- The Monument consists of six bronze Razorbacks, with each hog containing approximately 2,000 pounds of bronze and ranging in size from 8 to 11 feet in length and up to 9 foot in height
- The Monument’s footprint is 50 feet square and reaches up to 25 feet in height
- At all times there is 13,000 gallons of water maintained within the system
- 2,000 gallons are circulating continuously through nearly ¼ mile of plumbing
- 45 LED color changing fixtures above and below water levels, all computerized for various light and water “shows”. Capable of synchronization on game days to integrate game events such as touchdowns to an appropriate “response” on the Monument
- Nearly 200 feet of black granite used on the walls of the vanishing pools and pedestal
- Over 7,000 pounds of clay used for sculpting
- More than 500 individual molds for casting the six hogs in bronze
- Great example of Interactive Monument
“WOLFPACK TURF”
North Carolina State University
Located in front of Carter-Finley football Stadium at NC State University, Raleigh, NC
6 Wolves, each 2 times life-size, about the size of a horse, all on a 33 foot tall stone mountain designed by Dick
Dramatic water, lighting and audio effects
Turn- key fund raising program designed for NC State to raise funds via sales of bronze and resin replicas, which are still sold todayProject Cost: $ 2M
An excellent example of the “Interactive Bronze Monument Concept” where the exhibition of six wolves has been incorporated with other special effects and features.
A seventh wolf, titled “Fury” was created and placed on the football field where players enter. Individual bronze wolves from Wolfpack Turf were placed at the three main entrances to the stadium and at numerous locations on and around campus.
“DANCING WHITETAILS”
Anadarko Oil and Petroleum World Headquarters, Houston, Texas
Interactive Monument
8 Whitetails, 2 times life-size, ranging from 8 to 15 feet tall individually
Situated in 400 feet of man-made streams with dramatic underwater lighting effects
Three vignettes including “Monarch’s Challenge”, “Monarch’s Pursuit”, and “Monarch’s Touch”
A dramatic sculpture of eight whitetail deer that are situated in moving water with 400 feet of man-made streams. “Interactive effects” including water dripping from lifted hooves, jet sprays of water suggesting the splashes of running deer, and underwater lighting beneath moving surface water creating a “dancing of light”(hence the “Dancing Whitetails title) movement across the sculptures which have been combined to create one of the most dramatic wildlife monuments today.
“DREAM BUCK”
Bass Pro Museum, Springfield MO
Commissioned by Johnny Morris, Owner, Bass Pro Shops
Single whitetail buck
Four-times life size, 26 feet tall, 12 foot antler spread, 15,000 pounds
Located on the American National Fish and Wildlife Museum and Bass Pro’s flagship store site in Springfield, MO
Perhaps the largest single bronze mammal ever created in the U.S. utilizing the traditional lost wax casting method. With matching drop tines, tremendous time lengths, massive beams, and all the character in the world, this is a buck of which legends are born.
“AUTUMN LEGENDS”
Located in front of Cabela’s Super Store in Owatonna, Minnesota
Commissioned by Dick and Jim Cabela
Three times life-size, 25 feet tall, 16,000 pounds
2nd largest tourist attraction in MN
Six million visitors per year since installation
This magnificent bronze sculpture represents two of the biggest white-tailed deer ever recorded in a dramatic, deep descending “S” composition design. The lead buck’s antlers are a replica of sheds found in central Nebraska in 1959 and measure 218 2/8 net typical points(new world record). The rear buck’s antlers have been replicated from the No. 1 South Dakota non-typical Whitetail taken in 1949, measuring an amazing 256 1/8 inches. They exemplify the variety and unique characteristics found among whitetails.
“JOHN THOMAS”
Founder of Thomasville, N.C.Downtown, Thomasville, N.C.
The city of Thomasville, N.C. commissioned Dick to create a figure monument of John Warwick Thomas, founder of the City of Thomasville., N.C. With mediocre reference material to work with (John Thomas died in 1871), Dick created a 10 foot tall bronze monument, exclusive of the base that still today sits at the very heart of Thomasville.
“SPIRIT OF THE FALCON”
Green Hope High School – Cary, North Carolina
Green Hope High School in Cary, N.C. commissioned Dick to do a 2 x Life-size Falcon, which is the mascot for the school. The bronze falcon overlooks the outdoor student gathering area. The bronze is approximately 70” tall and has an 80” wingspan.
“AUTUMN RITUAL”
1 ¼ Life-size Whitetail Deer
8.75 feet long x 3.5 feet wide, 800 pounds
$68,000
“SWITCHBACK”
Running Whitetail – Monument size
1 ½ Life-size
7 ½ feet tall x 7 feet long
$69,000
In the mid- 1990’s, Dick launched the “Dick Idol” brand in the realm of furniture and home furnishings. Since that time, the “Dick Idol” brand has been the label on thousands of products that include furniture, accessories, lighting, floor coverings, wall décor and many other product categories. Today, the “Dick Idol” brand is widely regarded as the most recognized brand in the categories of Rustic and Outdoor home furnishings. In October 2016, Dick will launch an extensive new furniture collection at the International Furniture Market in High Point, NC. In the early 1990’s Dick finally recognized his genuine love and passion for art. He embraced drawing, painting and sculpture and became a student of fine art. Within the first few years, he was commissioned for some of the largest bronze monuments in North America. It wasn’t long before Dick was incorporating his artwork in functional home furnishing products and marketing fine art in both flat and three dimensional mediums across several lifestyle categories.
Today, Dick Idol is one of America’s best known authentic outdoorsman, wildlife artist and brand personalities. In 2012, Dick was inducted into the Outdoor Legends Hall of Fame. Dick and his wife, Toni Rae, opened the Dick Idol Signature Gallery, a fine art gallery located in downtown Whitefish, Montana in the Spring of 2012. The gallery is home to more than 30 nationally acclaimed western artists and includes much of Dick’s artwork, along with that of his son, Colt Idol, one of the fastest rising stars in the western art world today.
