Young Washington

My desire with this sculpture was to portray a man still in the spring of life, shown by the way he sits in a saddle, already having resolve, internal bearing, and owning the importance of character. All these qualities served George Washington through life.

In the present day, we see the face of the experienced statesman George Washington on the dollar bill, painted by Gilbert Stuart. As we connect an artist’s portrayal of young George to an image of mature George, we should consider what transpired in his life to be so accomplished and revered.

What do we really know of this youth? Who were his heroes? Who gave him counsel and served as his examples? What do we know of the triumphs, sorrows, joys, decisions, griefs, quiet moments, loves, visions, hopes and thoughtful internal dialogs that forged this young man who eventually crossed the Delaware in freezing weather with a ragtag band of revolutionaries, and eventually became the father of a nation?

On another note regarding George, do I hold a man, whose life was lived and passed centuries ago, to some Godly standard, beyond humanness? Or, can I use his greatness, humanness and frailties as an example to study my own, else I wallow in judgment(s) of all whom I encounter? 

Considering George Washington’s achievements perhaps the one that changed all of human history was the singular act of ‘walking away,’ stepping down from the United States Presidency, not being held by power but having become tethered to kindness of soul….and allowed the torch to be passed to another. An act which created a precedent, a pattern, the destiny of a nation. One could say he knew this country was bigger than any one man, or, one could say he knew his Divine nature was bigger than the country.

Note: On the base of this sculpture, I included different types of surveyor theodolites and transits, representing Washington's experience in land surveying early in his life.