How do sculptures go from clay to bronze?
In the new documentary “Lifting Legacies: Sculptor Benjamin Victor,” Idaho Public Television’s arts series createid follows acclaimed Idaho sculptor Benjamin Victor as he creates a statue of the late Christa McAuliffe.
McAuliffe, a teacher from New Hampshire chosen in 1985 to be the first American civilian in space, died in the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger the next year. In 2023, Victor was commissioned to make a statue of her for the grounds of the New Hampshire State House.
Victor, who lives in Boise, is lauded for his lifelike sculptures. He has more statues in the National Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol than any other living artist.
The createid team documents the lengthy creative process of making the statue, including the sculpting, mold-making, bronze pour, welding and patina. The documentary also captures the statue’s unveiling, filmed by New Hampshire PBS, which is a partner in the production.
Major funding for createid is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Idaho Public Television Endowment.