Read about the Ernie Pyle statue’s dedication here.
Photos by Andy Chandler.
Artist Bill Wolfe began sculpting in 2001. He has done 30 statues including depictions of basketball legend Larry Bird, poet James Whitcomb Riley, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Medal of Honor recipient Charles Abrell. Ernie Pyle is his latest piece.
How did you research Pyle as you prepared to create this piece?
Wolfe: I studied every photo of Pyle available. The slightest detail could have some influence on the statue presentation. Pyle posed for a bust by acclaimed sculptor, Jo Davidson. Davidson measured Pyle’s head from life and I was able to study that copy. It was the second best to actually having Ernie pose in person.
Is there anything surprising you learned about Pyle along the way?
Wolfe: It was surpxrising to discover that Ernie Pyle spent some time with Hoosier artists in Brown County. Pyle interviewed painter, Will Vawter whom I made a statue of for Greenfield, Indiana.
Are there any special details you included on Ernie Pyle’s sculpture that visitors will notice?
Wolfe: I hope that visitors to the statue will feel the reflective and contemplative character of Ernie Pyle. He is sitting on sandbags with his typewriter to the right. He is wearing a ring that we used real turquoise in the setting.
You’ve said Pyle is your favorite piece to date, why is that?
Wolfe: Pyle grew up only a few miles from where I grew up. I’ve known about Ernie’s legacy for a long time .There is a midwestern “country boy” connection and I feel like I captured a good likeness of him. For that reason, I think it’s one of my best.
What do you hope Pyle’s sculpture will bring to the museum and visitors who encounter it?
Wolfe: I hope the bronze statue will serve as a tribute to Ernie Pyle and honor his achievements and sacrifice. The bronze image will be a photo opportunity for visitors and an icon for the museum.
