The bronze statues of L'Deane Trueblood have been illuminating the lives of all they touch for decades. Having crafted multiple monuments for cities across America, in addition to enriching the private collections of families across the globe, each Trueblood original represents a feeling even more timeless than bronze.
What remains so endearing to many who own a Trueblood original is the ease with which they may learn more about their selection, as is clear in these words from a long-time collector:
"So beloved is our prized collection of L'Deane Trueblood originals. When first we are moved by one of her pieces, our hearts are so touched that she remains so approachable; eager to discuss her vision and inspiration. For us it brings to life the delicate and intricate details of our selections."
~A. Wilder
L'Deane Trueblood remains one of the most sought-after sculptors when it comes to commissioned works of art. Being very selective as to which commissioned art invitations she accepts, allows her to continue living her inspiration through the creation of new limited edition bronzes for collectors throughout the world.
A slight turn of the head. A distant gaze. A moment
of quiet poise. Each are essential elements of L'Deane
Trueblood's captivating bronze sculptures that grace
homes, gardens, and private collections all across the
United States and abroad.
L'Deane
Trueblood has received national acclaim
for her sensitive portrayals of the human face and figure
through her bronze sculpture. Her achievements have
helped her establish a solid reputation, and have earned
her wide recognition as a foremost bronze sculptor in the art world.
She is listed in "Utah's 100 Most Honored Artists,
in Who's Who in American Art, and was featured in Feminine
Fortunes "Fifty Most Successful Women, 2003".
Much of her commissioned work involves painting and
sculpting children. In these tender portraits and statues,
L'Deane has done some of her most satisfying and beautiful
work. Her skill at capturing a childlike expression
is unmatched. She has received many top awards for both
painting and sculpture in regional and national shows.
Her works may be seen in many private and corporate
collections throughout the country, including several
museum collections.
With her husband Col. Roger Trueblood, USAF, L'Deane traveled
widely, living in Washington, DC, Naples Italy, Germany and
Ankara, Turkey before settling in St. George in 1973. She
now works from her studio in the beautiful red rock country
of Southern Utah. An active supporter of the arts in her community
and state, she has served on several boards including two
terms on the board of the Utah Arts Council by appointment
of two governors. She helped establish "Art Around the
Corner" for an exhibit of sculpture in downtown St. George.
She and her late husband have three grown children, all artistically
talented, and 9 wonderful grandchildren.
What is more beautiful than the face of a child? For more
than 25 years I have been charmed by the tender beauty in
their faces. Translating those soft, delicate shapes into
the permanency of bronze has become the hallmark of my work.
I want to pay tribute to them, to celebrate their remarkable
spirits. The subtle, evocative qualities of my life-size bronzes
of children reflect their innocent and innate intelligence.
Children have a very rich inner life, not always recognized.
Seeing them every day helps me to memorize their forms and
gestures. In my sculptures, I love to capture their natural
poise, energy, and innocence.
People always ask if the faces are inspired by my own children
or grandchildren. Actually, I seldom use the face of a model
unless it is a commission for a portrait or a bronze statue
of a real person. Rather, I frequently find myself observing
people. There is a store of remembered faces and forms in
my memory and when I start a new sculpture, I usually work
on the face very early so the piece begins to speak to me.
The features develop in the clay as if there is a face wanting
to appear.
Often they do have a resemblance to other faces I've done,
and maybe at times even resemble someone in my family, but
then again, sometimes it surprises me. For instance when I
was sculpting 'Garden
Sprite', her charming, little face was quite
different and as I studied the finished result, it made me
smile because it reminded me of a face in a Norman Rockwell
painting.
I have learned much from studying faces over the years and
it still is the most fascinating part of what I create.
"To
me, a face reveals the history of a soul, the spirit within."
-- L'Deane Trueblood