Father Arnold Damen, S.J., sculpted by Walter Arnold, of Chicago. (Loyola University Chicago)

Walter Arnold’s sculpture of Father Arnold Damen, S.J., has just been installed at Loyola University, in Chicago, and the sculptor reports that returning students are already taking selfies with it, which he considers a sign of a work’s success in this day and age. In the series of photos released of the sculpture by the university, Walter seems to be applying some touch-up chiseling toward the end of the photo essay. I have asked him for details of what he is doing and will report back as soon as he supplies an answer.

I also asked Walter for guidance on difference between the words sculpture and statue, and he replied to that, too, as follows:

On a piece like this, carved indoors, there are always things that show up when it is out in the sunlight. I needed to rent an extra large forklift to move it out of my shop and load it on the truck, so I had the forklift delivered a day early. That way I was able to spend a day doing final touches outside my studio, with the piece oriented in the correct direction.

Still, once it was on site and properly elevated on its pedestal, I could view it from different angles, and see how the sunlight hit it. I saw things that needed to be cleaned up, a few rough spots, a few changes in shadows, and so forth. Just minor details.

As to statue/sculpture, mostly interchangeable, but they don’t overlap completely. Sculpture is more generic and non-specific, in my interpretation statue is more specific to a larger figurative, representational work. This one also can be referred to as a monument, since it is large and representing someone from the past. (monument could also represent something, for example an historic event).

It is most delightful to see this lovely, engaging statue for the people of Chicago to look at. Maybe there is hope for the rest of us.