GOVERNOR TOM MCCALL

“Your sculpture stands alone at the pinnacle of expressive and beautiful art. My father lives in the statue and his spirit radiates with a vibrant humanity that belies the metallic fabric. I think you capture the person Tom McCall, and honor the medium simultaneously.”-Tad McCall,Tom McCall’s son

TRUE-TO-LIFE INSPIRATION

The Tom McCall Memorial Committee commissioned Rip to craft this 20-ft tall portrait sculpture of Oregon’s noted former governor.

Attention to detail was crucial in creating an image of McCall wading through the Umpqua River carrying a fly rod and his steelhead “catch.” Caswell used McCall’s own waders and the actual fly that caught the fish to create an accurate, true-to-life scene.

MEMORIAL TO A GREAT OREGON LEADER

Rip worked alongside committee members, subcontractors and engineers in the City of Salem to ensure proper installation of the sculpture along the Willamette River. Through Rip’s design and sculpting, the committee’s goal of creating a realistic and characteristic vision of Tom McCall was realized in a meaningful way.