Meet Tom Corbin, artist who created U.S. Capitol Rotunda’s larger-than-life Harry S. Truman bronze memorial sculpture

While Tom Corbin’s highly coveted art works can be found in a veritable “Who’s Who” of public, private, and corporate collections and even spotted adorning the walls of fictional collectors in television and film stories, it’s probably safe to say his most outstanding accomplishment is his larger-than-life bronze statue of 33rd U.S. President Harry S. Truman, which was unveiled at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., in late September of 2022.

On Sunday, February 18, from 10:00am until noon, the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation will host the master artist for a special presentation to be held on the grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front Street, during which he will discuss the tools, research and processes he employed for his monumental undertaking, answer audience questions, and share insights on where he finds his inspiration. His presentation is a feature of this year’s “Presidential Families Weekend” events, and also launches the Foundation’s new TRU-ly Amazing Art series.

Based in Rosedale, Kansas, Corbin’s studio and gallery are housed in a historic 1912 firehouse with a compelling history of its own, reflected in preserved artifacts and fixtures that include a brass fire pole, a bank safe, and a jail cell. But art was not his first career, advertising was, and he reports that he came to art via “more serendipity than calculation.” Ahead of his Key West appearance, the artist agreed to answer a few questions about how he got from “there” to “here.”
 
Q: Can you describe what motivated you to explore your artistic potential?
Growing up with a mother who taught elementary school art, I was exposed to a number of art disciplines at an early age. Continually drawing for my own pleasure through high school and college, I never considered art seriously as a vocation. I assumed it would be a nice hobby to have. 
A variety of traditional sales jobs followed college graduation. My yearning for more creative employment eventually led me into the advertising business as an account executive. A friend at the agency introduced me to a bronze sculptor who was holding classes out of her home on Wednesday nights. Just for something different, I decided to attend her class. 
 
Q: Was there a turning point moment that caused you to make the leap from advertising executive to full-time artist?
From a practical standpoint, I realized there were few bronze sculptors in the Midwest. With my growing passion for casting and with the marketing knowledge I was gaining at the agency, I sensed that a career in art, sculpture specifically, might be possible. So, in 1986, I quit my ad job, rented a loft space and never looked back. 
 
Q: Your Harry S. Truman bronze statue is 8’ tall – 11’ if you count the pedestal. Had you ever created a human sculpture prior to this undertaking, and one of this scale?
I have done a number of life size and monumental human sculptures during my 37-year career. Soldiers, firemen, dancers, you name it. But I have never been involved with a commission of this significance and social impact. It has been such an honor to be involved with this project.
 
Q: You were one of multiple artists invited to submit sculpture proposals, and then later as a finalist, a preliminary model, or maquette. What are one or two features of yours that you feel were key to you winning the commission?
Through my research of Truman, I discovered that he truly considered himself a common man. He lacked pretense, was quick to shake your hand and relished a brisk walk around the White House or his home in Independence, MO. In addition to studying Harry, I also examined the existing sculptures in Statuary Hall, many of which seemed stoic and unapproachable. I wanted my Truman model to display just the opposite: relaxed and in motion, as if to greet you. To accomplish this, I have the President descending a set of stairs with his smile intact.
 
Q: How long did it take for you to create the monument, from beginning to end and what was your biggest challenge?
From being awarded the commission to unveiling Harry took four years. The actual time I spent sculpting the 8-foot Harry was about a year. The remaining time included molding, casting and waiting for approvals at each stage of development both on the state and federal level. The biggest challenge was the ability to please all the individuals involved whose approval was required. Also...patience was a necessity. 
 

Corbin’s Truman Statue, situated between George Washington and Ulysses S. Grant, is the tenth presidential statue to be installed in the Capitol Rotunda. It was commissioned by the Truman Library Institute for the State of Missouri, and funded through the support of Truman Statue sponsors. Much of Corbin’s research for the project was conducted at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum.
The “Presidential Families Weekend” and Tom Corbin’s “TRU-ly Amazing Art” event are presented with the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.  For tickets and more information visit www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.org/foundation/events/