FATHER KAPAUN

The powerful story of Father Kapaun included studying historical battlefield photos and testimonies of soldiers present during Fr. Kapaun’s aid to the wounded in Korea. We created drawings considering bas-relief with two soldiers and Fr. Kapaun, or a freestanding sculpture of Fr. Kapaun interacting with one soldier, which the client selected. The skeletal armature was posed and clay applied to both figures to shape their anatomy.

We obtained historically accurate uniforms and accessories to incorporate into the sculpture, paying special attention to Fr. Kapaun’s likeness from photos. We focused on the emotional expressions of both figures, using a blackman for the soldier. We dressed the figures in uniforms, using live models for historical accuracy. Upon client approval, the clay sculpture was taken to the foundry for molding, wax chasing, ceramic shell creation, wax melting, and bronze casting. Lynn performed a final metal inspection, adjustments, and patina application, and coordinated shipping and installation.