Global sculptor Dominic Benhura’s passion for family comes to life in Central Park
Creativity, beauty and artistry can be found in our daily existence and the most exquisite and impactful art made from everyday materials. Most certainly, the quote “art is making something out of nothing” applies to the artistic vision of international sculptor Dominic Benhura when he chose the blank stone that would be transformed into Bison and Calf.
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) is committed to promoting public art within the community and especially within our parks,” shares CCPR Director of Parks and Recreation/CEO Michael Klitzing.
The journey itself has its own story to tell even before it was carefully set in place alongside the lagoon in Central Park.
Choosing the American Bison
Benhura, who began creating with clay as a child and soon transitioned to sculpting stone, is globally known for his specialties in creating large-scale sculptures of animals. While zebras and other animals were considered for the installation, the conversation landed on the American Bison as an ideal subject for the sculpture. Historically, bison were found throughout Indiana and were an integral part of the state’s grassland landscape.
The Journey
Once the American Bison was chosen, Benhura began the search for the perfect stone that would ultimately become Bison and Calf.
“We initially chose a stone that was not large enough for what I was envisioning,” shares Benhura. “I finally found a stone in the mountains that I felt was right but there was no road to the area, so we first had to clear a path to the stone. I worked on the stone right in the mountains in the location I had found it. We eventually were able to roll it, wench it and move it to my studio.”
The sculpture is over 18,000 pounds and after two months of intricate sculpting work, life-sized Bison and Calf were ready to transport to the United States from Benhura’s studio in Zimbabwe and ultimately to Carmel, Indiana. Many companies would not accept the responsibility of transporting such a heavy piece of art, but challenges were met and overcome, and Bison and Calf arrived in Carmel in late July after a two-month-long journey via ocean and truck.
Mothers, Babies, Families, and the Community
Through Benhura’s research of the American Bison, he found many similarities to the African Water Buffalo. Both bison and buffalo are fiercely protective of their calves.
“My father died when I was just a baby and for much of my life, I was raised by my mother and aunts,” reflects Benhura. “My sculptures often include a mother and child and have no distinct facial features making them universal and global in feel yet still full of joy, movement and life. Bison and Calf showcase a mother and child theme as well and I believe it reflects the family and community atmosphere of the natural park setting they are going to call home.”
When Bison and Calf arrived in late July, Benhura was joined by several local youth from the CCPR summer art camp to put finishing touches on the installation and to give the kids a hands-on experience doing some sculpting of their own.
“My hope is that the unique size and texture of Bison and Calf will cause visitors to stop for a moment to see and encourage family bonding between parents and children, and really any of us walking a path together,” Benhura says. “The American Bison is quite an animal full of strength, and I’m proud that I’ve been able to showcase that strength in the happy and joyful context of mother and child.”
Written By: Sheryl Rodgers
Sheryl focuses on branding and marketing engagement. She’s a storyteller, editorial and media consultant, and brand builder. This story was written in partnership with Pickett & Associates.
