Gary Lee Price (born May 2, 1955[1]) is an American sculptor.
Gary Lee Price is an American sculptor known for his uplifting bronze sculptures that capture the essence of the human spirit. Throughout his prolific career spanning over 30 years, Price's sculptures have found homes in public and private collections worldwide, gracing galleries, museums, libraries, corporations, cities, and educational institutions. His works range from intimate pieces to monumental sculptures, each reflecting his belief in the power of art to inspire and uplift humanity.[2]
Born in Montpelier, Idaho,[3] Gary Lee Price's journey into the world of art was shaped by both tragedy and resilience. At the age of 6 years old, Gary Lee Price witnessed the murder-suicide of his mother, Betty Jo Reeder, and his step-father, Ted Reeder in Manheim, Germany.[4] He was shipped back to the states to be raised by his mom's first husband, Wayne Price. Price went to both grade school and high school in Montpelier, Idaho. After graduating from Montpelier High School, he went on to study at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. He then served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in southern Germany. Following his mission, Price studied in Jerusalem for six months through Brigham Young University’s Study Abroad program. He then studied at the Utah Technical College in Orem, Utah (now Utah Valley University), where he met and studied with sculptor Stan Johnson.[1] With Johnson's encouragement, Price decided to continue his education at the University of Utah where he graduated with a BA in Art. His professional sculpting career took off almost immediately with the sales of his early Western and Native American pieces, including "Sacred Meat" and "Ascent". Price credits the piece "Ascent" as the inspiration for his "Statue of Responsibility". Stephen R. Covey was instrumental in introducing Gary Lee Price to the Statue of Responsibility. Dr Covey was a friend and colleague of holocaust survivor, Viktor E. Frankl, author of Man's Search for Meaning, Covey made a commitment to Frankl to make sure that Frankl's vision of a Statue of Responsibility on the West coast would one day "bookend" the Statue of Liberty on the East coast. Price holds the trademarks and copyrights, and is the official sculptor for this project. Price and his wife, Leesa Clark-Price have created a non-profit organization, Statue of Responsibility Foundation which is currently[when?] in the third phase[clarification needed] of this endeavor. Price's memoirs, Divine Turbulence will be[needs update] released in the spring of 2022.
After leaving Utah Valley University, Price enrolled at the University of Utah to study painting, drawing, and anatomy. He studied under Alvin Gittins as well as Stan Johnson. In 1982, he earned his B.F.A in painting and drawing.[1] During his high-school years, Price painted and sold his landscape paintings. Later on, he worked as a ranch hand, a farmer, a jewelry salesperson and manager, and worked in Stan Johnson’s studio and foundry in Mapleton, Utah. Price gained many skills through his work including mold making, wax and slurry casting, and welding. These skills would later become very important in influencing the direction of his art. Some of his earliest subjects include Southwestern and wildlife themes, such as Buffalo Nickel and Return of Fury. His first recognition came with the Death Valley Art Show, followed by recognition for his sculpture They Rise Highest Who Lift As They Go.[1] aka "Ascent".
In 1991, Gary Lee Price was elected a member of the National Sculpture Society,[5] a prestigious honor that recognizes his contributions to the field of sculpture. In November 2001, he received the "Governor's Mansion Artist Award," from Governor Michael Leavitt of Utah, for his support of the arts. Aside from his sculpture images appearing on the covers of a few various magazines and books, the December 2003 issue of Utah Valley Magazine featured a cover story on Gary and his career entitled, "The Spirit of Giving." In 2005, it was announced that he had been selected to create the 305-foot Statue of Responsibility[6] on the west coast of the United States.[7] Price is currently in Phase III of this history making project. In 2014 Gary was elected by his National Sculpture Society peers to the status of FELLOW.
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One of Gary Lee Price's most ambitious and significant projects is the creation of the "Statue of Responsibility." This monumental sculpture embodies the vision of Holocaust survivor Viktor E. Frankl as a counterpart to the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing the importance of personal responsibility and meaningful existence.[9] The concept of the Statue of Responsibility originated from Viktor E. Frankl's experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Despite enduring unimaginable suffering and loss, Frankl discovered a profound truth: the ultimate freedom lies in the ability to choose one's response to any given situation. This insight became the foundation of his seminal work, "Man's Search for Meaning," in which he emphasized the importance of taking responsibility for one's own life and finding purpose even in the face of adversity.
Frankl envisioned the Statue of Responsibility as a physical manifestation of this philosophy, a monument that would stand as a reminder of the interconnectedness of freedom and responsibility. He believed that just as the Statue of Liberty symbolizes freedom, its counterpart on the West coast should represent responsibility, creating a balanced and holistic representation of the ideals that define America.
The realization of Frankl's vision gained momentum through the efforts of Stephen R. Covey, author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," who was deeply inspired by Frankl's teachings. Covey and his team sought out a sculptor who could capture the essence of responsibility in art, eventually discovering Gary Lee Price at his foundry in Springville, Utah. Upon learning about Frankl's vision, Price was deeply moved and felt a profound sense of connection to the concept of responsibility. Drawing from his own experiences of overcoming tragedy and adversity, Price embarked on the monumental task of designing and sculpting the Statue of Responsibility, imbuing it with symbolism and meaning that resonated with Frankl's philosophy.
The design of the Statue of Responsibility reflects Price's belief in the power of interconnectedness and mutual support. At its core is a powerful image of two hands clasped together, symbolizing the bond between individuals and the shared responsibility to uplift and support one another. This gesture embodies the spirit of collaboration, compassion, and solidarity that lies at the heart of responsible living. Inspired by his earlier work, "The Ascent," which depicts two Native Americans supporting each other on a cliffside, Price incorporated elements of trust and mutual assistance into the design of the statue. The outstretched hands reaching towards each other represent the human capacity for empathy and connection, transcending barriers and divisions to create a more compassionate and inclusive society.
The Statue of Responsibility represents not only a monumental work of art but also a profound statement about the human condition and the values that define us as individuals and as a society. Through his collaboration with Frankl's vision, Price has created a timeless symbol that inspires reflection, dialogue, and action towards a more responsible and compassionate world. As the Statue of Responsibility takes shape, it serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations, reminding us of our collective duty to uphold the principles of freedom, justice, and dignity for all. With its completion, the statue will stand as a testament to the enduring power of art to ignite change and transform lives, leaving a legacy of responsibility for generations to come.[10]
Gary Lee Price's sculptures have left an indelible mark on the world of art, inspiring viewers with their message of hope, resilience, and human connection. From his early works rooted in personal tragedy to his monumental projects aimed at promoting global responsibility, Price's art continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
His sculptures can be found in prominent public spaces, including museums, libraries, corporate headquarters, and educational institutions, serving as beacons of inspiration and reminders of the enduring human spirit. Price's dedication to his craft and his commitment to uplifting others through art have earned him a place among the most respected sculptors of his generation.
As Gary Lee Price continues to create and share his vision with the world, his legacy as an artist and a champion of the human spirit remains an enduring testament to the power of art to transform lives and inspire positive change.[11] Through his sculptures, Price invites viewers to embrace their own responsibility to uplift and support one another, fostering a more compassionate and interconnected world for future generations.
