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Libby carruth
(Formerly "Libby Krock") . . . . painter . sculptor . illustrator
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A proposed Vietnam War Memorial in Salem, OR will honor not only those who died, but also those who served.
For this memorial, I was asked to create a piece that represents the Returning Soldier. After listening to and reading many firsthand accounts, I felt the piece needed to illustrate the emotional weight that many of these people carried. Although they were “the lucky ones”, they were not unscathed. And they did not receive a warm welcome upon returning home. As fundraising efforts continue, the piece currently exists only in a preliminary, digital state. Once funded, I will be sculpting it in clay and casting at life size in bronze with a black granite wall.
Viewers will approach the Returning Soldier from behind. With his duffle bag over his shoulder, he appears to have his hand on his heart as he faces the American flag. As the viewer walks around him though, they’ll discover that they’re able to look directly into his pained face, and they’ll realize that he’s not holding his heart. This young man is grasping at his clothing, struggling to maintain his composure. He is in pain. We, as the viewer, don’t know what he’s been through, but we can see that he’s suffering his invisible wounds.
Please Copy & Paste this link to see the full Concept and Design for the proposed Memorial. Click the Play button to experience a Virtual Walkthrough. You’ll see my piece located at the entrance. http://vietnamwarmemorialfund.org/design.html