John Scarpulla was an American sculptor born on January 27, 1938, in Queens, New York City. He was raised in the Jackson Heights neighborhood by his Italian immigrant parents. His father was a builder, which might explain why John started creating things from an early age.
As a young adult, John Scarpulla joined the United States Marines and served his country until 1962. Interestingly, it was during his time in the military that he discovered his love of sculpture. After he left the military, he attended the New York School of Visual Arts, where he studied sculpture under the tutelage of world-renowned artists.
After leaving the school, John Scarpulla began working as a sculptor in his own right. In the early years, he took up odd jobs and worked as an assistant for other artists to make ends meet. However, he quickly gained a reputation for his skill and ability to capture the human form in a unique and captivating manner.
John Scarpulla’s style is characterized by his attention to detail and his ability to communicate human emotion through the medium of sculpture. He was known for his use of bronze and other metals, as well as his ability to create larger-than-life statues.
One of his most famous works is the bronze statue of Babe Ruth located outside of Yankee Stadium. The statue, which stands at nearly 9 feet tall, captures the essence of the legendary baseball player and has become an icon in its own right.
Another of his famous works is the “Seated Lincoln” statue located in Lincoln Park, Jersey City. The statue depicts Abraham Lincoln sitting down and looking out at the city, and it has become a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Throughout his career, John Scarpulla received numerous awards and accolades for his work. He was a Fellow of the National Sculpture Society and also a member of the Society of American Artists. His work has been featured in numerous galleries and museums across the United States and his reputation as one of the greatest sculptors of his time continues to this day.
John Scarpulla passed away on July 23, 2010, at the age of 72. However, his legacy lives on through his groundbreaking work and his contributions to the art world.
John Scarpulla was a master sculptor who dedicated his life to his craft. He was known for his ability to capture the human form in a unique and captivating way and for his attention to detail. His work, which has been featured in galleries and museums across the country, continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day. While John Scarpulla may no longer be with us, his contribution to the art world will always be remembered and celebrated.
