San Francisco Chronicle: Remembering Sculptor Bruce Wolfe, Whose First Major Commission Was at Saint Mary’s

The bronze sculpture of Saint John Baptist de la Salle has long held a commanding presence at the heart of the Saint Mary’s campus. That sculpture was created by artist Bruce Wolfe, who died on December 27 at the age of 81.

In a heartwarming tribute in the San Francisco Chronicle, writer Sam Whiting traces Wolfe’s life and career. That includes Wolfe’s first major work as a full-time sculptor: the striking bronze figure for Saint Mary’s.

Wolfe painted a cover of Mohammed Ali for “Rolling Stone,” in 1975; he created the album cover for Kansas’s “Monolith,” album in 1979 and created ad campaigns for Fender guitars and Levi’s jeans. His first major commission as a full-time sculptor was a 10-foot tall bronze sculpture of Saint John Baptist de la Salle, which guards the chapel at the entrance to Saint Mary’s College in Moraga. He was 51 at the time and did not stop for the next 30 years.

Among the living luminaries Wolfe sculpted over the course of his career were Clint Eastwood, Secretary of State George Shultz, singer Tony Bennett, and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Whiting includes a tribute from the governor in his obituary: “A master of his craft, Bruce Wolfe’s talent and creativity as an artist were only matched by his kind heart, humility and generous spirit,” Newsom said.

Whiting concludes with the following passage about Wolfe and his daughter, Hilary. 

Shortly after her father’s death, Hilary walked into his studio and was transfixed by a wall of Post-It notes carrying inspirational sayings her father admired. Also posted was one of Wolfe’s own.

“It’s a beautiful world,” it read in his handwriting. “I was glad to be in it for a while.”

Read more about sculptor Bruce Wolfe. 

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Date of Mention: Thursday, January 26, 2023