David L Deming
Ohio Outdoor Sculpture Inventory
Statue to one of the Cleveland Browns' greatest players and one of the most legendary athletes in Cleveland history. His bronze likeness captures him in a decisive moment: is Brown going to continue trucking forward, through the defense? Or is his foot planted and prepared to execute a deadly dodge that will leave the defense in the dust and 6 more points on the scoreboard? His speed, alacrity, and strength on the field are all captured expertly by Deming. His body leans over to the right, gently cradling the ball in his left hand, but ready to club through steel with his right. Brown's back foot is completely vertical, indicating his speed and explosiveness, and the the other foot dangles off the edge of the base, as if even the sculpture is careening down the field and the sculptor could barely contain it. Deming made sure to capture every part of detail of Brown, down to his custom widened helmet, and the exact shoes he wore during the 1964-65 season.
Deming approached Jim Brown himself before beginning work on the statue, trying to ascertain what Brown wanted people to see when they saw his statue. Brown answered with one word: Determination. Brown didn't want to be seen as graceful or elegant or victorious, he wanted to people to see the statue and instantly that he was a tough-as-nails, determined team player. When Deming brought Brown to his studio to give the go ahead on the clay sculpt, Brown stated only one change: "Make my calves bigger."
Jim Brown was the star running back from 1957 to 1965. He was a gifted athlete from the day he was drafted, and set numerous franchise and league records throughout his career. He is a 2-time MVP and a Hall of Famer. Jim Brown's must illustrious accomplishment, however, extends far beyond himself. He is largely responsible for the 1964 NFL championship that the Browns brought back home to Cleveland; a feat that would prove to be unrepeatable in the city for 52 long, heartbreaking years. Jim Brown's status and importance in Cleveland can only be expressed most closely with one word: Legendary.
Made: 2016
1075 W 3rd St
Cleveland, OH 44114
Cuyahoga County
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