R. David Mattiza Sculpture

Sculptor R. David Mattiza dead at 61

Sculptor R. David Mattiza, whose bronze sculptures are in the White House, Pentagon and the George H.W. Bush Library, died Friday at age 61. The cause was a brain hemorrhage.

"The world has lost a beautiful artistic light," said collector Diane Mattly. "David's talent was vast. However, my particular favorites were his Western pieces. He depicts the essence of the human spirit with dramatic realism."

Born in California, Mattiza spent most of his life in the Houston area. For more than a decade, he owned and operated a studio at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, where he showcased his work. From 1993 to 1996, he lived in Sedona, Ariz., and studied with sculptor John Soderberg.

Mattiza was known for working themes of nature and the Southwest into his sculptures. One-quarter Crow Indian, he created life-size bronze castings of American Indian figures.

"I really can't call what I do 'work,' " Mattiza once said of his calling. "It's like getting to play on a daily basis."

Mattiza created The Day America Cried, depicting an eagle with a tear escaping one of its eyes, in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It received the Director's Choice Award at an exhibition held at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station.

The work was sold for $85,000 at auction to benefit wounded veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and their families.

"David had monumental artistic vision," said his friend and former publicist Catherine Noyes. "But one of his greatest gifts to the artistic community was his generosity of spirit and unfailing support of fellow artists, students and charities."

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Hill Mattiza; sister, Dian Mattiza Christopher; stepdaughters Shanna Hayden and husband Patrick and Roxanne Baskin and husband Fred; and many grandchildren.

A memorial celebration will take place at 2 p.m. Wednesday, at Agave Road, 1016 FM 1463, Katy.