Raul Ruiz Sculpture

Kelton statue, sculptor complete long journey

SAN ANGELO, Texas -- "The minute I walked in, I saw the sculpture," Raul Ruiz said.

He was on his final leg of a long journey. For more than two years the San Angelo artist worked to capture Elmer Kelton's likeness, first with pencil and pad, and later in bronze.

Several setbacks tested the artist during the project. First, Kelton, an award-winning western writer, died. Later, the owner of the Lubbock foundry where Ruiz's sculpture was to be cast into bronze died. The business then was sold to new owners who moved it across town, further delaying work.

"There were so many unexpected changes during the project that we weren't ready for," Ruiz said.

"My goal was to finish by September 2009, but it just wasn't possible."

He said the project was challenging, "but I take everything as a learning experience.

"I believe everything works out for the good."

In the journal where he records notes on his projects, he reassured himself.

"Our dream will live if we let faith fight for us," he wrote. "Faith knows how to win. Faith has never lost a battle."

His friends and family came to his aid, too.

"They helped me and encouraged me," he said. "No matter what we go through, success is nothing if your friends aren't with you."

When Ruiz recently returned to Lubbock to do final detail work on the completed sculpture, he knew his faith had paid off.

"The minute I saw the sculpture, I knew it was done," he said.

"I walked out to the parking lot and I just thanked the Lord."

The bronze statue of Kelton stands 6 feet 4 inches. The base and pedestal will add another 2 feet to the height. Ruiz estimated the statue weighs between 400 and 500 pounds.

The completed sculpture will remain at the Lubbock foundry until early next year when it will be moved to the new Tom Green County Library in time for the opening.

"Now," he said, "I'm just waiting."