Tom Corbin’s path to becoming a celebrated artist was anything but straightforward. With a marketing degree and early careers in sales and advertising, Corbin seemed headed down a conventional path, shaped by parental influences in both art and engineering. But a chance invitation to a sculpture class changed everything, igniting a creative journey that has now spanned more than four decades.
“I am best known as a bronze sculptor," says Corbin. "Though my sculpture has predominantly been figurative, much of my current work has been nonobjective. In addition to sculpture, my functional work comes in the form of lighting, tables and accessories. Painting, both acrylic and oil, rounds out my various disciplines. Embracing a wide range of disciplines has set me apart—sculpture, furniture design and painting. My work continues to evolve as I endeavor to try out new things with all mediums.”
Corbin’s early success in sculpture was propelled by timing and talent. With relatively few bronze artists in the midwest, his commissions grew steadily, eventually bringing national exposure through furniture design. A pair of bronze tables caught the attention of a design showroom in Chicago, Holly Hunt Ltd., which began representing his work in 1988. Today, Corbin is represented by 25 galleries and showrooms and has sculpted over 400 pieces ranging from miniature forms to monumental 13-foot bronzes.
In 2008, Corbin relocated his studio to a restored 1912 firehouse in Rosedale, Kansas. The historic space became a hub for creativity, providing a place to experiment, explore new materials, and expand into nonobjective sculpture, painting, and functional design.
Among his most notable accomplishments is the bronze monument of President Harry S. Truman, installed in the U.S. Capitol, capturing the former president in motion to reflect his active, approachable character. A second edition of the monument was installed in Brussels for NATO’s 75th anniversary, highlighting the global reach of Corbin’s work.
“Being chosen as the sculptor to complete this monument is an immense honor, to say the least. Portraying this amazing man through my art is the highlight of my career. Truman was a common man, a man of the people, always out to greet and shake your hand. And that’s what I wanted to communicate with his pose. Thus, unlike many statues which are stiff and reflect no movement, my statue of Truman depicts him briskly walking down steps, reflecting what a true man of action he was.”
Reflecting on his art career, Corbin emphasizes the satisfaction of living his passion every day and the joy of taking an unconventional path.
“I am most proud of having made a career out of what I like to do best. And to the point where I have had the luxury to employ incredibly talented people and who have become great friends. Success to me is being able to live your passion day in and day out. I also get a lot of satisfaction from looking back at my life and reflecting on the body of work I've produced, the wonderful friendships I have made in the industry, and the joy that taking the road less traveled has provided me over the last nearly 40 years.”
For aspiring artists, Corbin stresses the importance of distinction.
“You need to set yourself apart not only through the work itself but also by the way you market yourself. You need to show that you are unique. Also be open minded—you can learn from all types of artists. Talk to everyone you know who is doing art professionally. Understand that art is a business and treat it accordingly. By becoming a working artist, you are owning a business.”
Tom Corbin’s influence can be seen in galleries, museums, and public spaces across the country and abroad. For more information, visit corbinbronze.com.
Article by Allison Swan
Photography by Janie Jones
Originally published in Leawood City Lifestyle