Mattiza

 

Titled America Cried, the eagle is the work of local sculptor R. David Mattiza, whose bronze sculptures are in the White House, Pentagon and the George H.W. Bush Library.

Mattiza died Friday at age 61. The cause was a brain hemorrhage.

"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."

You can see more examples of his work here - Gallery