Journey home
Elephant sculptures make trek from Oklahoma to new habitat.
The sight of a family of African elephants leaving Norman via Interstate 35 southbound created a sensation for motorists in both directions on a recent Saturday morning.
The five bronze lifesize elephants created by sculpture artist Jocelyn Russell and cast at the Crucible Foundry in Norman, are being installed at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, where they will be joined by five lions and five meerkats.
Russell followed the red transport truck from Daily Express Trucking Co. in Oklahoma City, driven by Don Steinke.
During stops along their journey on I-35 and Interstate 49 to their new home in New Orleans, the bronze elephants, artist and trucker were admired, greeted, photographed and questioned about their destination.
“I am on Cloud Nine now,” Russell said in a phone interview, as she and the precious cargo arrived safely in New Orleans.
It’s been a challenging journey for Russell, and for Mark Palmerton, owner of The Crucible, a 6,000 square-foot red brick foundry on a quiet street near downtown Norman, where the herd of elephants were cast.
“I’ve been up to my eyeballs in elephants,” Palmerton said, as he sat in his art gallery and reflected on the mammoth task he and his employees completed. “We’ve had some long days with this project.”
Russell, a resident of Friday Harbor, Washington, said she submitted her bid to sculpt the 15 African animals in July 2015, and the contract was finalized in January 2016.
She said the 18-month project was a ridiculously short time from start to finish, one that should have been four years.
The lions and meerkats were cast at a Colorado foundry, and they referred Russell to The Crucible. She said the Norman foundry came well recommended and capable of handling the huge project.
“I think what scared me the most was knowing how we would all work together to complete the
elephants on deadline.”
She came to Norman for a visit to the foundry. Once she met Palmerton, she was confident of her choice, and Russell lived in Norman from April through September 2016.
“I loved living in Norman,” she said. “I loved the people, the humidity and the warm weather. “And I loved the foundry; we became like a family. They absolutely nailed this project.”
The elephant family with the Oklahoma connection will cool off in a geyser type lighted fountain, joined by the lions, as the meerkats “watch” the action from benches that ring the fountain.
Russell will stay in New Orleans until May 7, and then she will move on to another project.
As relieved as everyone is that their work is complete, Palmerton said it was sad to see the elephants leave.