THE PROTECTOR

Monumental Bronze, Approx. 3 times life size with an eagle wingspan of 21′, Limited Ed. of 10 – Created 2005

(Commissioned by Rollie & Loren Walker, McNeil Development | Unveiled fall of 2006, Idaho Falls, Idaho)

In 2007, Vic had sculpted the largest eagle span in the world when he created ‘The Protector.’  Since then, other eagle monuments have surpassed this in Dubai.

In the heart of Idaho Falls, where the Snake River winds through the terrain, the Walker brothers, Rollie and Lorin, visionaries and developers, dreamed of something extraordinary to grace this landscape. When the Walkers visited Vic at his studio, they discussed their vision of creating a monumental eagle bronze sculpture to enhance their water feature. Their water feature, a 26-foot cascade was created with hand chosen rocks from the area; setting center stage for a beautiful development called Taylor Crossing in Idaho Falls, Idaho that the Walker brothers were spearheading.

And so, Vic began to work. He starting creating the mother eagle, with her wings in a backward position, Vic depicts her gracefully landing atop of the rugged rocks. In her talons, she clutches a mighty salmon that she has brought to the nest to feed her growing eaglets.  Each of the nesting eaglets are 4 1/2 feet in height. The father eagle, ‘The Protector,’ circles above, wings outstretched, vigilant and fierce as he guards his family against all threats, a sentinel of the skies. Vic created the eagles 3 times life size with a 21-foot wingspan.

The eagles were created as a landmark and were born from the amazing vision of the Walker brothers. Since its installation, ‘The Protector’ has become more than art, it has become a part of Idaho Fall’s history – A guardian of beauty, a sentinel of hope.