BIO
Los Angeles native Richard Becker found his love of sculpture while living in Spain.
He has studied at the Escola d’Art Barcelona, the Los Angeles Art Academy, Vaugel Studios and the Scottsdale Artists’ School. Richard holds several US Patents and a Masters in engineering management from Stanford University. He is an elected member of the San Diego Museum of Art Artists Guild, has received the Edward Fenno-Hoffman Prize for uplifting works and in 2010 was elected into the National Sculpture Society, the nation’s oldest sculpture society, founded in the 1800′s, New York City.
His most recent commissioned works include the Monument to Homer Simpson for Fox Studios, Los Angeles, “Liberation,” the 15 ft tall POW Veterans Monument for Miramar US National Cemetery, San Diego, portraits for the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Emmys) Hall of Fame, Hollywood, and a strength/faith figure for Good Samaritan Foundation, Dayton, Ohio. His works are in public and private collections in the US, UK and Europe.
His home and studio is in Poway (San Diego), California.
Résumé
Born
Los Angeles, California
Education
Stanford University, Master of Science, Engineering Management 1983-1988
Escola d’Art, Barcelona 1996-1997
Scottsdale Art School 2008
Martine Vaugel Studios, Fmr. Director New York Art Academy – 1998, 2000
Los Angeles Art Academy 1998
Awards, Recognition & Affiliations
Elected Member of the National Sculpture Society, New York City, NY
National Sculpture Society’s Edward Fenno-Hoffman Prize for uplifting works
National Figure Modeling Competition Finalist, Philadelphia, PA
Works selected for Art to Benefit Humanity Auction, Ritz-Carlton, Laguna, CA
Holds several US and Foreign Technology Patents
Associate Member of The Portrait Society of America and The International Sculpture Center
Elected Member of the San Diego Museum of Art Artist Guild
Commissions
Monument to Homer Simpson, Fox Studios, Los Angeles (2012)
Mary Tyler Moore, Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Hollywood (2011)
Portraits James L. Brooks and Charles Cappleman, Emmy Hall of Fame, Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (2010)
Good Samaritan Foundation Hospital, Serenity Garden, Dayton, OH (2010)
WWII POW Monument, Rosecrans US National Cemetery, San Diego, CA (2008-10)
Laguna Hills Civic Center Sculpture, City of Laguna Hills, CA (2008/9)
Mayor Tom Bradley, World Impact, Los Angeles, CA (2008)
Morgan Square, Heroic Bust of Hon. Mayor Kile Morgan, National City, CA (2008)
Private Portrait Busts, Rancho Santa Fe, CA (2007)
Firefighter Monument, NCFD Headquarters, City of National City, CA (2007)
Frontier-Life Monument, City of Poway, CA (2006)
Mountain Lion grouping, Lake Poway, CA (2006)
Bust of Frank Burger, Cmdr. American Ex-POWs, San Diego Veterans Administration Bldg (2005)
Portrait of Captain Matt Bancroft, USMC, Bancroft Foundation (2002)
Portrait of I. Fonts, Barcelona, Spain (1997)
Exhibitions
National Sculpture Society 77th Awards Exhibition, Brookgreen Gardens, SC (2010)
Art Renewal Center Salon (2010)
National Sculpture Society 75th Awards Exhibition, Park Avenue Atrium, New York City (2008)
San Diego Museum of Art, Festival of Arts I & II (2005)
National Sculpture Society: “The Sea,” Park Avenue Atrium, New York City (2005)
Sculpture in the Park, Loveland, CO (2004)
Exclusive Collections Gallery, San Diego, CA (2003)
Fingerhut Gallery, La Jolla, CA (2002)
Reviews
“What Becker expresses cannot be taught” — San Diego Union Tribune
“Exquisite” — San Diego No. County Times
“Bronze Brilliance” — Décor and Style Magazine
“Sculpture captures spirit of freed POW” – San Diego Union Tribune
Collections
Works in public and private collections in the US, UK and Europe.
Studio
Poway, San Diego, California
STATEMENT
I believe in art’s role in making the world a better place. And I am committed to do important things with this gift — to make significant contributions where I can.
I am drawn to capture elements of humanity, creating portraits and works that just flow from my head.
My unexplained progressing deafness plays a profound role in what I see and how I communicate ideas thru this art.
Right now my time is split between head-works and the exhilarating world of commissions.
Perhaps this is all in preparation for a modern day Vigeland Park, a Trevi Fountain or a medal that inspires a great deed.
– rb
MMX