Title: If I Could But Fly
Artists: Bob and Jo Wilfong
Medium: Sculpture – Bronze
Location: Fox River West Bank – behind the Brownstones
Owner: City of St. Charles
Donated by: The River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles, the City of St. Charles, and the Public Art Committee of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership
Map Locator Number: #24
Story: If I Could But Fly, honoring Captain Robert W. Leonard, is one of the sculptures included in the Gratitude Project
Artist Statement: If I Could But Fly came about when I was making a major decision in life, moving from a stable career as a banker to the uncertain allure of an artist. “If I Could But Fly” was my first design that came entirely from my heart and represented the idea that I personally wished to express. Creating a visual image of an idea in a simple interpretive format made such a powerful impact upon me that now I seek out the simple intrinsic strength of an idea and try to present it in its simplest interpretive form. I feel that this is when I became a true artist.
In all my work I use wings to represent change and freedom. If I Could But Fly represents one facing those changes that occur in each of our lives and finding the freedom that occurs when they are embraced and accepted.”
If I Could But Fly is featured on the Art Tour. Download the Otocast app on your electronic device to hear the artist’s story.
Photograph for the SCAC by Karen Muehlfelt