“Delesprie” the Sculptor, is one of only a few living Artists honored by the Laguna “Pageant of the Masters.” Her breath-taking sculptural Works of Art are located throughout the nation. Possessing an impressive commission and client list that includes many political figures, celebrities, major corporations, churches and non-profit organizations and families. Born in Montreal, Canada, she grew up
just outside the city next to an Indian reservation. Her mother a painter, and sister a miniaturist (a sculptor, in miniature form), her talent was obvious at a very young age. From a river bank, where she retrieved clay, she became fascinated with the Indian people. Sculpting the children and then the adult natives. Specifically, “Terra cotta,’ which is a type of sculpture, where once fired and sold, you never see it again. These pieces are all one of a kind.”
After sculpting Native Canadians, she went on to sculpt Native Americans, traveling throughout the United States. She then attended California State University – Northridge, eventually completing her degree at Loyola University in Montreal. Studying counseling and business before finally turning to her Sculpture. Believing she could not survive on Art alone, she thought pursuing business and counseling degrees would open doors to more lucrative employment. She then realized her artwork was paying her way through university and could likely sustain her afterwards. After obtaining the degrees, she attended “Brandis Art Institute” via private and group classes. Her instructors included Martine Vaugel, Marion Young, and Don Gale. Upon completing her education, she took up the paintbrush, and then discovered she preferred seeing things 3D. She felt painting was more limiting for her. “Of course all mediums limit you, and for others painting is not so because they can do more spectacular work where their talent takes them. Me personally, continue sculpting.”
During an artistic exploration, she discovered truths about herself that changed her life forever. “I’ve always had a lot of nervous energy,”she explained.”I never felt like I belonged anywhere, always felt lonely, like there was something missing in my life. I spent most of my time chasing rainbows that didn’t exist thinking they would fill that gap." It was then when she was introduced to a Messianic Jew, a woman who was born Jewish, but believes Jesus is the promised Messiah. She invited me to join her local Bible Study. When I read the Bible before, it never made any sense, but this time, God’s word became alive in my heart. Between reading on my own and listening to the Bible Study teaching each week, I realized why my life had felt so empty. I needed Jesus Christ to bridge the gap between God and me so I could have peace within and peace with God as well. Sculpting is hard work. It can take up to 1200 hours to sculpt a 30-inch original, and as many as 350 hours to cast the image. Until recently, many people were privileged to view this painstaking process face to face. “Many galleries asked me to work right in the window, and I did that for six years in the “National Heritage Gallery” on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. I would talk to people and sculpt at the same time. I loved answering their questions and explaining the process of casting while still working.”
Delesprie’s Sculptures can be viewed at the following list of renowned locations; Ronald Reagan Library Museum, Edison Stadium, Disney, the Crystal Cathedral, Orange County Firefighters Memorial and Headquarters of Joe Weider, father of U.S. bodybuilding. Her work is also on display at the Janss Marketplace and The Lakes in Thousand Oaks, the Westlake Village Promenade, Westlake Village, the Calabasas Commons, Calabasas, The Grove at Los Angeles and many other famous locations in California and across the nation. Several celebrities also collect her pieces including Michael (son of the late John) Wayne, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Dick Van Dyke. She began by sculpting Gene Autry and his horse Champion when she was twenty six years old and consideres this opportunity to be a major turning point in her career. “Afterwards, things really started to flow. The Autry project took one and a half years to complete because there was a tremendous amount of detail in the saddle, his boots, and all accouterments, as well as the details in Mr. Autry’s face and hands. A demanding and painstaking project in terms of time.” Today the 5000-pound bronze monument is the entrance monument to the Gene Autry Museum at Griffith Park, California. Delesprie was singled out by the Janss Corporation of Santa Monica, California to create an eight foot tall bronze Standing Indian sculpture titled “In Praise to the Great Spirit.“
The finished sculpture is now permanently displayed at the Janss Marketplace. The mall incorporates an outdoor area designed for public functions, political campaigns, assemblies and other open air events. The statue weighs over 800 pounds. Its left arm is extended, reaching to the heavens holding a bow and expressing a prayer to the great spirit. Delesprie was selected from over 50 applicants due to her outstanding skill in anatomy and skills in detailed movement. A pillar achievement was the sculpting of the the heroic monumental angels, for the City of Angels and “Caruso Affiliated Holdings.” Standing nearly 35 feet high, this emotional and graceful monument has become an icon and landmark for Los Angeles. Though well known in the art world, Delesprie is kept humble by the fact that she is not an entity in and of herself. Anchored in her faith, Delesprie feels her gifts of creativity, inspiration and success come from God. It’s little wonder, then, in French, her name means “From the Spirit”. Inquiries on monuments - either private or commercial - can be made through a message on this page, my email: [email protected], or website: www.delesprie.com
