Cliff R. Leonard needs no introduction. For those who know him, he's a legend. For those of you, who once like me, had not learnt of Cliff or his cause, Cliff is a Veteran Warrior who served in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam, and has since dedicated his life to immortalizing Florida's "Eternally In Service" Marines and Corpsmen by sculpting their life sized busts and presenting them to mourning families. I despise the word fallen Veterans or Heroes. Did they fall from grace? Were they dishonourably discharged? Fallen just sounds derogatory as though they fell out before completing their task and insulting to say the least. Cliff does not ask for a fee when he presents these busts, usually at ceremonies. However, as you may imagine, time, materials and firing a sculpture in a kiln all add tremendous cost which he bears himself. Although Cliff sports a solemn look at functions and ceremonies, his face belies his zest and fondness for humour and life. He sculpts all of his Veterans using photographs and videos, occasionally relying on descriptions as he may have never met any of his creations in flesh and blood. The presentation of the bust to the grief-striken families at ceremonies is usually teary-eyed followed by gratitude and admiration from the entire audience. What better way to honour the lives of men who courageously sacrificed their all for their country. Sacrificed everything for you.
Fast forward several months and hundreds of behind the scene exchange of words, and I was pestering him for a photo shoot on Christmas Day.
YRC: "Cliff, Bossman, I hope you didn't find my immigration and the multicultural post offensive. If so, I apologize. It was not my intention. I still wish to do your portrait and story I promised."
CRL: "Absolutely NOT. If I had I would have dropped you a note. I enjoyed it. My philosophy on offending someone is that it's only a charge on the "offender" when it's done intentionally or if you had been advised beforehand."
This man won't mince words; he even drives a Subaru. We're a bit alike in that respect, but I've got a lot to learn from the master. All I know is they can't throw me out of the country for what I say because I've got my citizenship. Locked up forever in Guantanamo? I wouldn't doubt it.
CRL: "Yatin, Merry Christmas -- Hope all is well! My Best and Semper Fi. It's up to you and I to make this a better place next year!"
YRC: "My Dear Cliff, Sorry for the late response in spite of having read your message earlier. A very Merry Christmas to you and your family. I love your attitude on making this place better for next year. If we don't do it who will? You know there are weekends when I just struggle to keep myself busy, but then get so tied up doing things here and there it just takes the entire weekend and then it's back to work. I still want to do a photo session on your work at your convenience. Therefore, let me know a weekend that you'll be free and I'll just plan to visit you one day. I'll throw in a few smart-alec comments for good luck. I'm not a trained professional so you'll have to excuse my inexperience."
CRL: "Yatin, Thanks. What ever fits you fancy will be fine with me. I'm actually beginning to put the finishing touches on a piece now. No matter the date we can always work something out. You can give me a holler at your connivence and we will put it together. My best, Cliff"
YRC: "I really am in a slump and find it hard to churn out articles, but then I can get fired up and pump out a 10 page essay at the snap of a finger. However, I'll let you dictate the course; it's all about you. I'm free this Saturday"
CRL: "Well start snapping!"
Hey! Unbelievably, this man actually double-spaces after a period, just like I normally do, but he can't spell convenience. Maybe it's just a typo, but I won't tell anyone and embarrass him. I know I'm old fashioned, but this wonderful double-space after a period habit that nobody cares about was drilled into me by none other than my mechanical engineering doctoral dissertation adviser. Thank you dear Dr. Jeff Roux.
0700 hours, Saturday, December 27, 2014, and I was on my way to Jacksonville, FL to meet Cliff and his family and perhaps catch him in the act of actually sculpting a Marine statue. I know in his heart he'd rather not have made any of these in memoriam, but war is cruel, and someone has to do it. It's only up to him to do it, as nobody else will and I'm here so we can all share Cliff's selfless experience.
1045 hours, I reached his home and was greeted by his warm smile and strong handshake. I hugged him, a man I hardly know, and we greeted each other like long lost friends. I normally don't touch people. I'm paranoid. I can't get any lice from his head. He's got no hair. I, on the other hand, have a bird's nest on my head. But I shampoo my hair twice a day. Just saying. I noticed he's aged in the past few months since I saw him last. Settling down after a few pleasant moments and a cup of coffee, I commenced photographing him and his work.
(Click on images for enhancing detail)
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| Cliff and his wife Linda Share a Happy Moment Together. |
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| Cliff Starts Work on a New Bust. Cliff Requested that I keep Details of the Bust at a Minimal to Keep the Marine's Identity Private Until Presentation Time. |
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| Every Detail is Painstakingly Accurate. |
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| Such Passion takes a Physical and Emotional Toll. He Completely Immerses Himself in his Art.This Important photograph also shows his present and past work. History Being Made in this Studio. |
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| Eye-to-Eye. Man-to-Man Cliff Examines a Bust |
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| Adding Final Details and Finishing Touches |
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| Nothing is Fast and Easy. Every Little Detail Must be Perfect. |
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| Almost Ready for Presentation |
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| Cliff in a Pensive Mood. The Grim Look |
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| Finally a Smile. Satisfaction that the Job is Done. Perfectly. |
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| It's Never Easy When It's Done. Cliff Showing his Emotions; This One May be Complete, But Sadly, There Will Always be More. |
Capture Your Life & Dictate Your Legacy.
