Chris Kilbane - Interview
The inspiration behind Hope actually started with something most parents tell their kids at one point in time or another. “When my kids were younger, and we wanted them to eat everything on their plate, I’d say ‘Eat. Kids are starving in Africa,’” says Sculptor Chris Kilbane. “And it wasn’t long before the kids retorted, ‘Kids are still starving, dad!’ And I got to thinking that America gives people hope. And America stands for hope. That is what made me think of the idea for Hope.”
Kilbane, a sculptor by night and railroad car inspector by day, grew up in the inner city of Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating high school, Kilbane traveled to Colorado to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. It wasn’t long before he was taking classes and discovered his trade-welding. “I’ve always wanted to be involved in art,” he says. “By using my welding abilities, I can create some really unique pieces.”
Kilbane, now living near the shores of Lake Superior in Northern Minnesota, submitted Hope to Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center’s SculptureWalk because of the message it sends. “It represents peace,” he says. “When people hope, they start to believe their dream can come true.”
Hope, made from recycled, painted steel, is typical of Kilbane’s work. “I tend to use steel for most of my work,” he explains. “I have a sculpture garden and so often I have people stopping by just to see what I have out there. Most people say ‘I don’t know what it is but I love it,’” he says, laughing. “I love that!”
Kilbane says Hope, which stands four feet tall and weighs about 60 pounds, will be good in the Avera McKennan SculptureWalk. “Hope is always needed in a hospital,” he says. “As a patient who has seen a lot of waiting rooms, I know what it’s like, waiting for news. And you have to have hope. You just have to.”
Kilbane sums up his philosophy of sculpture by revealing, “Why not have hope? Our dreams are made of steel.”
