This sculpture titled, Exordium, was Bradford Rhea’s first marble sculpture.. Before sculpting it, he went up to a symposium where he learned how to use the tools and everything, he recalled, and later he went to Glenwood Spring where he picked a marble block out of the quarry, and without really knowing what he was getting himself into, he embarked on this sculpture which took place over the course of five years! Just imagine a 30,000-pound marble block, and over the course of five years, slowly, off and on, being able to turn it into this incredible piece! It wasn’t always easy, Bradford said. There were times when he had to drag himself into the studio—but he remembered that some of those difficult times ended up being his most productive sessions, just listening to classical music and chiseling away.. Bradford started at the top—something he does with all of his sculptures. He isn’t sure why he starts at the top—it is just something he’s always done. Just the top small portion took 2 years. In fact, one of his challenges was maintaining a fluid and cohesive style even though he as a person, and perhaps his style had changed over time. Bradford recalls that people would ask, “what are you making?”, and he would answer, and as time went on and the more he thought about it, the more he worried that he might not be able to fit all seven of those angels—but ultimately the seventh angel fit. It is the small one toward the bottom, just waiting in the wings—as if it were just born.

When reflecting back on this incredible journey, Bradford says, “I am humbled knowing that God is the supreme sculptor, the true creator of all that exists. If anything at all comes from my work as a sculptor, I pray that it points to God, and to His gracious gift of salvation offered to all mankind through His precious son, Jesus Christ Our Lord.