Shocking news has emerged from the heart of Tupelo, Mississippi, regarding one of the most iconic tributes to the King of Rock and Roll. For decades, fans have flocked to the Elvis Presley birthplace to witness the magnificent “Becoming” statue, but few truly understand the incredible and somewhat eerie process behind its creation. This isn’t just a piece of bronze; it is a meticulously crafted vision that bridges the gap between a dreamer and a legend, revealing secrets that remained hidden until sculptor Michiel VanderSommen decided to speak out.
THE VISION OF A LEGEND
The story begins on a hill overlooking Tupelo, where a young 11-year-old boy once sat, looking into an uncertain future. The “Becoming” statue portrays this exact moment: a young, humble Elvis sitting on a rock, juxtaposed with the towering seven-foot figure of his future self—the global superstar. VanderSommen reveals that the choice to make the adult Elvis so large was intentional. It wasn’t meant to be life-sized; it was designed to be overpowering and symbolic, representing the massive destiny that the young boy was looking toward.
FORENSIC SCULPTING SECRETS
Perhaps the most shocking revelation involves how the face of the 11-year-old Elvis was created. Because there were virtually no high-quality photographs of Elvis at that specific age, VanderSommen had to utilize forensic techniques. He took his previous sculpture of a 13-year-old Elvis and essentially “de-aged” it. By calculating how the nose, mouth, and chin change as a child grows, he reversed the aging process in clay to capture the innocent likeness of the boy who would become a king. This scientific approach to art is what gives the statue its hauntingly realistic gaze.
THE MYSTERY OF THE CAPE AND THE EAGLE
The adult figure in the sculpture is famous for its intricate detail, specifically the iconic eagle cape. To ensure absolute authenticity, the sculptor didn’t just look at photos; he met with an Elvis tribute artist in a church parking lot. For over an hour, every detail of the authentic jumpsuit, the lion heads, and the belt was photographed and measured. The process of making the cape itself was a feat of engineering. VanderSommen used a unique method of hanging real cloth over a steel armature, spraying it with wax, and using rough sand to create the texture of the legendary eagle design on the back.
BUILT TO WITHSTAND THE ELEMENTS
The statue is as strong as the legacy it represents. To ensure that the massive cape didn’t act like a sail in the fierce Mississippi winds, the entire sculpture is anchored by five-foot stainless steel pipes driven deep into a concrete block in the ground. This engineering marvel ensures that the King remains standing, overlooking his birthplace for generations to come. This behind-the-scenes look at the “Becoming” statue proves that the making of a legend is just as fascinating as the legend itself.