Toth 'thrilled' at 3D printed version of The Defiant One

LACONIA — Decades ago, Peter Wolf Toth was compelled to embark on what he called a “ludicrous” art project, to carve telephone pole-sized faces of Indigenous Americans in every state in the country. His Whispering Giant project — which he calls a “mission” — was validated on Saturday, when a re-created version of his New Hampshire installation was unveiled.

Known as The Defiant One, Toth’s sculpture is a tribute to the Abenaki people who are the traditional residents of the Lakes Region and much of New England. He carved and installed it in 1984, and it stood until 2019 when it had to be taken down due to decay of the wood.

On Saturday, a painstakingly accurate replica of Toth’s sculpture was unveiled, illustrating how attached the Laconia community had become to his work.

‘Something for the city’

Mike Smith, who, along with business partners Peter Erklauer and Scott Everett, owned the Winnipesaukee Muskrats baseball team in 2019. Smith told the crowd of about 100 which gathered for the unveiling how The Defiant One came to have a second edition in Laconia.

When news got out that the original sculpture, located inside the running track at Opechee Park, was going to have to be taken down due to decay, the three business partners decided to see if they could do something to avoid the loss of what had become a landmark and community symbol.

The city had been so welcoming to the Muskrats, Smith explained, “we wanted to do something for the city.”

When Smith put the question about the sculpture on social media, one of the first to respond was Chris Hernandez, who suggested the solution could be found through modern technology. His suggestion was to conduct a precise scan of the sculpture while it was still standing, then use that scan to create an inch-for-inch replica through 3D printing. The resulting sculpture would be a fraction of the weight and, theoretically, would last for much longer than the wooden original.

The solution’s simplicity became a lot more complicated when it entered the real world. The scan was completed, and then a company out of Texas was contracted to print the components, assemble them and deliver the new sculpture to Laconia.

Then the pandemic hit, and the printing company said it wouldn’t be able to fulfill its contract. Instead it shipped a pile of printed pieces to Laconia, leaving Smith and his team with the equivalent of a giant-sized Lego kit without any instructions.

Fortunately, Smith explained, Everett had a network of skilled tradespeople to call upon, and through the talents and perseverance of local minds and hands, the sculpture was finally completed this summer.

“It wasn’t going to get done until it came to Laconia,” Smith said. “This is a symbol of our community. When I think of this statue, I think of all the great people who grew up in Laconia.”

Sean and Forrest Noe, father and son, were among those who attended the unveiling on a blustery afternoon. They helped in their own way, by providing a lift owned by their painting company and used during the unveiling.

“This is a cool project,” Sean said, adding, “We grew up in Laconia. We’ve got some Indian roots here, it’s a great symbol for the area.”

“It’s nice to see that someone took the initiative to replace it,” Forrest said.

A couple, Eric and Leia Fabian, might have been experiencing some deja vu during the ceremony, as they were both present as children for the 1984 unveiling.

“It’s kind of become a symbol of Opechee Park,” Eric said. “It’s nice to have it back.”

Leia said, “I’m really happy that people stepped forward to make it happen.”

Amy Lovisek, director of the city’s Parks & Recreation Department, said it was her understanding the sculpture was the largest 3D printed item in the world, perhaps qualifying it for mention in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Mayor Andrew Hosmer said the community’s attachment to the sculpture became apparent once it had been removed.

Hosmer noted the statue was in tribute to the people who made the Lakes Region home for countless generations prior to European settlement. He said their spirit and legacy continue to influence present-day residents.

“The Defiant One,” Hosmer said, “is not just a statue, it’s a reminder of a path we all walk together.”

‘Intertwine’

Toth grew up in Akron, Ohio, in a Hungarian-American family. He said The Defiant One is a single piece in an exhibit that exists on an absurd geographic scale. His sculptures, more than 70 now, are found across North American and into Europe, and are intended to pay tribute to the indigenous people of the area where they stand.

“I have always felt that the Indian people have been victims of long abuse and injustice. My work honors them,” Toth said. His initial inspiration struck when he was in California and he looked at a cliffside. In the rock he saw an indigenous man’s face, so he took his rock carving tools and set to work revealing the image. His second installation was back in Ohio, where cliffsides are hard to find but he found a dead elm tree to be an even better vehicle for his expression.

“Henceforth, I figured this is a much better way to represent the face of the Native Americans, it’s more natural,” Toth said. “I intertwine the spirit of the Indian with the spirit of the tree.”

Toth said he considers the series his “mission” as an artist. It wasn’t something he did for profit or for professional recognition, the series wouldn’t make sense for those reasons. Instead, it was something he felt compelled to do.

“It’s ludicrous for someone to take on a project this large with a hammer and chisel,” he said.

Though the new version used a decidedly high-tech production means, Toth said he still recognizes the new sculpture as his work.

“My imprint is all over it, it is a genuine extension of my work, even if it was made by someone else using a different methodology,” he said.

He said he hoped the success of the Laconia re-creation could be used as a template for the preservation of other Whispering Giant statues.

“I’m very excited and very happy, quite thrilled that Michael and his people worked their butts off to prolong and extend the lifespan of my Whispering Giant. I am very flattered actually,” Toth said. “I would like to extend my congratulations and appreciation to each and every one that worked so hard on this project.”