Sculptor's Elephant Artwork Captures Love and Loss

A seven-year artistic endeavor culminated in the completion of Yumi, a majestic 22-foot-tall bronze elephant sculpture, now anchoring a garden area at California State University, Fullerton. Sculptor Matthew Gray Palmer shared his emotional journey, revealing the pachyderm became a profound part of his life. He collaborated with student groups for three years before beginning the monumental creation process, which involved carving clay, making molds, and casting 70 bronze pieces. The project's demanding nature, including extensive travel, strained Palmer's personal life, but his girlfriend, Ann Holbrook, provided unwavering encouragement. This support inspired Palmer to name the sculpture 'Yumi,' an alternate spelling of 'You Me,' signifying their co-creation. The 18,000-pound artwork, characterized by stylized wrinkle lines representing 'storylines,' was transported from Utah to California, requiring a crane to detach its head for shipping. Reassembled on campus, Yumi now stands as a symbol of compassion and nurturing community for students.