Chas Fagan is a sculptor and painter whose works range from landscape and still life paintings, to life-size portraits, to monumental bronze and stone sculptures.
Chas’ ability to combine his artistic gifts with his interest in history has led to several high-profile commissions. Among his favorites are his statue of President Reagan in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, a statue of “young Neil Armstrong” for Purdue University (including a surrounding plaza with moon-boot prints), his sculpture of Rosa Parks in the Narthex of Washington National Cathedral, and a monumental-scale bronze sculpture in Dallas titled “Freedom’s Charge”, featuring two Revolutionary War figures and a billowing battalion flag from Bunker Hill. He was also fortunate to be asked to paint the official White House portrait of First Lady Barbara Bush, as well as the official portrait of Mother Teresa for her canonization at St. Peter’s in Rome.
A self-taught artist, Chas graduated from Yale University with a degree in Soviet Studies.
Following are Chas’ answers to Vingt Questions.
Favorite place to visit in France, and why?
The Chateau de Belloy-sur-mer in the Somme. It’s not necessarily a well-known or grand place. What remains of it after the war is one of its two towers and some of the first floor…Between the ages of 6-13, my family lived in Brussels, and I had a close friend named James whose great-grandmother lived there, and we would join her at Belloy for multiple weeks in the summers. It’s a location that’s filled with history, a welcoming place that holds some amazing memories for me.
Favorite place to visit in America, and why?
The beaches of Cape Cod and North Carolina – they’re very different from one another, but I love body surfing, and they’re both great for that. And for reading. And when our kids were little, we spent countless hours making large sand castles resembling Mont St Michel.
What do you think the French can learn from Americans?
Being unafraid to strike out on your own – entrepreneurialism. The idea that you are your own best champion, and you have the greatest power to set your path.
What do you think Americans can learn from the French?
To take a beat, let things slow down for a moment – enjoy the beauty in simplicity.
Most important French figure in history and why?
Well, I’m a history nut of course, and as a boy I visited the battlefields of Waterloo many times, so it’s hard not to say Napoleon. But I’ll go with Asterix. I read pretty much every one of those wonderful stories growing up – and I’ve passed that on to my own kids. The illustrations are beautiful, and the silliness of the characters is so much fun.
Degas is another one. Discovering that he had been both a painter and a sculptor. That was so inspirational! He didn’t feel boxed in by one medium or the other…it gave me confidence as I started doing more and more sculpture myself.
Most influential American figure and why?
The sculptor Daniel Chester French is a big one for me. Standing in the presence of his oversized marble statue of Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial is very moving. The power of storytelling through art.
What is your favorite American luxury?
My wife would laugh at this question, because I’m a simple person – I don’t really “do” luxury. My version of luxury is an evening where I can watch an entire soccer game on TV.
What is your favorite French extravagance?
Back to simplicity – a fresh almond croissant, or a baguette with butter and cheese – those are the definition of extravagance to me
Favorite American food?
I’ve gotta go with a burger – it’s hard to beat a good burger among friends.
Favorite French food?
Toss-up between a white Bordeaux and a breakfast pastry. Maybe both.
The quality you most admire about the French and Americans?
We’re both freedom-loving survivalists! And we’re loyal. Given France’s key role in our independence, I think there’s a permanent – forever – bond between us.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I think carving out a life as a full-time artist. I’m grateful every single day that I can do what I love, and that this art has brought me to meet amazing people and to learn the stories of so many more.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I marvel at how great writers can create entire visual scenes along with the complex emotions to fill them, all with just the written word. I wish I had more skill as a writer.
Name three people, dead or alive, who you would most like to have dinner with?
Thomas Sowell – American economist known for his work since the 1960’s. I recently had the fortune to sculpt him for a project, and while researching him, I was really taken with his ability to convey large concepts. He also reminded me of Alexis de Tocqueville with his ranging and incisive observations about America and the American people.
Joan of Arc – what an amazing historical figure. I think she’d be fascinating to listen to – who wouldn’t want to hear her story first-hand? While sculpting her I kept waiting for her to speak.
John Singer Sargent – American portrait artist. His work is mesmerizing; he used darkness and fresh brush strokes in portraits so beautifully. It’d be fun to talk shop with him.
Relative to your field of study, what is the most important tradition to keep alive?
Broadly, we need to hold on to traditional craftsmanship. Creating something by hand is a treasured act and a treasured result. I have had the privilege of knowing some impressive craftsmen and women, and I rejoice when I see their skills being passed down. The skills involved in bronze casting and stone carving have not really changed for thousands of years of human history. Technology can be technically precise and accurate, but the human hand can breathe life and energy into a piece.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Our family around the dinner table, laughing. Perfect happiness on a professional level would be:
- A free afternoon, loud music, and warm clay in my hands.
- A free afternoon, loud music, and a blank canvas.