Latest From Aviation's Aristocrat, Turned Renaissance Man

Many people know Erik Lindbergh from his charity work. Others know him from the inspirational example he set, overcoming crippling arthritis to become a pilot. Still others remember his transatlantic flight in a Lancair (now Columbia) 300, or his service to the X-Prize Foundation as a Trustee of the Ansari X-Prize and Vice-President of the foundation.

Most everybody in aviation now can recognize his lanky frame and boyish grin. You see him coming and you just have to start grinning back, reflexively, no matter how bleak your mood might have been five minutes ago.

It doesn't hurt, of course, that he's the grandson of THAT Lindbergh (a Renaissance man in his own right who was not only a great aviator, but a scientist and inventor of medical devices, and a writer of staggering power). Erik's grandmother, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, was an equally multitalented and able person. The blood of greatness flows in his veins.

But Erik is accomplished in his own right. Not just as a pilot and philanthropist, either: he's a sculptor whose reputation is growing steadily.

Many of his works have an aerospace theme, like the fanciful "Rustic Rocket" ships we've featured before, with their early-1930s Art Deco style, or this eye-catching Columbia in bronze. Here's how Lindbergh himself describes it:

"[M]y latest creation... A bronze Lancair Columbia. Shown in blue marbled patina that makes it look as if it were carved out of Marble or possibly clouds!"

"There are other Patinas available. If you are interested in purchasing one we can talk about the options. One of the next casts I do will be in raw bronze with sanding marks on it. For the 'just carved out golden metal look!' I digress... but after all that is my job! One of them anyway."

An original Lindbergh isn't cheap. At least, not on Aero-News wages (and Jim, that last can of Alpo was expired!) But it's reasonable, compared to other artists' fine art, much of which doesn't interest us a bit, as it doesn't resemble an airplane at all.

To be precise about costs, here's Erik again: "The price is $2,235 plus shipping and handling. Dimensions: 13" long x 16" wingspan x 9" high (on the stand). A 50% deposit is required and it takes about 8 weeks to finish and ship."

Before signing off, he teased us with a hint: "Another two months and I will have a different aircraft sculpture available."

If you want a bronze Columbia for your own desk, table or curio cabinet, you can contact Erik through his website (see the FMI link below). He'll help you determine what options you want and send you an invoice; your artwork will be cast and finished to order.

The website has many other sculptures (check out "Evolution of Spirit"), displays some of Erik's unique form-follows-natural-wood furniture, and offers up a few insights into the mind of a true Renaissance man.

FMI: www.lindberghgallery.com