Wentworth Falls sculptor Terrance Plowright took centre stage at the Parkes Elvis Festival on January 13 when his life-size tribute to the King was unveiled.
NSW Governor David Hurley pulled the covers off the bronze statue in front a large crowd at Cooke Park.
Mr Plowright said it was a daunting task trying to sculpt a man who is still one of the most recognised figures in the world, 40 years after his death, but he was honoured to be given the chance.
Produced at his Lawson studio, the work captured Elvis in one of his signature poses, leaning forward with his right leg bent in front and left leg stretched out behind him, singing into a microphone.
It rests on a single plinth, to symbolise January, with eight sides, to recognise Elvis’ date of birth January 8. There are also plaques with eight Elvis quotes in the ground around the scuplture.
The artist said one of the key stipulations when he came up with the design was that Elvis was that specific pose, and Elvis had to be smiling.
“The anatomy and the pose was quite difficult. I actually pulled the shoulders to pieces four times,” Mr Plowright said.
“There is steel inside the clay and you have to cut through the steel, rearrange it, and put it back. I cut through the hips three times.
“I made six heads, the fifth head is the one you see. I had two heads cast in bronze and one of them is still back in the studio.”
Parkes mayor Ken Keith said the statue was to “recognise the importance of the Elvis Festival to Parkes”.
The story, The King immortalised at Cooke Park, first appeared on The Parkes Champion-Post
