Artist Spotlight: Sculptor Joel Randell

Prominently displayed at the entrance of the Selmon Greenway pocket park is a life-size bronze statue of Lee Roy Selmon. The statue, commissioned by the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority and created by sculptor Joel Randell, was dedicated in June 2019 honoring Selmon’s legacy in Tampa. 

Nationally renowned artist, Joel Randell, sculpts oil-based clay to the likeness of each of his creations. This acts as the mold by which the Bronze statue is created. His independent career began in 2004 when he completed a life-size bronze sculpture of Marquis De Lafayette outside the Fayetteville County Courthouse in Fayetteville, WV. Since then, Randell has completed several commissioned bronze figural sculptures and portrait bas reliefs that can be enjoyed across the United States. He recently completed his largest commissioned project to date, “The Del City Women’s Veterans Monument” in Del City, OK. This historic monument honors seven Service Women from each of the branches of the military. Each bronze statue memorializes their service and sacrifice to our country.

In Tampa, Randell created the bronze sculpture of Perry Harvey, Sr. which is displayed at the Perry Harvey, Sr. Park in downtown Tampa. Randell is originally from Oklahoma but a lifelong fan of Lee Roy Selmon, both as a football player and humanitarian. The Expressway Authority appreciated his work memorializing Perry Harvey Sr and knew that Randell would bring his talents and personal passion in properly honoring Tampa’s most loved athlete and his legacy. 

The Lee Roy Selmon statute stands at an impressive 8 feet. His bold stance is juxtaposed with a kind expression on his face — highlighting his strength as an athlete and businessman and also his heart as a devoted family man and friend to all. Randell also designed the statute so that Selmon’s hand would be making the USF Bulls sign — a nod to Lee Roy’s Selmon’s 18 years developing the athletic program at the university.

Joel Randell is a rising star in the sculpture world. Tampa is fortunate to have two of his impressive statues in our great city. We are looking forward to Randell’s future contributions to our city and our country.