The sculptor worked from photographs now displayed in the museum to determine Elvis’ facial features, hairline, and general body size with a special emphasis on his fully extended hand of friendship and kindness. His height was calculated from a sixth-grade class picture by comparing him to the height of another classmate and his teacher in the picture. By comparing the known height of the teacher and the student, Elvis’ height was determined by measuring the brick and mortar in the background wall behind them. Although his guitar was his prized possession, the sculptor chose to highlight Elvis’ poverty by focusing on his oversized overall pants and oversized open collar shirt rather than his guitar.
The sculptor envisioned Elvis walking to the “Becoming” Overlook where he would sit, play his guitar, and dream of a better life for himself and his family. His statue is positioned with the church and chapel on his right and the museum on his left symbolizing the solid spiritual values he learned in Tupelo and the challenge of materialism he would eventually have to face in the world. In August 2002, the statue was unveiled and dedicated to Fans worldwide. It is one of the most popular photo opportunities at the Park.
Today, Elvis’ life journey begins at the backdoor of the Birthplace and ends at the Becoming Statue. It is a meandering, zig-zagged path symbolizing Elvis’ life’s journey as he struggled between the challenges of spirituality and materialism.
