Ever resilient and resourceful, however, Noble discovered a hidden talent after finally getting to see The Empire Strikes Back, which he hadn't viewed for the poster project. With friend John Alvin in tow, Noble left the Empire screening feeling breathless and inspired. "I was deeply moved by whatever's inside of me that thinks of art as honorable and as an experience in life that needs to be described," he recalls. Yoda had a particular effect on the artist. "I was so moved by Yoda that I went to the art supply store and bought clay and tools and did my first sculpture. Until then I had not done any sculpture -- just illustration."
Upon completing his Yoda sculpture, Noble showed the piece to Ganis, suggesting it might be used as an exhibitor giveaway. Ganis felt it was too nice for such a purpose, but offered no alternatives for its use. Noble recalls being somewhat critical of its artistic merit. "While it's got the heart of a first time sculpture, it's also got the technique of a first time sculpture," he says. Without any immediate use for it, the sculpture resided quietly in the artist's collection until dusted off for Empire's 10th anniversary a decade later. Today, one of those 50 limited edition bronzes is considered a coveted prize to Star Wars art collectors. "The sculpting of Yoda and the feelings I got from that just changed my life," says Noble. "I decided I would love to do sculpture."
The world of sculpture opened an enormous door of opportunity for Noble, beginning with a commission to do a bronze of General Philip H. Sheridan for a 1987 centennial celebration at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. From there, he went on to do several large bronzes, including the California Firefighters' Memorial (the state memorial), which was unveiled at Sacramento's Capital Park in 2002, and the 9-11 Memorial for Redlands, California. Of course, Star Wars fans are probably most familiar with his most famous contribution to the Star Wars artwork galaxy -- the full-size Yoda bronze statue that adorns the courtyard at Lucasfilm's Big Rock Ranch and the fountain near the entrance of the Letterman Digital Arts Center at the Presidio. The latter is a favorite gathering place for tourists and fans wanting to capture a bit of Star Wars magic while visiting the national park.
"I was emotionally wanting to complete the circle that started me in this direction and honor George's creation in the process," says Noble of his Yoda statue. "To see the effect that Yoda has had on people keeps my spirits high -- he represents spirit in general and the spirit of the universal consciousness."
