The 700-pound (320 kg)[1] bronze bust was commissioned by the state[2] to honor the memory of Indiana's 47th governor,[3] Frank O'Bannon.

The piece was cast at the Anderson University Art Foundry in 2005[4] and presented to the state in February 2006.

[2] In 2009, the creative process behind the making of this bust, as well as a memorial statue in O'Bannon's hometown, was featured in Indianapolis PBS station WFYI's special presentation, Cast in Bronze.

[8] The artist works primarily in bronze, creating both abstract and figural sculptures[10] using the lost-wax casting technique.

"[8] The artist gathered many photographs and worked closely with O'Bannon's wife and daughter to achieve this.

[9] At the official unveiling ceremony, Ryden dedicated the work to the O'Bannon family and to the state.