Three-Dimensional Folk Art - Sculpture
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Image 1Howard SoperCanton, IL (life dates unknown)untitled (walking stick: snake), 1891wood
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A sculpture is a three-dimensional work made by carving, casting, modeling, or making a construction or arrangement of material (such as an assemblage or mobile). Folk art sculpture includes both utilitarian objects that were made to look beautiful, such as a carved walking stick (Image 1), and objects created simply for their aesthetic appeal by an untrained sculptor. Similar to folk art painting, the subject matter of most folk sculpture is that of the artist’s everyday life. The best-known Illinois folk art sculptor is William D. Neher. William D. Neher1869-1961Neher was born in LaPlace, Illinois. As a young boy, he moved to Kansas, and grew up playing baseball, hunting, fishing, and working odd jobs. Although he studied painting in Kansas City, Missouri, he supported himself as a professional photographer. In 1902 he moved with his family to Chenoa, IL, where he made a living as a portrait photographer. This profession allowed him time to pursue his great passions: carving, sculpting, painting and fishing (Image 2). Neher carved elaborate decorative scenes and objects, painting the works to enhance their realism. Most were based on the artist’s personal experiences and memories. He created a wide range of objects, including small wall hangings, furniture, fountains, and large architectural pieces. His landscape scenes, including Alligator Among the Trees (Image 3), are deeply and realistically carved in relief from single boards, usually cypress wood. This carving originally started as a scene from World War I with fallen soldiers in the foreground. However, Neher was concerned that the work was too grotesque, so he converted it to be a carving of an alligator and crows in a swamp. The artist adorned his photography studio with large decorative pieces, both woodcarvings and concrete sculptures. The most notable decoration was an arched relief woodcarving of three seated classical female figures, installed above a large street-facing window (Image 4). The central figure holds a camera, representing Neher’s profession; the other figures hold implements characterizing Art and Science. Neher’s work was highly personal. He often used family members as models, creating sculptures of his daughters and son (Image 5). Neher also immortalized himself in plaster self-portraits (Image 6). Neher also produced concrete ornaments to decorate yards and parks. Using his own recipe for a durable, weather-resistant cement mixture, he fashioned park fixtures, lampposts, lawn ornaments, and fountains, including the eye-catching mountain lion fountain (Image 7). A local legend during his lifetime, Neher’s artistic activities were gradually forgotten after his death. The artist was gradually rediscovered as descendants recognized the quality of his carvings passed down through generations. When a number of carvings still stored in his studio building were rediscovered and came to the attention of folk art enthusiasts, Neher’s reputation grew. He is now recognized as a preeminent Illinois folk artist. Discussion Questions:Talk about subject:Talk about history:Talk about craftsmanship:Related Activity Idea:Soap Carving |
