James W. Washington Jr. (1909-2000), "Recycle of Life to Raven Form," 1974

James W. Washington Jr.
(1909-2000)

"Recycle of Life to Raven Form," 1974
Stone carving on an artist's wood base
Carved with initials and date on the underside: JWW / 1974; impressed with initials, twice dated, and titled to artist's base
Height overall 6 7/8 in., width 13 3/8 in., depth 7 1/2 in.

Provenance:
The artist
Private collection, Culver City, CA, acquired from the above

Other Notes:
James W. Washington Jr. was an African American painter and sculptor who became an important figure in the Seattle art community. He was born in Gloster, Mississippi, and began drawing as a teenager. During the 1930s, he worked as an art instructor with the Works Progress Administration and helped organize an exhibition of African American artists in Mississippi.

In 1944, Washington moved to the Pacific Northwest, where he studied painting with the influential artist Mark Tobey and became associated with the Northwest School. Although he continued to paint, Washington became especially well known for his stone sculptures after a trip to Mexico inspired him to begin carving. His artwork was deeply influenced by his Christian faith, spirituality, nature, and ideas about the connection between humanity and the natural world. Washington's sculptures, like the present works, often used animals and symbolic forms to express spiritual ideas. Washington's home and studio in Seattle were designated a cultural landmark, preserving his legacy as an important African American artist of the Pacific Northwest.

Condition
Overall good condition with minor shelf and handling wear commensurate with age. Some staining to underside of stone from a substance previously used for mounting the stone to wood base.
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