Woodchuck Hatching

James W. Washington, Jr. (American 1909-2000)
Dated: 1977
Size: 12" L x 7" D x 6 1/2" H
Though Woodchucks do not hatch from eggs, Washington successfully reminds us that all animal life begins with an egg. Regarding a similar work, a patron who upon seeing a recent work of Washington’s in which a rabbit was hatching from an egg, exclaimed, “A rabbit does not come from an egg!” Washington replied, “Doctor, all life comes from an egg.”

James W. Washington, Jr. was an African-American folk artist who was known for his engaging works in stone. Born in Gloster, Mississippi, Washington settled in Seattle and became a leading member of the Northwest School. Washington’s spirited, but quiet carvings are often seen as a cross between two other direct carvers; the African American Folk Artist William Edmondson (1874-1951) and American sculptor John Flannagan (1895-1942).

Please see, James W. Washington, Jr.: Stone Mason for additional biographical information.

Washington's work is represented in numerous private and public collections, including The Smithsonian, the Whitney, SFMOMA and the Seattle Art Museum.

Condition: Excellent. Stamped signature, date and title on wood base, stone initialed, "JWW" and dated "1977."

Price: Please inquire

Literature: Karlstrom, Paul J., THE SPIRIT IN STONE: THE VISIONARY ART OF JAMES W. WASHINGTON, JR., Bellevue Art Museum, 1989.; Ament, Deloris Tarzan, IRIDESCENT LIGHT, University of Washington Press, 2002.

References: See video below and visit the James and Janie Washington Foundation website.



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