John M. White

John M. White, Bird Opera #121A, Unframed

2015

Pictographic scene by Charles Stewart (American, 1922-2011). There are several figures in the center of the piece, one of which has raised hands, as if to praise the sun above them. Surrounding the figures are symbols reminiscent of Neolithic art - spirals, handprints, and animal symbols. Signed "C. Stewart , T. S (for Taos Society of Artists)." in the lower left corner. Presented in a wood frame with vinyl faux-lizard skin wrapping, and a linen mat. Image size: 16.5"H x 21"W Charles C. Stewart (1922-2011) was born in Toledo, Ohio. From an early age he had a natural talent for the arts, so much so that during his school years, his teachers encouraged him to take classes at the Toledo Museum. He studied there for eight years. During World War II, he served with the tank destroyers in five campaigns. When he returned from the war, he studied art and sculpture at the Art Student's League in New York. He then went to Mexico for eight months to study and paint. While in Mexico, he fell in love with the country, its people and arts, vowing one day to return and live. In 1947, Stewart moved to Taos, New Mexico to start his career. He opened a frame shop and small studio and studied at the Taos Valley Art School under Louis Ribak. In 1949, he opened his own gallery. He taught art and sculpture at the Taos Art Association and at Philbrook Art Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as well as teaching private students. He built three homes in Taos, the last of which is known as the "Stewart House." The "Stewart House" was written up in the New Mexico Magazine in an article entitled "The House That Chuck Built" by Tricia Hurst In late 1984, Stewart and his wife, Mary Lou, were exploring the Baja in Mexico and ended up at "Land's End," a small fishing village on the Sea of Cortez called Cabo San Lucas...

This unique artwork is created through interweaving and twisting strips of painted fabriano paper in order to create a complex composition with depth and texture. The artwork is fram...