Elijah Pierce: Woodcarver

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Summary: African American Fok Artist
Review: If you are into folk art, African-American cultural contributions, religious themed art, a woodcarver or just someone who appreciates intricate woodcarving details than you will enjoy and should seek this book. Elijah Pierce's sculptures are broken down into various categories including free standing carvings, religious reliefs, secular reliefs and autobigraphical works. This catologue is from an exhibition from the Columbus Museum of Art that displayed Elijah Pierce's works in 1973, eleven years before his death. They have the largest collection of his works , it features over 200 pieces. His style was unbelieveable, his panels filled with incredible detail, full of emotion, religious fervor and cultural pride. In the book you will see his tribute in wood to sports hero's too like football player Archie Griffin or boxing legend Joe Lewis. Many of the works are patriotic themed , including tributes to Abraham Lincoln. Martin Luther King, The Kennedy's and Paul Revere. One of the things that sets Elijah Pierce apart, besides his technical carving skills, was his colorful painting of the wooden figures or reliefs. He used many different colors including bright solid tones that brought more life into the wood. There are several essays included and the mystical qualities of wood are discusses by him and several other woodcarvers. His life is discussed in the essays, including his hardships as well as his successes, with the end result being an intimate portrait of the artist . Being a man of tremendous religious conviction, coming from a strong religious family, a preacher himself, his carvings became his pulpit. The religious fervor in his carvings are amazing and the biblical stories in wood come to life and jump out at you. His "Book of Wood" is an astounding series of panels bound together and was used on occasion for his sermons but eventually housed in his barbershop where it was the centerpiece of Pierce's art display's. You must find this book to see all the exquisite works of art this master woodcarver created, it will astound you in it's simplicity , varied subject matter and asthetic qualities. Elijah Pierce has left a legacy that should not be missed as it reflects the everyman qualities of the American spirit. Highly recommended for art enthusiasts, folk art collectors, teachers and especially woodcarvers, as it is very inspirational.

Rating:
Summary: Had great stuff!!
Review: The book had great insight of who Elijah Wood is. Though it didn't get that personal it still was very great!!