Oliver Lawson Decorative Wren Pair

Oliver "Tuts" Lawson (b. 1938) Crisfield, MD, 1977 14 in. tall by 16 in. long

Oliver Lawson discusses his breakthrough in carving creativity in his chapter entitled "Lessons from Lem" in "The Story of Lem Ward:"

"Lem also taught me the importance of creativeness. Anatomical duplication does not make an artist. Creativeness is a special ability — a spirit, a feeling. It is undefinable, but recognizable. Lem was a creator, and originator. He had visions of wildfowl such as few others ever had, and he used his craftsmanship to turn them into art for the rest of the world to enjoy. And he encouraged others to be creative. When I first began to visit his shop, he advised me, 'Don't copy my work. Do what you want to do, develop your own style.' I kept what he said in my heart, but I did not really understand it until years later, when I was trying to imply action with my carvings. I could find no precedent to help me, but with Lem’s advice on my mind, I wrestled with the problem until I came up with my own answer — and I carved a hovering hummingbird feeding on a trumpet vine blossom. This was the first work in what is now a separate class of wildfowl art, habitat sculpture. Only after this experience could I really understand what Lem had been urging me to do."

This depiction of two wrens interacting in their natural environment showcases Lawson's imaginative capabilities. The work is mounted in two pieces that rest upon a decorative wood base. Signed and dated 1977 by the maker. Original paint with damage to flower.

Provenance: Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection, acquired directly from the artist in 1977

Literature: Glenn Lawson and Ida Ward Linton, "The Story of Lem Ward," Exton, PA 1984, p. 51.

Provenance

Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection, acquired directly from the artist in 1977