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Wharton Esherick and the Birth of the American Modern explores Esherick’s artistic evolution during the early decades of the twentieth century, culminating in the exhibition of his work as part of the Pennsylvania Hill House at the 1940 World's Fair in New York City. Trained as an illustrator and painter, experienced in modern theater and dance, well exposed to new ideas in philosophy, politics, and literature, Esherick experimented with woodcarving and printmaking, laying the foundation for his emergence as an artist of remarkable range.
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Out of stockHelp us celebrate our 50th Anniversary with this commemorative wooden magnet! This playful interpretation of the Studio building measures 4" x 3", and is made of laser-etched Baltic birch plywood. This is a great addition to any refrigerator magnet collection!
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In 1922, Wharton Esherick showed a copy Rhymes of Early Jungle Folk, which he had illustrated with woodcut prints, to Harold Mason, owner of the Centaur Bookshop in Philadelphia. Impressed by what he saw, Mason asked Esherick to illustrate Walt Whitman’s Song of the Broad-Axe, which Mason published in a limited edition in 1924. Inspired by the woodcuts, Esherick created a hand-bound prototype book of Whitman’s poem, using prints made directly from his blocks and hand-lettering it in Esherick’s own calligraphic style. Illuminated letters were used to begin paragraphs, and spaces at the end of lines were filled with blue and yellow drawings that reflect the content of the verses. The result of this labor of love was a work of art, 17x12 inches, with pages of handmade paper, folded and uncut. This book is a reproduction of Esherick’s prototype, authorized by the Wharton Esherick Museum. Though this edition is smaller than the prototype book, the original was carefully scanned and printed to provide as true a reproduction as possible. It faithfully captures the artist’s vision and skill and, for the first time, makes this wonderful work available to the general public. It will be appreciated by all admirers of Esherick, Whitman, and lovers of fine books.
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Published by Rizzoli, this 224 page book introduces Esherick’s visionary work to a broader public with essays by scholars Sarah Archer, Colin Fanning, Ann Glasscock, Holly Gore, and Emily Zilber and photographs by renowned architectural photographer Joshua McHugh.
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http://www.staceyleewebber.com/ Photo courtesy of the artist
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http://www.staceyleewebber.com/ Photo courtesy of the artist
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http://www.staceyleewebber.com/ Photo courtesy of the artist
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http://www.staceyleewebber.com/ Photo courtesy of the artist
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The Society was very pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with Bob Bascom and the Wharton Esherick Society staff in the production of this special publication and celebrates the life of a truly remarkable woman, and shares some of the stories from her lifelong relationship with her beloved husband, their family, and the community.
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This facsimile edition of a 1922 children’s book features seventy-three dynamic and whimsical woodcut illustrations—the first woodcuts that the famed American craftsman Wharton Esherick produced. A high-quality replica authorized by the Wharton Esherick Museum, this book reveals the foundation of Esherick’s direction as an artist. Edited by Museum director Paul Eisenhauer, it also features a foreword by Museum assistant curator Laura Heemer. The illustrations frame verses that introduce children to the principles of evolution, a highly controversial topic at the time: the book was published three years before the famous Scopes “Monkey” trial of 1925 that resulted in the inclusion of the teaching of evolution in public schools. Drawn by the excitement of the controversy, Esherick threw his passion into these illustrations. Afterward he would go on to carve over 300 woodcuts, leading to decorative carving, and ultimately, to Esherick’s realization that he was a sculptor rather than a painter.
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Out of stockHandmade Bentwood Necklace - Maple / Sassafras / Brass
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Out of stockHandmade Bentwood Jewelry - Sassafras Earrings
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Looking for the perfect addition to your workshop overalls? How about our Porcupine Enamel Pin! A playful interpretation of Esherick's woodcut illustration for a collection of essays published by Centaur press in 1926. It measures 1" x 1.5" and provides a perfect little reminder to stay inspired no matter what you're working on.
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Packs of winter-themed Esherick woodcut print notecards. Each pack includes 'The Lane,' 'December,' and 'Christmas Snow.' 12 cards in a pack. More about the woodcuts: 'The Lane' features the snowy drive of Esherick's friend and patron Helene Fischer's home in the West Mount Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia. 'December' depicts the Esherick's own home, "Sunekrest," the 19th-century farmhouse he and his wife Letty first lived when they moved to the Paoli countryside. 'Christmas Snow' is a lovely snowy depiction of the home of Dorothy Cantrell.