Smithsonian American Art Museum
Direct Carving
February 5, 2015 – March 13, 2020
The exhibition includes approximately 24 sculptures from across the twentieth century, nearly all from the museum’s permanent collection. Direct carving is an unusual method of sculpting in which an artist works directly with a piece of stone or wood, usually selected for its unique physical properties. Direct carvers often work spontaneously, rather than first making preliminary models in clay or wax. While most finished sculpture is made through the labor of teams of professional carvers, studio assistants, and foundry workers, direct carvers proudly claim sole responsibility for the production of their works.
Selma Burke, Untitled (Woman and Child), ca. 1950, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John A. Sakal and Terry L. Bengel
