Items Similar to "History Man" Made from the Cabinet Oak Tree. The Texas White House. LBJ Ranch
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5
James Surls"History Man" Made from the Cabinet Oak Tree. The Texas White House. LBJ Ranch2024
2024
About the Item
James Surls
(Born 1943)
Texas / Colorado Artist
Image Size: 60 x 36 x 33
Medium: Wood Sculpture from the Cabinet Oak Tree at LBJ Ranch
2024
"History Man" Designed to stand.
James Surls (Born 1943) Texas / Colorado Artist
A modernist sculptor of delicate seeming wooden objects of intriguing designs, James Surles also does drawing and prints that feature natural and human images and forms.
He carves, whittles and stains his objects, but creating a monotone effect, rarely paints them but sometimes burns images into them. Some of his works are large, as much as nine-feet tall.
Surls earned a B.S. degree from Sam Houston University and an MFA from the Cranbrook Academy of Art. In 1998, he moved from Splendora, Texas to Carbondale, Colorado.
In 2009, five sculptures, made of bronze and steel, were set up on Park Avenue by the New York City Parks Public Art Program. His work has been shown in major New York museums including the Whitney, Guggenheim, and Museum of Modern Art. His work is in numerous public collections.
East Texas native James Surls is among the most acclaimed Texas artists of the late twentieth century and has found great success outside the state, as well. Surls' sculptures are most inspired by nature but also reveal metaphorical and mythological content.
In a 2009 catalog for The Grace Museum in Abilene, Texas, Patterson Sims wrote that Surl's works are "studies of myths, science, and human behavior."
After graduating from Sam Houston State University and The Cranbrook Academy of Art, he taught at Southern Methodist University and later at the University of Houston and the Lawndale Art Center, Houston.
Surl's work is held in many museum collections, and he has had numerous solo exhibitions, including the Dallas Museum of Art in 1984 and The Meadows Art Museum, Dallas, in 2003.
History Man and Walking Man – Provenance
James Surls, renowned Texas Artist, was commissioned by the Friends of the LBJ National Historical Park, to create art from what is known as the Cabinet Oak that is growing in the
yard of the Texas White House. As President, Lyndon Johnson held many meetings, including meetings with cabinet members, under the sprawling live oak tree in his front yard, next to his
swimming pool. For that reason, the tree became known as the Cabinet Oak. In 2019, a huge branch of the tree broke off. The park service searched for ways to turn this
devastating event into something positive and memorable. As a result, The Friends of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park stepped forward and invited 53 artists to receive portions
of the wood and without conditions use the wood to reflect their vision of its meaning. Renowned artist James Surls used his section of the branch to create three art pieces,
including the two identified below that are being offered for sale. These works are unique examples of Surls artistry, showcasing his devotion to the LBJ legacy and to the beauty and
history of the wood itself.
History Man
James Surls, 2024
60 inches times 36 inches times 33 inches
Free standing
Whistling Man
James Surls, 2024
50 inches times 29 inches times 19 inches
Hanging
Both pieces were created from the LBJ Ranch Cabinet Oak Tree at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in honor of Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson.
For the LBJ and Lady Bird Home Place When I was a little boy growing up in and around the Texas woodlands, I breathed deep the nature of my surroundings, from green grass, creek beds and well water, I moved through underbrush and trees growing from seedlings to saplings then going on to be the canopy spreading out above me. But throughout all of the categories and ways of grouping trees, none, stand-alone, like the Shade Tree, that big full and voluptuous beauty giving its relief
from the radiant heat of the Texas Sun. These trees took on a mythical position in the minds of the inhabitants that traversed their ground. They stood in glory, through it all, the blistering
heat, the freezing cold, yet offering years of comforting shade to the reality of deep conversations going on under their winged limbs, so it was put in the hands of those who History Walked their way beneath and under and gathered and engaged in dialog that was to change the world. I am not a little boy anymore, but rather someone who has lived through
the times under the shade tree, I know and understand the reverence bestowed upon and held by the long arms of the big oak in the front yard of the place where life was lived. The
shade tree was as much a part of the gravitational force as was the living room, the kitchen and the porch. For me to be able to step into that as a historical reality brings honor to my
stock and trade, to have the remnants and remains of a limb from such a tree brings me to appoint of psychological and historical responsibility, to honor times past as well as to give rise
to the Now of our time. To hold such a piece of wood in my hand and then form it into a symbol with and of meaning and content, then returning its own to the world at large, is a true
honor.
James Surls
- Creator:James Surls (1943, American)
- Creation Year:2024
- Dimensions:Height: 60 in (152.4 cm)Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)Depth: 33 in (83.82 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:San Antonio, TX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU769315431022
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
Established in 1974
1stDibs seller since 2017
93 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Fredericksburg, TX
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View All"Whistling Man" Made from the Cabinet Oak Tree. The Texas White House. LBJ Ranch
By James Surls
Located in San Antonio, TX
James Surls
(Born 1943)
Texas / Colorado Artist
Image Size: 50 x 29 x 19
Medium: Wood Sculpture from the Cabinet Oak Tree at LBJ Ranch
2024
"Whistling Man...
Category
2010s Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
SMU Southern Methodist Unversity School of Arts Sculpture Mid Century Modern
Located in San Antonio, TX
SMU Architectural Bronze
Dimensions: 16.75 H x 4.75 W x 4.25 D
Medium: Bronze
"Southern Methodist University"
Category
1960s Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
"Corrida" Abstract The Bullfight
By Leopoldo Gonzales Jr.
Located in San Antonio, TX
Leopoldo Gonzales Jr
Born 1921
San Antonio Artist
Size: 36 x 22
Frame: 42.5 x 28
Medium: Casein
Circa 1958 Mid Century Modern
"Corrida"
Biography
Leopoldo Gonzales Jr Born 1921
Exh...
Category
1950s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Flight" Mid Century Modern Texas Etching
By Nellie Buel
Located in San Antonio, TX
Nellie Buel
1908-2002
Comfort Texas
Image Size: 9 x 6.5
Frame Size: 14 x 11
Medium: Lithograph
Dated 1961
"Flight"
Biography
Nellie Buel 1908-2002
Nellie V. Buel (nee Upton), was born in 1908. Nellie attended Oregon State in Corvallis and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a BA in Anthropology and Art. After many years as a faculty and Air Force wife and mother, Nellie resumed her full time interest in art. She studied under many notable artist-teachers, including Harding Black, Harold Roney, Dennis Olson and Kent Rush.
Nellie Buel's work has been accepted in local and national juried shows. She has won numerous awards and prizes from art groups such as the San Antonio Art League and the San Antonio Watercolor Group, among others. Nellie's work is also included in permanent collections at St. Mary's University, the Healy-Murphy Learning Center, McAllen International Museum, the Hal Prince Collection (NY), Tamarind Institute Archives (Albuquerque, NM), and the McNay Art Museum Study Collection.
Nellie V. Buel died in the United States in 2002.
Nellie V. (Upton) Buel, born January 15, 1908, Portland, OR, died November 15, 2002. She attended Oregon State in Corvallis and graduated from University of California-Berkeley with a BA in Anthropology and Art. After many years as a faculty wife, Air Force wife and mother, Nellie resumed her full time interest in art. She studied under many notable artist-teachers, including Harding Black, Harold Roney, Dennis Olson, and Kent Rush. Although she was equally talented and proficient in all media, her interests soon specialized in graphics, in particular hand-pulled, limited editions of etchings, calligraphy, monotype, and woodblocks on handmade papers. Her work has been accepted in local and national juried shows, with awards and prizes from art groups such as San Antonio Art League, San Antonio Watercolor Group, Hill Country Arts Foundations, Texas Watercolor Society, and International Society of Experimental Artists. Nellie's work is also included in permanent collections at St. Mary's University, Healy-Murphy Learning Center, McAllen International Museum, Hal Prince Collection (NY), Tamarind Institute Archives (Albuquerque, NM) and McNay Art Museum Study Collection. After she and her husband retired to Boerne, they founded the Cibolo Studio in Comfort, Nellie's art studio and gallery, which she shared with Debbie Little-Wilson. Working in her studio, participating in shows, and sharing knowledge, techniques, and ideas with other artists, she continued to expand her artistic endeavors and creativity until very recently. She also gave of her time and talent through her teaching and critiquing other artists' works. Sadly, the contents of Cibolo Studio were heavily damaged during July, 2002 floods, causing closure of the studio after 30 years at the same location. She is predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Col. (USAF) Jack Buel. She is survived by her daughter, Ellen Todd Hanks (George); son, John Thomas Buel; three grandaughters, Kathryn Buel, Elizabeth Buel, and Natalie Mund (Randy) and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a host of artist friends and colleagues, but most especially by Debbie Little-Wilson, Dripping Springs...
Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Prints
Materials
Etching
"Harlequin" 1951
By Chester Dixon Snowden 1
Located in San Antonio, TX
Chester Snowden (1900 - 1984) Houston Artist Size: 16 x 12 Frame: 23 x 19 Medium: Oil 1951
Biography
Chester Snowden (1900 - 1984) Houston Artist
Chester Snowden was born in Elgin, Texas. He attended The University of Texas in Austin and the Cooper Union in New York as well as studying at the Art Students League of New York, Grand Central Galleries Art School, also in New York and the Richard Art School in Los Angeles. His teachers included Harry Sternberg, Boardman Robinson and Walter Jack Duncan. Snowden worked as a painter and an illustrator, for decades providing art for the publications of naturalist author, Royal Dixon...
Category
1950s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Dusk Till Dawn" An unusual perspective of a herd of horses. Looking from above
By Joel Sidney Kelly
Located in San Antonio, TX
Joel Sidney Kelly Alabama Artist Image Size: 32 x 48 Frame Size: 41 x 57 Medium: Textured Oil on Canvas "Dusk Till Dawn" Primarily known as a portr...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Impressionist Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil
You May Also Like
Two Story
By Peter Millett
Located in Phoenix, AZ
painted wood
Peter Millett is a seasoned traveler, who draws inspiration from his extensive trips through North America, South America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East; explorin...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
Helios
By Billy Criswell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Criswell's standing sculpture emerged from a study of spatial organization by arranging basic, repetitive shapes into a harmonious balance, while exploring the concept of simultaneou...
Category
2010s Abstract Mixed Media
Materials
Wood, Paint, Mixed Media
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Refresher
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork made by acrylic & texture on sold maple, matte clear coat
Scott Troxel draws on the aesthetics of bygone technology and the forward-looking designs of the Atomic Age and mid...
Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Maple, Acrylic
$1,480 Sale Price
20% Off
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Bourgeois Big Top
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork made by cherry, mahogany, boat nails, plastic Acrylic, reclaimed suede & table legs
Scott Troxel has exhibited his work at numerous fairs and exhib...
Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Mahogany
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Dusty Pink
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork made by acrylic on solid maple, matte clear coat
Scott Troxel draws on the aesthetics of bygone technology and the forward-looking designs of the Atomic Age and mid-century ...
Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Maple, Acrylic
$1,320 Sale Price
20% Off
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Spomenick
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork made by ipe, cherry, mahogany, walnut, boat nails, acrylic & reclaimed suede
Scott Troxel has exhibited his work at numerous fairs and exhibitions ...
Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Acrylic, Mahogany, Walnut
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Sculpture For Kitchen
Large Tree Sculpture
Man Feet
Sculptured Bed
Steel Tree Sculpture
Wooden Sculpture Man
Sam Wood
Cabinet Sized Sculpture
Modern Abstract Wood Tree Sculpture
Bronze Tree Of Life
Tree Of Life Hanging
Tree Bird Sculpture
Hand Carved Wood Sculpture Man
Oak Tree Sculpture
Wooden Sculpture Of Birds
Modernist Wood Carved Sculpture
Carved Man Stand
Large Bronze Bird Sculptures