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April 22 , 2010 Two days ago we lost one of the great artists of our time, Purvis Young. This morning I went on Ebay to see what kind of circus is going on with his work--in the post-mortem frenzy after Finster died, it was unbelievable what pieces (none very significant) were going for, even down in the Ebay trench. In the Purvis Young listings, there are now a few of what I consider to be forged works--one of which has quite a few bids and is sitting at a (paltry) few hundred dollars. Am I surprised? No. But it is real money being thrown at what is valueless garbage. I realize that it is self-serving for me to rant about these things and strongly suggest (again) that you consult a knowledgable dealer before buying anything in this field, but as a human being with an ethical conscience, I'm going to do so, regardless. To state the obvious: in a "steal of a deal" scenario, it is often the buyer, not the seller, who is being robbed--if it's too good to be true, then, yes, it's too good to be true. For example, when an authentic sketchbook of Young's retails for $1500 and up, then yes, one should ask questions when the bidding starts at 10% of that low end. Luckily, if you have studied the work and know it well enough, the fakes give themselves away easily, and you won't be tempted by what you're seeing anyway--no grace in the line, no passion, no art, just a mess of paint thrown on a board or on a notebook page, all for your humble consideration and viewing pleasure. It is at these times that I do begin longing for a place called Hell, so that these criminals making a quick buck off of yet another dead artist's legacy (and a less-informed buyer's pocketbook) would be delivered unto this address (along with their creations). But I'd settle for less: jail would be a good start. With the FBI's recent indictment of forgers of Clementine Hunter's work, maybe other rats operating similar scams will suffer the same fate. Though probably not til they've made a few grand and flooded the market with a little more trash.
January 12, 2010 Happy new year all--you may now find the gallery on facebook, and become a fan if the spirit moves you . . . Many new pieces in, including a fabulous Sybil Gibson floral, and a large piece by Joe Light; Light's work has garnered much recent notice in New York, being featured in the current show "Jr. and Sons" at Zach Feuer Gallery. One of his fish images appeared in this week's NY Magazine--a painting that was previously offered by Gordon Gallery. August 27, 2009 Greetings from east Nashville, where the summer has been merciful and the gardens abundant. I want to take a moment to thank all of you who came out to Folk Fest a couple of weeks ago--we had a fantastic show, and it was good to see so many old friends and clients. Unfortunately I will not be exhibiting at Outsiders Outside this year, but hope to return in 2010. My schedule has been extremely busy--I was on tour out West for much of the summer, performing songs from my new record, which is due for release around the first of the year. Now, after some time away from the gallery, I am back at it--and will be listing several new acquistions over the next week. Among the highlights is a masterpiece bas-relief carving from Edwin Jeffery--take a look here. Just a reminder: we buy, sell, and trade works; it all helps to keep things fresh around here. Please keep us in mind if you have something you'd like to sell, via outright purchase or consignment.
February 16, 2009 Happy Presidents Day--just added a couple of wonderful new carvings by Edwin Jeffery. October 21, 2008 I've added several new pieces to the site; take a look around! I also just got this beautiful Josephus Farmer piece in--11" x 44", from ca. 1983. Purchased directly from Farmer by current owner's mother. Detail photos are available upon request; please send an email if you're interested.
October 1, 2008 With regret we pass on the news of the recent death of NC artist Hubert Walters. I feel lucky to have known him for the last several years, and will miss him dearly.
September 3, 2008 Just back from a wonderful show at Outsiders Outside in Harbert, MI. So good to see so many of you, and to make some new friends as well. I'll be updating the website over the next week or so, so check back often for new pieces. July 10, 2008 Please visit our booth at the 15th annual Folk Fest in Atlanta, GA, August 15-17! We'll be showing significant pieces from the recently acquired collection of Willie Massey works, and as usual some fantastic pieces not yet posted on the site. July 3, 2008 Photos of the Willie Massey collection (see prior post below) have now been posted here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26329687@N05/sets/72157605959103981/
Take a look when you can. Have a great holiday weekend! kg
June 22, 2008 Happy summer to you. The gallery just acquired a large collection of fine Willie Massey pieces, all purchased from Mr. Massey by the prior owner between 1986-1988. Birdhouses, miniature chairs, airplanes, various birds of distinct character carved from wood or sculpted from foil, and more. I hope to have photos and other information posted soon. If you are interested, however, please send us an email and I'll be happy to pass along what photos I do have right away. I'm sorry if this particular beating of the drum has gone on too long, but it is out of concern that I remind you again of the rampant forgeries of Mose Tolliver's work being sold on Ebay. A guarantee of authenticity or statement of provenance is worthless if there is any cause for suspicion raised by viewing the work itself closely. (or by viewing a price that is truly too good to be true). And though it's not without exception, those sellers so loudly offering such documentation are often selling the more dubious pieces. Compare any piece in question to works published in respected museum catalogs or reference books: in Tolliver's case, I'd recommend the catalog from the Black Folk Art show at the Corcoran in 1983, as well as the Arnetts' Souls Grown Deep, vol. 1. Though family collaborations are sometimes hard to identify, in my opinion the forgeries give themselves away quickly when compared to the real thing. June 1, 2008
Hello! Recent updates to the site include works by: Luster Willis, Mose Tolliver Also, look for new work from Mississippi artist Earl Simmons
We are sorry to hear of the recent passing of artist L.V. Hull, who lived in Kosciusko, MS, and was featured in Souls Grown Deep, Vol. 2.
May 7, 2008 Hello! Recent additions to the site include: New artist page: Rosie Light New work from Annie Tolliver New artist page: Armistead Peeler
March 25, 2008 Happy Spring to you. Please read the article linked below, for some not so good news concerning one of our favorites, Purvis Young:
<http://www.biscaynetimes.com/news/news_2008/news_0308_cover1.html>
December 16, 2007 I want to thank all of our clients for making 2007 our best year yet. It's been great visiting with so many of you during this busy holiday season. Thanks so much for your interest. Please know that we are available to ship your purchases until the evening of Thursday, December 20; after that, it will be around New Years til we're "open" again--though we will try to answer the phone anytime, and welcome your inquiries. Look long, look deeply: Though I know most of you must find them as silly and repugnantly obvious as I do, please, oh please, to anyone out there who may be tempted, beware of the many fake Mose Tollivers showing up on Ebay. There is one "artist" in particular who is going at it with a vengeance, it seems.(And sometimes the results are, to the fast eye, close to the real thing.) I know that as buyers we all love a great deal, but some of these "bargains" are beyond reality. If it sounds too good to be true, well, it should go without saying: be careful. I realize that as a gallery owner I have a vested interest in earning your patronage, but in this case I am simply nauseated by folks laying down money (though usually peanuts compared to the "fine" art market) for something they put their good faith in believing is genuine, but in reality is a piece of worthless trash. For obvious legal reasons it is difficult and expensive to take on these liars legally, so here I step onto my soapbox and wail, perhaps to no good end. Though it is true that Mose's own chicanery in signing pieces that were done by family members (more discussion of this to come) creates an unfortunately murky environment when trying to establish authenticity, no artist's legacy deserves this kind of treatment, which is a crime against the singular spirit of the "real" Mose T.: the art, and the man.
November 7, 2007 We've recently added newly acquired works by Mose Tolliver, May Liza Jackson (on the Quilts page), and Purvis Young. Check 'em out!
September 5, 2007 We are sad to announce the passing of Alabama artist Jimmie Lee Sudduth. Mr. Sudduth died of natural causes on Sunday, September 2. August 27, 2007 On the road again: Thanks to all of you who came out to FolkFest; we had a very successful show. For those of you near Harbert, Michigan, please stop by our booth at the Outsiders Outside show this coming weekend, on the grounds of the Judith Racht Gallery. Many new things to see on the site--recently acquired pieces by Joe Light, Mose Tolliver, Jim Sudduth, Ruby C. Williams and others. I've also just added some great quilts! August 13, 2007 Hello! Please join us at Folk Fest, this weekend in Norcross, GA, just north of Atlanta--100 dealers, representing the best in self-taught, outsider, and folk art, all at the North Atlanta Trade Center!!! Email us for more info. We'll be bringing many new acquistions which have not been shown on the site, including classic works by Charlie Lucas, Charley Kinney, George Kornegay, and never-before seen new work from carver Edwin Jeffery.
May 30, 2007 Happy summer! We welcome the work of Florida's fabulous Ruby C. Willliams to the gallery. Check out a new group of Edwin Jeffery carvings, too!
March 24, 2007 I've recently added some wonderful new works, including a Sarah Mary Taylor "Coke" quilt, a vintage "Fayette County Courthouse" painting by Jimmy Lee Sudduth, and a classic "Adam & Eve" from Louisiana's M.C. "5¢" Jones.
January 27, 2007 Though I'm a little late on the draw, Happy New Year everyone! I've recently added some exciting new pieces: Joseph Yoakum, "Weeping Pebble of Sirrea Range . . .", from 1967SOLD A mid-80s Mose Tolliver "Nall Lady" 1987 woman's portrait by Jimmy Sudduth Two carved animals by William DawsonSOLD
On a more personal note, Purvis Young recently underwent a long-awaited kidney transplant operation; we wish him a speedy recovery.
December 1, 2006 Hello--we're having trouble with receiving email at the "art@gordongallery.net" address, so, please send emails to: I am zealous about replying to inquiries; if you have sent an email and not received a reply within a day or so, it almost certainly means that I haven't received your message. Hopefully the address change noted above will help with this problem. Thanks--kg
November 2, 2006 Recent updates: Josephus Farmer, Balaam, Son of Beor, Soothsayer A pair of carvings by emerging artist Melvin Harper October 30, 2006 Dear Friends, I just learned that Mose Tolliver passed away today, from complications resulting from pneumonia.
October 28 , 2006/ Recent updates: A blue dog with black spots (and a very long tail) by Mary T. Smith Three classic pieces by Joe Light
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October 19 , 2006/ Recent updates: A colorful painting of seven figures by Purvis Young Two great quilts by Alabama's Mary Maxtion:
Four drawings by celebrated Chicago musician and visual artist Wesley Willis |
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October 11 , 2006/ Recent updates:
A wonderful "Love" quilt by Mattie Jackson; Jackson was one of the quilters featured in the recent exhibit "Just How I Picture It in My Mind", at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. The catalog is available from Amazon and elsewhere.
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October 5 , 2006/ Recent updates: An early Howard Finster piece, Lot's Wife, published in J.F. Turner's "Howard Finster: Man of Visions" A classic later "Skyline" by Jim Sudduth two new relief carvings from Edwin Jeffery two new quilts listed: a gum leaf quilt by Plummer T. Pettway(Gee's Bend AL), and another leaf pattern quilt by Mattie Jackson, from Jackson, MS, who was a friend of Sarah Mary Taylor. a classic Willie Massey miniature rocking chair (we have 4 others, too; please email for photos until we can get them up on the site) More to come . . .
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October 2 , 2006/ Just returned from a week of traveling; brought back several new pieces, including 3 walking sticks by Louisiana carver David Allen, two carvings by Louisiana artist Melvin Harper, and two more relief carvings by new artist Edwin Jeffrey. I also visited one of my favorite people, L.V. Hull, who resides in Kosciusko, MS. I brought back several of her wonderful painted signs. Will be listing many of these over the next few days.
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September 24 , 2006/ Recent site updates: Four relief carvings by new artist Edwin Jeffery
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September 22 , 2006/ Recent site updates: Three Mose Tolliver paintings from the 1980s. A wonderful painting by Willie Massey. Many new acquistions here; I'll be adding photos and info as soon as possible. The new inventory includes 4 large drawings by Wesley Willis dating from 1993-95, a wonderful group of quilts by Mattie Jackson, May Liza Jackson, and Sarah Mary Taylor, 4 drawings by Virginia folk artist Joe Bell, and an early freestanding crucifix by Leroy Almon. We also have a small group of relief carvings by emerging artist Edwin Jeffery. Send an email if you'd like an early look at any of these.
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July 26 , 2006/ Updates: just added Royal Robertson and Sulton Rogers. |
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July 21 , 2006/ Many new works listed over the last couple of days--and we're not done yet. Several vintage Jimmie Sudduths, two more early David Butlers, two reliefs by Leroy Almon, from 1987, two classic M.C. Jones works . . . others by Mary T. Smith, Mose Tolliver, Annie Tolliver, Willie White, and Herbert Singleton. Please take a long look around--and make sure to refresh those pages to make sure you're seeing the latest additions. We're happy to provide additional info regarding, or photos of, any item which interests you--just give us a call or shoot us an email. |
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July 10 , 2006/ New pieces just acquired include several vintage Sudduth paintings, a Sarah Mary Taylor quilt, two early David Butlers, and a fabulous "cross" quilt made by Roberta Jemison, Lureca Outland, and Mary Maxtion. We'll be adding these to the site very soon, but if you'd like to see images beforehand, please email us. |
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May 5 , 2006/ We are reworking the "what's new" page--going for a cleaner, less cluttered design. Recent updates/additions include a wonderful Herbert Singleton relief carving, and a 1980s portrait by Jimmie Lee Sudduth. More to come, over the weekend. |
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March 23, 2006/ We've had quite a run of sales here lately; thanks so much to those of you who've made it such a successful year so far. We're adding many new items to the site, almost daily, so please come back often (and refresh your browsers) to make sure you're seeing all the recent acquisitions. I recently visited Jimmie Lee Sudduth, who is now living in the Beverley Health Care facility in Winfield, Alabama. He was in good spirits--the youngest 96 year-old I've ever met. All he talked about was getting better, going home, and getting back to painting! I'm sure he would love to hear from you. Though I don't have a street address for the nursing home, I'm sure it's available online somewhere. If and when I find it, I'll post it here. Update, 3/24/06: Here's that address: Beverly Healthcare, 144 County Highway 14, Winfield, AL 35594 |
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February 21, 2006/ I'll be adding several new pieces to the site over the next few days, trying to catch up. I'm planning on showing at the Southern Appalachian Outsider Art Fair in Morganton NC this coming June; possibly FolkFest in Atlanta again in August.
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January 14, 2006/ Authenticity. I've grown used to the fact that there are plenty of fake Clementine Hunters out there, Sam Doyle, Bill Traylor too. But now I'm seeing forged Sudduths, Tollivers(not "family pieces", either), and even Mary T. Smiths. I suppose it was only a matter of time. Fortunately, with a careful eye, most of these are easily spotted--for Smith, especially--whose work seems to be alternately derided or celebrated--(someone asked me at an auction recently: "how do you know a good Mary Smith from a bad one?")-- the fakes prove, ironically, what anyone who studies her work at length with intelligence and good will knows: it is not "simple". Other than the obvious aesthetic inconsistencies with the genuine examples, fakes lack that cohesiveness, almost like, if you could hear it, a meditative hum, that the real work gives us. A kind of native language of the hand--for Smith herself, a natural, intuitive thing; for those faking her work, a pale derivative that inevitably fails when we really see it. And though the aesthetic failures are often laughable, the moral implications are sickening--that there are people out there willing to degrade the legacy of an artist who died without a dime and who was buried in a pauper's grave because her burial insurance was cancelled for dubious reason. Old story for the art world, I guess, but a relatively new one to this field, where so much chin-music is heard about the concern for, and the personal connections with, the beloved artist.
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December 8, 2005/ Welcome to the newly redesigned site; refinements and modifications will continue over the next few days/weeks. This page is one of the new features. Regarding the blog: I'll stop here occasionally to think out loud about issues that are tied somehow to this field, or to my participation in it. I hope to keep it interesting, informative, and straight-ahead. Your comments are welcome.
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