Untitled 1987

This head was sculpted in the late 20th century by James “Son Ford” Thomas, using unfired clay and found objects. The rough, earthy quality of the clay gives the head a primal, almost ghostly presence. Imagine Thomas carefully selecting each handful of clay, feeling its texture and pliability. He built up the form, pinching and prodding the material to create the facial features.The addition of hair and glass eyes gives the sculpture a striking realism, contrasting with the crudeness of the clay. This combination of realism and rawness is typical of Thomas's work, reflecting his background in the Mississippi Delta. Thomas was not formally trained; he was part of a vital tradition of self-taught artists, resourceful individuals who transformed humble materials into profound expressions. His practice challenges the conventional art world, reminding us that creativity can thrive outside traditional institutions. Materials, making, and context are key to understanding this compelling artwork.