Name/Title
untitledEntry/Object ID
2021.2Description
This meticulously drafted surrealist still-life painting captures William “Bill” Thursby’s unique artistic and intricate design style. This piece features an uprooted morning glory plant sprouting two blossom flowers and four buds. It has a dark thick root that branches off into the rocky soil beneath. Its outreached petals face three suns—two yellow and one black—depicted in the border, taking up the majority of the composition. In the language of flowers, the morning glory is a symbol of strength, used to give someone the power to realize their hopes and dreams. The scene is framed in an intricately designed border in reds, yellows, and greens. Small hidden treasures of yellow seashells, shark teeth, and green beetles are found amongst the rocks. A large purple vase with light blue trim sits nestled in the rocks, and is arguably the least dynamic object of the piece. The contrast between the complex designs of the border and flower to the subdued design of the pot makes it stand out. Which begs the question, what is the pot’s purpose? Due to the adjacent position, it could be inferred that the pot once held the morning glory.Artwork Details
Medium
Paper, Ink, Watercolor PaintAcquisition
Accession
2021.2Source or Donor
Lewis, Beverly (anonymous)Acquisition Method
GiftMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Thursby, WilliamRole
ArtistDate made
1996Dimensions
Height
22-1/2 inWidth
22-1/2 inInterpretative Labels
Label
William "Bill" Thursby (1955-2001)
Bill was a free spirit who was well loved by the Quincy community. He created beautiful feather masks and original paintings often comprised of found materials, but he is most known for his intricate and detailed ink and colored pencil drawings of local flora and fauna. He had no formal art training, and his work exuded a dynamic creativity. His artwork was selected for the 1993 Art in Gadsden poster, and he had a one man exhibition at Gadsden Arts in its first location on Adams Street in 1997. Bill died suddenly in 2001.Created By
admin@catalogit.appCreate Date
June 3, 2021