Charles Gillam Sr.
Charles Gillam Sr.
Charles Gillam Sr. is a self-taught woodcarver and mixed-media artist from New Orleans that was born on 1995. He was first introduced to art as a young boy in the French Quarter while shining shoes.[1] He is a folk-artist that is inspired mostly by the culture of his hometown. Charles Gillam Sr. has made many paintings about, New Orleans's Culture, and Jazz and Blues artists.[2] Charles Gillam Sr. would use driftwood found in the Mississippi river for his art.[2] Charles Gillam Sr. also started a Museum in Algiers Point in Louisiana, New Orleans called the Folk Art Zone and Blues Museum.[3]
Bibliography
Charles Gillam Sr. was born in 1945 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He learned how to paint by watching others painting in the French Quarter where he shined shoes with his brother. One day, Charles Gillam sr. went to Jackson square and asked the artists for some of their brushes and paint. This is where he started to paint. Charles Gillam Sr. had his moment to shine when The House of Blues wanted him to do wood carvings for their entryway. He had never made anything with a wood carving before, but he did it anyway. He got some wood that was washed up and carved out Charlie Patton. Since that point, every House of Blues in the United States has one of Charles Gillam Sr's carvings. Charles Gillam Sr. started a museum in Algiers, New Orleans to honor the art of the local talent.
Paintings
Most of his paintings have been bought in auctions, but many of his painting can be seen at the Folk Art Zone in Algiers, New Orleans.
"Ain't That a Shame"
This piece has Fats Domino on the roof of his house playing the piano while staring at a pink Cadillac. Fats Domino is sitting on the roof away from the rising waters that were caused by Hurricane Katrina. The medium is a carved wooden board with acrylic painting over it.[4]
Auctioned off pieces
The Crucifix
Jesus Christ on a crucifix with two people at the base, and two angels flying about. The medium is a carved wooden door.
New Orleans Greats: Antoine 'Fats' Domino, Dave Bartholomew, Roy ' Professor Longhair' Byrd and James Booker
Four recognized musicians from New Orleans. The medium is a carved wooden door.
All that Jazz
Four musicians playing different instruments with piano key and record border. The medium is a carved wooden door.
New Orleans Jazz Funeral
People on the left playing Jazz, while the people on the right carry a coffin. The medium is a painted wooden relief plaque.
References
- ^ "Folk Art Zone | Algiers Folk Art Zone & Blues Museum". Retrieved 2021-02-19.
- ^ a b "Bioagrphy of Charles Gillam". www.21stcenturycomputing.com. Retrieved 2021-03-19.
- ^ Valence, Kari Eve. "Charles Gillam Sr.'s folk art brings 'life' to city at Algiers Point museum". NOLA.com. Retrieved 2021-03-19.
- ^ "Charles Gillam Sr's "Ain't That a Shame"". Smithsonian Music. 2018-11-27. Retrieved 2021-04-20.
- ^ "Charles Gillam | Artnet". www.artnet.com. Retrieved 2021-04-20.