Wooden Indian Doll c. 1937

This Wooden Indian Doll comes to us from the artist Rex F. Bush. It's a charming reminder that even works that appear simple involve sophisticated design and material choices. The first thing that strikes you is the wood itself. Bush hasn't tried to disguise its inherent qualities. Instead, he's allowed the grain to become part of the figure’s identity. You can see this especially in the torso, where the vertical lines become a kind of surface decoration, like the grain of the wood is its own form of dress. Notice, too, the way the arms and legs are articulated, like a marionette. This doll wasn't simply carved; it was constructed. Bush clearly understood the material and how to join different pieces together to create a cohesive whole. By drawing attention to its construction, he invites us to see the artistry in the making. It’s a beautiful demonstration of how craft and fine art can intertwine.