Circus Wagon Decorative Carving 1935 - 1942

This "Circus Wagon Decorative Carving" was made by Harry King, who lived from 1917 to 2001. Look at the swirling forms rendered with washes of brown watercolor, and the face of the American Indian staring off into the distance. I feel for the guy, Harry King, imagining him thinking, "How am I gonna make this carving pop?". The sensitivity of his hand really comes through. It's a study in brown, gray, and gold. It’s like a dance between control and improvisation. I’m drawn to that area where the feathered headdress meets the abstract scroll. King’s got this great balance of color and form. The colors aren't too loud, but they're not boring either. It reminds me that painting is a conversation that never really ends, an ongoing exchange of ideas across time, inspiring creativity. We are here to learn from one another and to create something beautiful.