b. 1887 d. 1970
Site Affiliation: Wharton Esherick Museum
Wharton Esherick (1887 – 1970) was an internationally significant figure in the landscape of art history and American modern design. As a sculptor, Esherick worked primarily in wood and extended his unique forms to furniture, furnishings, interiors, buildings, and more. His motto, “If it’s not fun, it’s not worth doing,” is evident in the joyful expression of his work. Now recognized as a leader of the studio furniture movement, Esherick saw himself as an artist, not a craftsman, and his concern was with form, not technique. He pursued his artistic vision in forms that might turn to furniture or other sculptural furnishings. More importantly, these were but one aspect of his art complemented by the paintings, prints, drawings, poetry, and sculpture he also created.
Primary Medium: Sculptor, Woodworker, Printmaker
Primary Stylistic Term: Modernist, Studio Furniture
HAHS Affiliations: Correspondence between Esherick and Sam Maloof and a documented visit to the museum. Jack Lenor Larson was friends with Esherick and LongHouse has Esherick’s work.
Fun Fact: After struggling for years as a painter, Esherick’s discovery of sculpture was liberating. He considered his process play, not work, and his sculptures display the joy and humor that flows from that world-view.
Recommended Publications: Wharton Esherick Studio & Collection (2010); Wharton Esherick and the Birth of the American Modern, edited by Paul Eisenhauer and Lynne Farrington (2010)