Description:

Gregory "Mr. Imagination" Warmack (American/Illinois, 1948-2012), "Eagle", carved woodchips and mixed media, unsigned, h. 31 in., w. 30 1/2 in., d. 15 in. Provenance: Collection of Charles and Susan Gillam, New Orleans, LA. Note: “Years ago, my great aunt predicted I was going to be a minister, and in a way she was right. I think every artist is a messenger in a way.” ~ Mr. Imagination. Born into poverty on the South Side of Chicago, Gregory Warmack began making art at a young age—carving African-style masks from found wood and making jewelry from items he found in the trash—then selling his creations at street fairs to make a living. Warmack was shot in the stomach and robbed after one such street fair, and while fighting for his life, he had an out-of-body experience that changed him. He described it as “…peaceful, almost as if I was traveling through history and looking at ancient civilizations… If you look at my work, it has a feeling of being both ancient and timeless.” When he awoke in the hospital, he was inspired to evolve his artistic style and methods. He changed his name to “Mr. Imagination” (“Mr. I” for short) and began using sandstone, bottle caps, and other castoff materials like woodchips, such as in the work offered here. He transformed those materials into complex and fascinating sculptures, meaningful in the spiritual energy he instilled in them. His art became an educational tool for kids to keep them off the streets, and major galleries around the United States began to carry his work. Ref.: Shaw, Michelle, E. “Gregory Warmack, 64: Called ‘Mr. Imagination’ for his creativity in art.” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. May 31, 2012. www.ajc.com. Accessed Feb. 16, 2024.

  • Condition: If Condition is NOT stated in the description of the lot; the absence of a condition report does not indicate the lot is free of damage or condition issues. Available Condition Reports will appear as an additional image. Condition Reports and photographs may be requested on items until the Wednesday prior to the auction. To REQUEST A CONDITION REPORT, email [email protected]. Requests are only taken and provided in writing. Bid accordingly. All sales are final, no returns are accepted on the basis of condition.

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March 14, 2024 2:00 PM CDT
New Orleans, LA, US

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