Jack Shunk Carving

Wonderful, moody portrait by the late Washington State woodcarver Jack Shunk, the "Owl Man of Upper Preston." Shunk was active, and even locally-famous, during the 1960s and 70s; his art-filled A-frame studio in the woods was a popular tourist destination. He produced thousands of carvings of owls, primarily, but also dark, almost grotesque portraits like this one. Shunk worked a day job at Boeing Aircraft, but he had many of the hallmarks of the outsider, including his idiosyncratic style, his obsessive practice, and repetitive motifs. This is one of the best examples we have seen: a near life-size head, with eyes closed and exaggerated features, carved from a Western Redcedar burl (one knot protrudes to form a misshapen ear). It looks a bit like Shrek, the anti-social ogre from the 1990 childrens’ book by William Steig. Signed “JS 76” on base.

9” x 7”