James Castle’s pieces, drawn with soot, were shown by Lawrence Markey Gallery out of San Antonio. Castle was a remarkable self-taught artist. The art world often seems divided between self-taught “outsiders” and denizens of art schools with MFAs to their credit. It is a false dichotomy. There are fantastic, original artists with stacks of degrees and prestigious solo shows and there are wonderful artists working in their garage in rural Idaho.
Speaking of Idaho, Castle, whose drawings in soot re shown here, was born in the state. All of these are from the 60s and are untitled. Castle was also deaf. He couldn’t sign either. Likewise he never learned to read or write. Sadly acclaim for his art beyond his local environs came only after his death.
These drawings were done with a sharpened stick, stove soot and spit. They are truly striking.
Speaking of Idaho, Castle, whose drawings in soot re shown here, was born in the state. All of these are from the 60s and are untitled. Castle was also deaf. He couldn’t sign either. Likewise he never learned to read or write. Sadly acclaim for his art beyond his local environs came only after his death.
These drawings were done with a sharpened stick, stove soot and spit. They are truly striking.
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