.jpg?w=1)
In the 1950's, Calvin and Ruby Black began making figurative sculptures in an attempt to help lure customers to their shop where they sold uniquely shaped rocks, ore and semi-precious stones. They created their sculptures out of jointed redwoods, which Calvin carved and painted, and for which Ruby sewed the clothing. Drawing on Calvin's previous experience as a ventriloquist and carnival worker, the Blacks created a fanciful environment, indoors and outside, full of sculptures, painted signs and toy-like works. The sculptures were often wired for sound and many of them were displayed on wind-driven merry go-rounds. Although their rock shop never prospered, their environment became a popular tourist attraction where they lived in the Mojave Desert between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The sculptures are quite rare, with approximately 60-80 works extant, some of which are included in the collections of the Newark Museum and the Museum of American Folk Art in New York.
PROPERTY FROM THE ROBERT M. GREENBERG COLLECTION
CALVIN AND RUBY BLACK (1903-1972, 1915-1982)
Helen G.; Lola Spider Girl; Mrs. Helen Rose Keck; In God We Trust; Charlotte: Possum Trot Portraits
Details
CALVIN AND RUBY BLACK (1903-1972, 1915-1982)
Helen G.; Lola Spider Girl; Mrs. Helen Rose Keck; In God We Trust; Charlotte: Possum Trot Portraits
five paintings--the first: signed and titled 'HELEN G BY CAL' (lower right); the second: signed and titled 'Lola Spider Girl by Cal Black'(on the reverse); the third titled 'Mrs. Helen Keck' (lower right); the fourth titled 'In God We Trust' (lower right); the fifth: signed, titled and dated 'Charlotte BY CAL 1970' (lower edge)
the first, third, fourth, and fifth: paint on panel; the second: paint on paper mounted on panel
the first: 16½ x 13½ in. (42 x 35 cm.); the second: 10½ x 6½ in. (26.6 x 16.5 cm.); the third: 8¾ x 6¾ in. (22 x 17 cm.);the fourth: 10½ x 6 in. (27 x 15.5 cm.); the fifth: 14¼ x 14¼ in. (36.2 x 36.2 cm.) (5)
Helen G.; Lola Spider Girl; Mrs. Helen Rose Keck; In God We Trust; Charlotte: Possum Trot Portraits
five paintings--the first: signed and titled 'HELEN G BY CAL' (lower right); the second: signed and titled 'Lola Spider Girl by Cal Black'(on the reverse); the third titled 'Mrs. Helen Keck' (lower right); the fourth titled 'In God We Trust' (lower right); the fifth: signed, titled and dated 'Charlotte BY CAL 1970' (lower edge)
the first, third, fourth, and fifth: paint on panel; the second: paint on paper mounted on panel
the first: 16½ x 13½ in. (42 x 35 cm.); the second: 10½ x 6½ in. (26.6 x 16.5 cm.); the third: 8¾ x 6¾ in. (22 x 17 cm.);the fourth: 10½ x 6 in. (27 x 15.5 cm.); the fifth: 14¼ x 14¼ in. (36.2 x 36.2 cm.) (5)
Provenance
Double K Gallery, Los Angeles