"Sign, What Sign?" Wood carving

Collectibles : Folk Art : Hand Carved Fisherman By Ralph Lane

 

Here's a delightful wood carving by noted New England Folk Artist Ralph Lane. This could be a "Self Portrait" from when Ralph used to visit his brother in Myrtle Beach, SC.

The work is basically pine with the "pilings" made from White Birch tree limbs. He put in rocks to simulate beach boulders, and has his pilings bound with chord. It weighs 10 ounces and is 9-1/2 inches tall.

Ralph gave the fisherman a red tackle box and a worm box (saying "worms 75 cents"). Leaning against the pilings is a black tire carcass with the manufacturer "Bad Year" (part of Ralph's yankee sense of humor). Prominently at the pilings base is a "No Fish'N" sign which obviously is disregarded. Behind the pilings an arrow proclaims the direction to "Myrtle Beach".

Being reeled in is Ralph's rendition of a Sea Bass, just below a cork. The carved rod has a reel and a small handle. Coursing down the rod the line feeds through three eyes.

Ralph Lane is a noted New England folk artist and is collected from Maine to California. In addition to his wood carvings, Ralph also paints, makes jewelry, builds and repairs watches. He was born in 1946 in Glastonbury, Connecticut.

Begin your collection of Ralph's work with this signed and dated happy fisherman, or give him to a friend who fishes or enjoys original art.

Item ID: 11110201