William Dawson

 1901-1990

William Dawson had three years of education. Shortly after marrying, in 1923, he moved from a farm near Madison, Alabama to Chicago, where his entire artistic career unfolded. In Chicago, he found work as an elevator operator in a post office. In 1926, he started working for a produce vendor where he worked for the next 35 years, eventually becoming the manager. After retiring at age 66, Dawson attended YMCA-sponsored art classes on painting and ceramics. He disliked being told what to do though and decided to turn to wood carving instead. Dawson taught himself to create figures and totem-like sculptures using wood, paints, and found material. He would use any wood available, including found wood from streets and alleys. His figures had block-like bodies with primitive faces and prominently outlined facial features. He painted the wood with acrylics before applying varnish, and sometimes attaching found objects such as hair, glitter, bones and stones. Dawson drew inspiration from popular culture, politics, religion, animals and totems. He also created some drawings relating to his carvings and conveying similar themes. Dawson produced approximately 500 carvings and 150 drawings.  ¹