John Tuska Mixed Media Bas-Relief "Fragile Handle with Care"

Item Details

John Tuska (Lexington, Kentucky; 1931 – 1998)
Fragile Handle with Care, 1968
Wood, nails, pins, plastic and acrylic airbrush on wood panel
Signed and dated to the lower right
Titled to the lower margin

A mixed media bas-relief on wood panel by John Tuska (Lexington, Kentucky; 1931 – 1998), titled Fragile Handle with Care, dated 1968. The work depicts a series of fluctuating and adjacent wood planks reminiscent of the America flag, which is situated within a blue circumference. The composition is additionally comprised of nails, pins, a plastic medal. The piece is signed, titled, and dated in ink to the lower margin. The work is presented without glass and housed in a wood frame with a matching green finish.

Provenance
From the artist’s estate

Tuska was a Kentucky-based artist, born in Yukon, Pennsylvania. He is best known for his sculptures, ceramics, paper casts, inks, and watercolors. He acquired his formal education at New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, New York. After serving in the U.S Navy, he became an educator at the University of Kentucky, which commissioned him to produce his first and last major works in ceramic Genesis (1969) and bronze Illumine (1995). His work can be found in multiple institutions including Museum of Arts and Science, Georgetown College, Krannert Art Museum, Palmer Art Museum, Pennsylvania State University and University of Kentucky Art Museum, among many others.

Condition

- minor finish loss and wear throughout the frame; minor scratches, minor dirt residue and minor stains throughout the composition.

Dimensions

- measures the frame.

Item #

18DCC342-071