LOS ANGELES, CA.- On Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 at 10:00am PDT,
John Moran Auctioneers will present California Living—an auction that encompasses the California aesthetic through a selection of important art and design. Included in the sale are works from Loyola Marymount University and the Jonathan Art Foundation of Los Angeles, as well as property from important Los Angeles collectors and estates. Highlights include a collection of paintings by noted Santa Barbara area artist Hank Pitcher (b. 1949), works by Josh Agle/SHAG (b. 1962), original drawings by Erte (Romain de Tirtoff, 1892-1990), and many more. The sale also includes a wide range of decorative art and musical instruments, Arts and Crafts oak furniture by Stickley, a selection of Japanese arts and furniture, a collection of Paolo Soleri bells, garden art and decorations. Items in the style of Arts and Crafts bungalow, the Spanish Revival home, textiles, and fabric arts. California Impressionists represented by Sam Hyde Harris, Franz Arthur Bischoff, and Conrad Buff to Peter Max and Paul Jacoulet.
Leading the sale is a great collection of Hank Pitcher works. Pitcher (b. 1949) is an American contemporary artist known for his paintings of coastal landscapes and California culture. “I know it intimately through surfing and painting here over half a century,” he says of the entire Santa Barbara coastline. “I think that knowing or having an idea about a place is important to making an authentic statement about it.” One of the standouts is “Wilderness, Gaviota Coast,” 2016, estimated $4,000-6,000.
There will also be a Grant Wood lithograph, “Approaching Storm,” 1940, estimated $5,000-7,000. Wood (1891-1942) was an American painter and representative of Regionalism, most recognized for his paintings depicting the rural American Midwest. One of his most well-known works is American Gothic, 1930, which has become an iconic example of early 20th century American art.
Another artist that really captures the beautiful California coast is William Dorsey (1942-2019). Dorsey’s paintings are reminiscent of the California Impressionists through his use of atmospheric perspective and depth. Best known for his California Landscape paintings, his work, California Wildflowers Along The Coast will make its way to the auction block with an estimate of $3,000-5,000.
Loved for their use of bright and bold colors are well-known artists, Josh Agle (a.k.a. SHAG) and Peter Max. While still in college, studying graphic design at California State University, Long Beach, SHAG (b. 1962) achieved success as an illustrator working with magazines such as Forbes, Time, and Entertainment Weekly. Eventually, he designed projects for The Walk Disney Company. He is now widely recognized for his distinctive style that captures the essence of mid-century modernism and retro pop culture. His works, “An Excellent Trailor,” 2004 and “Red Wahine”, 2004 will be up for auction, having estimates between $3,000-6,000.
Peter Max (b. 1937) is known for using the colorful visual arts and culture of the 1960s in his work, particularly psychedelic art and pop art. He has been the official artist for many major events, including the 1994 World Cup, the Grammy Awards, the Super Bowl, and the 2000 World Series. This sale will offer four of his works, the favorite being “Umbrella Man,” estimated $2,000-4,000.
In the category of decorative art, one of the most interesting pieces is an 1885 polychromed carved wood folk art walking stick by Jose Domingo Batz (1857-1936). With an estimate of $2,000-3,000, this intricately carved wood walking stick has hundreds of different animal and human figures, each with a carefully painted label and polychrome decoration.
Then there’s the unique mixed media work made with painted wood, paper, and string set in a wood and plate glass case titled, “Mark Twain Rembrance” by Robert Mouat, estimated $1,000-1,500. Mouat (1920-2007) was born in Scotland and served in the British Royal Navy. After retiring as a full Commander in 1946, he started building many scale reproductions for industry and the arts as well as warships for the B. B. C. and other television productions. He also produced working models for boat builders.
Collectors are sure to take notice of the 1970s Egyptian Revival-style Bastet cat sculpture, estimated $700-900 and the five lots of Paolo Soleri wind bells, with estimates ranging $500-800.
The selection of furniture captures the coveted California aesthetic by way of designers such as Ray and Charles Eames, Herman Miller, Daniel M. Hale, and Kingsley Bate. There will be a variety of Japanese tansu chests, lamps, cabinets, planters, and multiple lots of Stickley Brothers furniture including a “Quaint” oak settee. For more than 120 years, Stickley has produced American premium hardwood furniture and fine upholstery. This quarter-sawn fumed oak slat back settee, circa 1903-1916 and estimated $800-1,200, is designed with three concaved back panels over a light brown leather upholstered seat.
Other highlighted lots in the sale will feature Conrad Buff’s “Mount Jacinto,” estimated $3,000-5,000 and Sam Hyde Harris’s “Sea Power,” valued at $3,000-4,000.
