A Tribute to Kentucky Artist, Henry Lawrence Faulkner (1924-1981) by Cowan's Auctions

A Tribute to Kentucky Artist, Henry Lawrence Faulkner Exhibition and Sale of Selected Works from Private Collections July 12-14, 2013

Henry Lawrence Faulkner (1924 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1981) Photograph: Henry Faulkner and Alice From a private collection, unknown photographer.

A Tribute to Kentucky Artist, Henry Lawrence Faulkner (1924 – 1981) Exhibition and Sale of Selected Works from Private Collections Cowan’s Auctions is pleased to present a collection of works by Henry Lawrence Faulkner in conjunction with our Summer Fine and Decorative Art Auction. Henry Faulkner was born in Falling Timber, Kentucky. His flamboyant lifestyle carried him from childhood in rural Kentucky through a bohemian existence in New York, Los Angeles, Key West and Sicily. His most pronounced traits were artistry, poetry, and reverence for nature, love for animals, restlessness and disdain for social convention. To the public, he was an eccentric rebel, but to his friend and playwright, Tennessee Williams, Faulkner was a “brilliant” poet. He was the nonconformist who brought his bourbon-drinking goat, Alice, to parties and exhibitions. It was said Alice could sniff out a good Kentucky bourbon from across the room. Faulkner’s bizarre behavior was the natural expression of an unceasing and unblushing childlike wonder at the world around him and of an unusual sensitivity to beauty. His oil paintings are characterized by their bright and rich tones, curvilinear brushstrokes and his distinctive and quirky subject matter. His work is truly unique and reflective of his personality. In recent years, Cowan’s has had the honor of offering Faulkner’s works at auction. His paintings have been well received and sought after by collectors throughout the region. Each time Faulkner’s work makes its way to the auction block, staff and collectors marvel at its vibrant and whimsical nature. Older collectors, especially those from the Lexington, Kentucky area, often regale us with stories and memories of the artist, prone to strolling down the streets of Lexington clad in overalls accompanied by Alice. Faulkner’s works are scattered throughout Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, New York and even continental Europe given his wide social network, his career exhibitions, and his extensive travel. Faulkner’s paintings often changed hands through gallery sales, personal gifts and individual commissions. People are drawn to his unique personality reflected in his work and we are pleased to present a number of fine examples absorbed by collectors over the years. Biographical information compiled from The Outrageous Life of Henry Faulkner: Portrait of an Appalachian Artist, by Charles House (University of Tennessee Press, 1988)

Cowan’s would like to thank the following individuals for their generous contributions to this exhibition: Roseann and David Downey, Stanford, KY Debra and David Hausrath, Fort Thomas, KY Dottie and Zeff Maloney, Lexington, KY Warren and Julie Payne, Louisville, KY Gerald and Ann Silvers, Fort Mitchell, KY Anisa and Kevin Willis, Fort Mitchell, KY

A TRIBUTE TO KENTUCKY ARTIST, HENRY LAWRENCE FAULKNER (1924-1981)