This listing is for a rare, limited edition book of artwork by the late Stephen Huneck. The book was made for an exhibition at the Alexander Gallery in New York City in 1992. It was purchased new and has never been read. The binding is tight and pages are clean. There is some minor scuffs on the front and back covers (see photos). We have a low opening bid price, so don't miss your chance to win!
About the Artist Stephen Huneck 10/8/1948 - 1/7/2010
"In the world of struggling artists, Stephen Huneck's success was meteoric. He was a strong believer in fate, and perhaps that is part of the explanation.
There is no doubt that his figures are whimsical, amusing and charming, but they also have the power to evoke an immediate emotional response in anyone who sees them. Therein lies their wide and ever-growing appeal." ~ Roberta Vesley, Library Director, AKC.
Stephen Huneck's home and studio were in St. Johnsbury, Vermont which he shared with his wife, Gwen and his three dogs, two Black Labs Daisy and Sally and Molly, a Golden Retriever. Stephen and Gwen totally furnished their home with Stephen's artwork. He worked in his private studio attached to their house. Near their home is Dog Mountain where the Dog Chapel is located.
"I am a hand-carver, I love the texture you can only get by hand."Stephen had a collection of tools consisting of over 150 chisels, 30 hand planes and axes. As a hand carver, Stephen carved almost everyday of the year, taking time off to walk with his dogs.
A self-taught sculptor, Stephen started out as an antique furniture picker. "I learned so much about good design and how to build furniture that lasts forever."
Luckily he was discovered after doing his very first woodcarving, an angel. Stephen then began his life as an artist. In 1994 Stephen suffered from Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome after falling down a flight of stairs which left him in a coma for two months. The doctors were not hopeful but with the help of his wife, Gwen, Stephen had a full recovery. He had to relearn everything from how to walk to how to sign his name. Just before the accident, Stephen was inspired to do a series of woodcut prints based on his dog Sally. After waking up from the coma, Stephen immediately began work on those woodcuts. The first woodcut he carved was "Life Is A Ball" celebrating his new found life.
After this near death experience, Stephen had a vision to build a Dog Chapel, "A place where people can go and celebrate the spiritual bond they have with their dogs. It is the largest artwork of my life and my most personal."
Stephen has also written 10 books inspired by his black Lab, Sally. The classic "My Dog's Brain" and his series of Sally books for young readers (and the young at heart) include, "Sally Goes to the Beach", "Sally Goes to the Mountains", "Sally Goes to the Farm", "Sally Goes to the Vet", "Sally's Snow Adventure", "Sally Gets A Job", "Sally's Great Balloon Adventure", "The Dog Chapel," and the newly released "Even Bad Dogs Go to Heaven, More from the Dog Chapel" are all illustrated with his vibrant woodcut prints. Stephen has carved out a niche in the art world as a sculptor with a playful twist.
"At the Stephen Huneck Gallery, dogs are welcome and there are always a good supply of treats on hand, a small gesture to thank dogs for all they give us". -Stephen Huneck
Stephen believed in the healing powers of dogs, nature, art and love. It was his wish that he could help others heal as well as heal himself. After a life long battle with depression, tragically the artist took his own life on 1/7/10. While she misses him terribly, his widow, Gwendolyn Huneck, is determined to keep Dog Mountain going in his memory.