James Tellen (1880-1957) created over 30 historic, religious, and mythic figures over his lifetime. These sculptures surrounded his family’s summer cottage in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. These figures are b..
more »James Tellen (1880-1957) created over 30 historic, religious, and mythic figures over his lifetime. These sculptures surrounded his family’s summer cottage in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. These figures are both life-sized and miniature and created a surreal relationship with their natural surroundings. Tellen was born in the town of Houghton, Michigan and was adopted at a young age, when he moved to Sheboygan, Wisconsin. It was here where he attended a religious school and developed his strong Catholic beliefs. In his spare time, Tellen developed an interest in oil painting, which later led to woodcarving. At the age of 62, Tellen was hospitalized while recovering from illness and gained inspiration from statues in a nearby churchyard. From there, he began to teach himself how to work with concrete and make realistic figures.
Known for his perfectionism with anatomy, Tellen would bury his early attempts that he did not approve of rather than destroy them. In 1957, Tellen passed away and left behind his forest of mythical figures. The Kohler Foundation then took the environment over in 2000 and restored the art pieces to their outstanding condition they are in today.
This image shows one of Tellen’s many human figures. It portrays an indigenous man made of concrete. This was part of his first major work with concrete.
Image is provided for educational purposes only. © University of North Dakota. All rights reserved.
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