On August 6, 2010, at the age of 78, artist Willie Tarver passed away at his home in Wadley, Georgia. Only a few months prior, he had been diagnosed with lung cancer, apparently the result of years of breathing smoke both from welding and from cigarettes. The man who crafted many tombstones in the local cemetery chose not to have a burial. Instead his ashes will be incorporated into his art environment. Along with his wonderful wife Mae, his family, friends, and fans, he leaves behind a large body of work.
Willie Tarver worked hard all his life to be a successful provider for his family and it was on his job repairing cooling systems that he first picked up a welder’s torch. Following work to other parts of the country, Willie eventually returned to his native Georgia. He began his work as an artist in the late 1950’s, making cement tombstones. His early creations outside of the graveyard were large painted cement figures. These were constructed over metal armatures that he cut and welded out of scrap metal. Eventually the armatures become the art pieces themselves, as he experimented with finishing them off without adding cement. Soon the majority of his work consisted of metal sculptures. The yard of his home on Tarver Street was gradually transformed into a sculpture garden, including an area enclosed by handmade cement walls embellished with faces and handprints. Willie sometimes painted on cardboard when conditions prevented him from working in the workshop. Painting kept him busy creating and telling stories, but it was not his favorite medium. Paintings were not durable enough to suit him. He wanted to make art that would last forever. Some of Willie Tarver’s cement work can be seen in downtown Atlanta where he created an installation in honor of the 1996 Olympic Games.
Willie’s family would like to sell the artwork that has been left in their hands. There are many small and large metal & cement sculptures for sale. Mae is hopeful that a museum might be interested in putting some of the large outdoor cement pieces on permanent display. Visitors are welcome. Please send cards & letters to Mae Tarver, 531 Tarver Street, Wadley, GA 30477.
Peace, Love, Art,
Karen & Greg Mack
Mike’s Art Truck
www.mikesarttruck.com
mikesarttruck@bellsouth.net
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