Herbert
House
(20th century)
untitled, c. 1970s; welded chrome elements including car bumpers, 16 x 42 x 16 inches
House, grew up in Washington, D.C., and studied at Illinois State University, in Normal, IL. He apprenticed with both Ed Love and Richard Hunt, and the influence is highly evident in his work. House used chrome car bumpers as raw material for his compositions.
Washington Post critic Michael Welzenbach wrote:
“House’s art is about form, mythos and archetype. Based on the female form, his figures are sensuous and remarkably erotic. The characteristics of ceremonial masks and figurines are readily apparent, giving his works a mysterious, ritualistic aspect. And the gleaming, curvaceous quality of welded car parts lends them suppleness and tactility.”
As part of the DC Art/works program in 1991, House’s sculpture, Family Circle was installed in Adams Morgan’s Triangle Park, Washington, DC.
To My Friends on the Trains
1978
design for a sculpture
blueprint
23-1/2 x 36 inches
signed and dated, dedicated
untitled
c. 1970s
welded steel sculpture
20 x 16 x 6 inches
unsigned
A similar example is at Illinois State University
untitled
1983
welded steel sculpture (with repurposed car bumpers)
45 x 28-1/2 x 20 inches
signed and dated; inscribed "New Works"
untitled, c. 1970; welded and painted steel sculpture, 58 x 30 x 23 inches, unsigned
untitled, 1977; welded steel sculpture (repurposed car bumpers), 93 x 27 x 26 inches, signed and dated
