Beardmore, Ontario. C. 1980. Softwood. A folk art carving of a man is painted in brown with grey-black details to the face. A hook and wire are attached for hanging, possibly intended as a mobile or part of a mobile. The piece is unsigned but attributed to Ewald Rentz. 10" x 21.25" x 7". From the John and Pat Hall Collection. Ewald Rentz (1908-1995) was born in North Dakota, but grew up in Manitoba before settling in Beadmore, Ontario. A man of many trades, Rentz worked throughout his lifetime as a lumberjack, prospector, cook and a barber. During his time as a prospector, Rentz would collect unusual roots, fungus and branches which he would use to create his whimsical, often humorous, sculptures. He would 'coax the hidden forms out of the wood', turning discarded materials into intricate carvings depicting people and animals such as bellhops, matadors and mermaids. His works are renowned amongst Canadian folk art collectors and can be found on permanent display at the Canadian Museum of Civilization and in many collections across North America.

Old damage and repair to hand.