James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing
James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing

James L. Bruch 1974 “Master of His Own Ship” Charcoal Drawing

$398.00

A 1974 charcoal drawing with collaged newspaper by the American artist James L. Bruch (1942-2023). Titled At Least He is Master of His Own Ship, the drawing depicts a figure sitting in clawfoot bathtub taking a bath while wearing a newspaper hat. Displayed in a wooden frame and mounted on black, the drawing is signed and dated to the upper right, titled to the upper left, and estate stamped verso.

Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, James Bruch (1942-2023) pursued his artistic talents at the University of Notre Dame, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1964. Thereafter, he received his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Southern California in 1967. While in school, Bruch focused his attention on painting bright scenes and recreating masterworks in pencil. From the ‘70s-’90s, he built his advertising career, garnering recognition for his efforts along the way. Upon retirement, Bruch immediately returned to decades-old ideas of colorful abstraction, which he had reimagined throughout his lifetime.

Bruch started his career designing for Montgomery Ward in Chicago, where he would meet, and settle down with, his wife Amy. He would continue his career at the prestigious institution of Leo Burnett as an art director and later as vice president. Following his retirement from the industry in 1999, Bruch was reinvigorated as an artist. He began to rediscover old concepts from his time in art school, reworking them, painting and repainting layer after layer, no piece ever truly finished in his eyes. He was a very reserved man after his retirement and following the death of his wife. This resulted in his work not being exhibited or sold during his lifetime.

 

Measurements:

27.5” W x 33.5” H x 1.25” D (frame); 23” W x 29” H (sheet).

Condition notes:

Scratches to frame. Wear to edges of paper including discoloration, creases, and small tears. Small spots of discoloration on paper also present.

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