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David Butler (1898 - 1997)
Painted Tin Cutouts
Four Pointed Cross 10 x 10 inches
Cross, Signed 7.5 x 5.25 inches
Heart, Signed 9.5 x 6.75 inches
Arrow, Signed 12.75 x 7.5 inches
David Butler (1898–1997) was a self-taught African American artist from Good Hope, Louisiana, best known for his vibrant kinetic sculptures and whimsical environments crafted from recycled tin and found materials. Beginning his artistic practice in his sixties after retiring from factory work, Butler transformed discarded roofing tin into colorful whirligigs, spirit shields, and silhouetted figures animated by wind and light. Deeply rooted in faith, he described his creativity as a gift from God and often resisted the label of "artist." Affectionately known as "The Tin Man" by local children, Butler's visionary works celebrate resourcefulness, movement, and joy while reflecting a profound belief in the enduring life of reclaimed materials. Today, his work is held in the collections of major institutions including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the American Folk Art Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.