Floyd Shaman (American/Mississippi, 1935-2005), "Mardi Gras Girl", carved wood and mixed media, unsigned, h. 39 in., w. 16 1/2 in., d. 19 in. Provenance: Descended in the family of the artist.Note: Floyd Shaman’s work exists at the intersection of fine arts, crafts, and clever puns. His creations offer a sarcastic and occasionally biting look at all aspects of society from politicians and religious leaders to the average person. Shaman’s early experience with casting teeth as a Navy dental technician would later translate to bronze casting in college and eventually to working in what would become his most successful medium: laminated wood, which is the process of gluing or attaching cut layers of wood to make the form while leaving the interior hollow. Shaman’s sense of humor is evident in his designs, and when it comes to creating his works, he often starts with the title, which usually consists of a pun or inuendo and builds around the concept from there. This process often results in a work that gradually reveals the extent of Shaman’s humor and intelligence upon prolonged viewing as is the case with “Mardi Gras Girl” on offer here. The sculpture features a seated woman with her bust flimsily covered with a cloth petting a cat perched in her lap. Full of whimsy and wit, Shaman’s work prompted art critic Marc C. Gilchrist to remark, “If Floyd Shaman were to sculpt a bust of himself, it would likely show a bulge in his cheek where his tongue usually lies.”

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