Gene Zesch
Artistry In Wood
Gene Zesch was born and raised in the Texas Hill Country, on a ranch in Mason County. He learned early in life about the problems that plague the modern cowboy -- trying to outguess the weather, attempting to make do with makeshift improvements, struggling to stock land inhabited primarily by rocks and cactus. During his years as an Army pilot, Gene started carving; after many years of self-training, he turned to carving as a profession.
Gene treats the hardships encountered by today's rancher with humor and affection. His characters do not bring to mind the weekend cowboy of today or the Hollywood wrangler of yesterday; instead, his figures represent the cowboy who still exists today, but just barely. His characters drive 1948 Jeeps held together with baling wire. They patch irreparable fences with scrap tin and sticks, and Bull Durham sacks dangle from their shirt pockets. Zesch's work is drawn from first hand experiences from ranching in Texas and Durango, Mexico.
Gene believes that wood is an excellent medium for caricature. He concentrates on facial expressions, using bold knife cuts to express the roughness so natural to his subject matter. Zesch also feels that caricature can be just as "serious" as any other art form; the difference is that his work expresses the tragicomic life of the modern rancher in terms of humor rather than pathos.
Although Gene's work has been purchased by senators, a governor, and even a president, he finds it more complimentary that many nationally known artists are collectors of his carvings. His work can be viewed at numerous galleries, and a list can by obtained by calling Gene Zesch Studios at 325/347-5531. A diverse selection can also be seen at The Commercial Bank in Mason. In the near future, showings will be held at the National Archives and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
