James "Son" Thomas was born in 1926 in Eden Mississippi.
He died in a nursing home on June 26, 1993. He was a leading
exponent of traditional delta blues music and known for his
handcrafted clay figures. Son had the distinction of being
the only blues artist to appear at the Annual Delta Blues
Festival every year since it began in 1978. He appeared in
the films Mississippi Delta Blues, Give My Poor Heart Ease,
and Delta Blues Singer. In his art he is especially know for
his skulls and skull like heads, which often have real
teeth. He started making art full-time in 1971. His work has
appeared in galleries all over the country. Son's work was
included in "Black Folk Art in America: 1930-1980" at the
Corcoran Gallery of Art in 1982. Not only were his
sculptures exhibited, but Son entertained guests at the
opening with his blues music.
Son Playing the Guitar 12" gumbo clay $1,200 Son in a Casket 12" gumbo clay, mixed media $1,200 Head with Hair 9" gumbo clay, mixed media $950 Skull 9" gumbo clay, mixed media $950 Head with Eyebrows 9" gumbo clay, mixed media $950 Black Woman with Brown Hair 9" gumbo clay, mixed media $950 Skull with Real Human Teeth 9" gumbo clay $950
