A Legacy of Print and Pedagogy
James Lesesne Wells was an African American graphic artist, printmaker, and painter associated with the Harlem Renaissance. Born in Atlanta, United States, he began his artistic journey by assisting his mother with her kindergarten art class. His early talent was recognized at the age of thirteen when he won prizes in painting and woodworking at the Florida State Fair. After studying at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania and Teachers College, Columbia University, he furthered his education at the National Academy of Design.
His professional career was marked by a deep commitment to art education. From 1929 to 1968, he served as an influential art professor at Howard University, where he taught subjects including block printing, ceramics, clay modeling, and sculpture. He was a pioneer in modern art education, mentoring artists such as Elizabeth Catlett and Stephanie Pogue. His dedication to making art accessible led him to focus on reproducible mediums like lithographs, woodcuts, and etchings, often portraying workers from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Artistic Evolution and Recognition
Throughout his career, Wells transitioned from a graphic artist working with block printing, lithography, and etching to a recognized painter. His work was featured in various exhibitions, including those at the Phillips Memorial Gallery and the William Harmon Foundation. His artistic interests included:
Wells was a devout Christian who frequently utilized biblical scenes and imagery in his compositions. His technical mastery extended to color linoleum prints later in his life. For his lifelong dedication to his craft, he received several honors, including the Presidential Citation for Lifelong Contribution to American Art in 1980 and the Living Legend Award at the National Black Arts Festival in 1991. He passed away in Washington, D.C.
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