Stephen Huneck (Vermont, 1948-2010) wood block print entitled "Life is a Ball" and depicting a yellow dog submerged in a body of water and swimming toward a red ball that floats on the surface, with title in block lettering below. Pencil signed, dated "2003," editioned 137/500, and titled in lower margin. Housed under plexiglass in an ebonized wood frame with ivory mat and matching reveal. Sight: 17" H x 21 1/4" W. Frame: 25 13/16" H x 29 14/16" W. Note: "Stephen had the good fortune to be discovered after doing his very first woodcarving, an angel. Then began his life as an artist. In 1994, Stephen suffered from Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome after falling down a flight of stairs, and it left him in a coma for two months. The doctors were not hopeful, but with the help of his wife, Gwen, Stephen made a full recovery. He had to relearn everything, from how to walk to how to sign his own name. Just before the accident, Stephen had been inspired to do a series of woodcut prints based on his dog Sally. After waking up from the coma, Stephen immediately began work on those woodcuts. The first woodcut he carved was 'Life Is A Ball,' celebrating his new-found life. It remains one of the most cherished and iconic of Stephen's works. After this near-death experience, Stephen had a vision to build a Dog Chapel, "a place where people can go and celebrate the spiritual bond they have with their dogs." He said, 'It is the largest artwork of my life and my most personal.'" (Source: Dog Mountain, Stephen Huneck Gallery)

PROVENANCE: The Estate of Dr. & Mrs. John H Cheek, Nashville, TN.

CONDITION: Excellent condition. Not examined outside of frame. Frame with scattered, minor abrasions.