Artwork copyright Willie Birch. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2019.

Artwork copyright Willie Birch. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2019.

In Search of Self, 1986

Willie Birch
(American, born 1942)

Location: Pleasant Glade Elementary, Lacey

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

In Search of Self is an autobiographical painting by artist Willie Birch. It is part of a series of paintings and sculptures called “A Personal History of Urban America.” He notes that the idea for this painting comes from “seeing my son sitting in a chair totally absorbed in a book on African History. This work also reflects memories of my childhood and of being encouraged by my family to read. The act of reading played a very important role in my development because it became one of my vehicles for understanding and studying peoples in other cultures and helped to set in motion my search for self-identity.”

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with North Thurston Public Schools.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist Willie Birch works in a variety of mediums including drawing, painting, and sculpture. He was born in New Orleans and draws inspiration from his native city and the African American experience. He notes, “A major function of my art is to serve as a historical record of my times. My work is rooted in the notion that art can provoke social change.”
Birch earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Art Education from the Maryland Institute College of Art. In 2004, he was honored with the Governor’s Award from the State of Louisiana. He continues to live and work in New Orleans.