James Blanding Sloan

American, 1886 - 1975

Explore selected works

This drawing depicts a line of stylized figures in a narrow space reaching towards a starry sky. The figures are abstract and rendered in a simplistic, silhouette-like fashion, progressing upward through a narrow urban canyon. The scene is framed by tall, flat, rectangular structures on either side, suggesting buildings. Above, the sky is illustrated with stars against a black background. The composition uses contrasts between black and cream tones, emphasizing the journey of the figures. The ambiance conveys perseverance and optimism, accented by the title “We Shall Overcome Some Day”.
James Blanding Sloan, We Shall Overcome Some Day, 1934, woodcut, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4448

We Shall Overcome Some Day

James Blanding Sloan · 1934 · woodcut ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4448

This is an image of an industrial scene in a residential neighborhood. There is a large piece of machinery in the foreground, possibly a steam shovel or crane. Behind it is a two-story house with shingled rooftops and overgrown foliage. The house is surrounded by a picket fence. In the background, there are more houses and a line of trees, with intricate detailing providing texture and depth to the scene. The image is rendered in monochrome, giving it a historical quality.
James Blanding Sloan, Blackstone Alley, San Francisco, 1926, etching, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4453

Blackstone Alley, San Francisco

James Blanding Sloan · 1926 · etching ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4453

The image shows bold, curved lines forming the silhouette of a human figure in a dynamic pose. The figure has one arm raised, and the hair is shaped like flames. A beam of light comes from the figure's hand, creating angular shadows. The composition uses contrasting light and dark tones to convey movement and energy.
James Blanding Sloan, Miss Hollywood, c. 1925, linocut, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4455

Miss Hollywood

James Blanding Sloan · c. 1925 · linocut ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4455

The image shows bold, flowing lines creating an abstract depiction of a figure in motion. The lines curl and sweep across the canvas, suggesting a person reaching through space. There is a red sphere resembling an apple, and a black star positioned beneath the figure.
James Blanding Sloan, Jurgen's Last Vision, c. 1925, linocut, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4450

Jurgen's Last Vision

James Blanding Sloan · c. 1925 · linocut ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4450

The image shows abstract figures resembling two human figures walking hand in hand. One figure wears a hat. The composition features sweeping lines and curvilinear forms, blending into a background with swirling patterns. Surrounding the figures are words like "THEATRE," "CAFE," "JAZZ," and "MOVIES." The lines in the image evoke urban scenes, potentially streets or a skyline.
James Blanding Sloan, Modern Tendency, c. 1925, linocut, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4451

Modern Tendency

James Blanding Sloan · c. 1925 · linocut ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4451

The image displays a collection of abstract shapes and lines spiraling through the composition. One shape resembles a curvilinear arc, while other elements suggest familiar objects like a tea room, figures resembling people or animals, and outlines of buildings. The artwork presents a whimsical and abstract depiction of a dreamlike landscape, filled with scenes and objects evoking a surreal community.
James Blanding Sloan, #5 Carmel, c. 1925, etching, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4452

#5 Carmel

James Blanding Sloan · c. 1925 · etching ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4452

The image is a compilation of swirling lines and shapes that form an abstract composition. The dominant feature includes distorted and exaggerated human-like faces that emerge from the lines. The central figure bears a large nose and expressive eyes, with lines flowing intricately around and from his head. These abstract figures appear to be enveloped in a series of wavy lines and shadowy patches in the background. At the bottom, a smaller humanoid form is nestled within a dense thicket of lines.
James Blanding Sloan, Self Criticism, c. 1920, etching and aquatint, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4447

Self Criticism

James Blanding Sloan · c. 1920 · etching and aquatint ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4447

The image shows a view from the base of a steep, craggy cliff that ascends towards the upper left corner of the composition. The horizon is hidden by the rock face and tall trees stand at the edge of the cliff. The style features bold, dark shapes against a lighter, textured background, creating a stark, graphical quality. The color palette is minimalistic, with deep blacks, greys, and soft beige tones. Large clouds float in the sky, contrasting with the subtle gradients in the backdrop.
James Blanding Sloan, Genises, The Cliff Dweller, c. 1920, etching and aquatint, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4454

Genises, The Cliff Dweller

James Blanding Sloan · c. 1920 · etching and aquatint ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4454

The image depicts intersecting lines and geometric shapes converging towards a central square with vertical elements. The composition is abstract, filled with angular forms and hatch patterns suggesting depth. The shapes overlap and intersect, evoking the confined complexity of pipes or lattices. The lower section hints at familiar silhouettes like profiles and structural forms, giving an industrial or urban feel.
James Blanding Sloan, San Quentin, c. 1925, etching, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.4449

San Quentin

James Blanding Sloan · c. 1925 · etching ·  Accession ID  2008.115.4449