William Edmondson: the Hand and the Spirit June 2, 2009

William Edmondson (1874-1951), the son of freed slaves, was born in rural Davidson County and moved to Nashville by 1890. Edmondson carved for 17 years. He said, "I am just doing the Lord's work. I ain't got much style; God don't want much style, but He gives wisdom and sends you along." William Edmondson stands among the most important self-taught artists of the past century.