The Heart Artwork Collection by Lamar Dodd at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center

The Heart Artwork Collection B Y

L A M A R

D O D D

at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center

About the Artist: L A M A R

D O D D

(1909 – 1996)

Lamar Dodd was one of the most recognized artists in the state of Georgia during his lifetime. In addition to being a prolific painter, he headed the University of Georgia Department of Art from 1939 to 1972, and shortly after his death, the department was renamed the Lamar Dodd School of Art. His works have been exhibited throughout the United States and are prized in the collections of many museums, corporations and private individuals.

Born in 1909 in Fairburn, Georgia, and raised in nearby LaGrange, Dodd attended LaGrange College and the Georgia Institute of Technology before moving to New York City to advance his artistic training at the Art Students League. He studied with leading artists of the day and traveled the world to perfect his craft, but often chose to capture intimate scenes from everyday life with a mix of bold and delicate strokes.

In addition to leading a growing art school and creating thoughtprovoking artworks, Dodd also acted as a cultural emissary for the U.S. State Department in the 1950s and was invited to document the NASA space program in the 1960s. In the 1970s and 1980s, he accepted the intellectual and artistic challenge of interpreting the human heart and open heart surgery on canvas. For the last decade of his life, Dodd chose to return to the natural world for his inspiration, producing relevant works of art until his death in 1996.

1

Astronaut in Capsule, 1963 Pen and ink on paper 5 5/16” x 13 7/8” This artwork is from Lamar Dodd’s NASA artwork series. It is displayed in the Heart Clinic Conference Room, which is not a public area of the hospital.

Thank You

Archival Access Provided by: Robert B. Copeland, MD, MACP, FACC, FRCP of LaGrange, GA Featured Photography by: Henry Jacobs, Hjacobs Creative of Decatur, GA, and Susan Ferguson, West Georgia Health Foundation of LaGrange, GA Our sincere gratitude to Jacqueline Davis, development specialist with the West Georgia Health Foundation, for her dedication to making this project a reality. Jacqueline spent countless hours conducting research and interviews and documenting information about The Heart artwork collection in this commemorative guide.

Please Note: Measurements used in this guide are height followed by width Published in February 2020 2

The Heart Artwork Collection L

amar Dodd created The Heart artwork collection following the open heart surgery that saved the life of his wife, Mary, in 1977. Mary was in the ICU for more than a week following her surgery and during that time Dodd had many conversations regarding heart surgery with her surgeon, Dr. Joseph Craver, who invited Dodd to view an open heart surgery and paint his impressions. Dodd eventually attended 25 surgeries, during which he made sketches and directed a photographer with sterilized photographic equipment to take specific shots.

He used the photographs to gather information, studied charts and scans, and asked cardiologists hundreds of questions to fully understand what was possible in the operating suite. This careful research resulted in the production of 50 magnificent works of art that interpret the human heart and open heart surgery.

Dodd considered the spiritual and interpretive aspects of these works to be more important than providing a literal representation of the subject.

In fact, some of the artworks in The Heart artwork collection have the suggestion of a cross. Dodd explained that this was not necessarily deliberate, but was consistent with the concept of death overlapping life, as occurs during open heart surgery.

The artworks are filled with layers of meaning, often depicting EKGs, heart catheterizations, charts, surgical paraphernalia, the heart, sutures and nuclear scans, as well as traces of nature such as diving sea birds. The theme can extend

to include a painted frame, which is actually an integral feature of the artwork. Dodd also used precious metals (primarily gold and silver leaf) in certain works, and stated that some things he wanted to express could not be executed with just paint, but demanded richer materials.

The culmination of this artistic venture was The Heart of Man, a massive painting commissioned for the 1985 grand opening of the Georgia Heart Clinic in LaGrange at the direction of medical director and cardiologist Dr. Robert Copeland.

For this piece, Dodd studied medical records related to the cardiac care of his friend Fuller E. Callaway, Jr. of LaGrange and integrated the images into the painting. He also included the names of historical figures from ancient times and the more recent past who were concerned with science and the study of medicine and the circulatory system.

The Heart of Man painting was donated by Lamar and Mary Dodd to the Georgia Heart Clinic in honor of their parents and families, and the Fuller E. Callaway Foundation donated funds to purchase The Heart artwork collection to adorn the new building. In 2010 these works, along with a sketch from the NASA series provided by Dodd because of its relationship to life support and renewal, were installed in Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center’s new patient tower. The artworks now hold a prominent place on each floor of the facility and are available for study by individuals who wish to experience their inspirational beauty.

3

GROUND FLOOR/MAIN

LOBBY

Heart of Man: Lamar Dodd The renowned Georgia artist Lamar Dodd became involved in the world of medicine and heart surgery in 1977 when his wife had open heart surgery. His direct observation of heart surgery and patient care, coupled with his remarkable intellectual curiosity, discipline and creative genius, led to a series of magnificent paintings titled The Heart. These paintings constitute a profound study and a timeless treasure.

The final piece of Dodd’s series is The Heart of Man. As his close friend and physician, I asked him to commemorate the great philanthropy of LaGrange, Georgia’s Fuller E. Callaway, Jr. The painting depicts a heart of gold, a cruciform motif, and representations of great scholars, scientists and physicians – of ancient and recent times – who have contributed to the achievements in medical science. More than that, The Heart of Man gives feeling and appreciation for the unseen workings of the heart and its repair, the strength of love and leadership, the frailness of life, the human and thereby Divine spirit.

Heart of Man, 1983-84 Oil on canvas with gold leaf, silver leaf and palladium leaf 90” x 71”

4

With a grant from Callaway Foundation, the Georgia Heart Clinic in LaGrange acquired the complete The Heart series in 1985. The collection was displayed at the Clinic and at the Lamar Dodd Art Center of LaGrange College until the Georgia Heart Clinic merged with West Georgia Health, now Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center. The series has had multiple exhibitions from the west to the east coasts and has been the subject of innumerable newspaper, magazine and television coverage.

Dr. Robert Copeland

Open Heart Surgery - C, 1979-81 Oil, silver leaf and aluminum leaf on canvas 49 5/8” x 89”

Composite Readings, 1979 Silver leaf, gold leaf and oil on canvas 35 1/2” x 55 3/8”

Open Heart Surgery - B, 1979-81 Oil, gold leaf and silver leaf on canvas 49 5/8” x 89”

Open Heart Surgery - A, 1979-80 Oil on canvas 60” x 48 1/4”

While these artworks are displayed vertically to take advantage of the prime location in West Georgia Medical Center’s main lobby, they were designed for horizontal display.

5

GROUND FLOOR/HEART CLINIC WAITING ROOM Regarding the sale of The Heart artwork collection to the Fuller E. Callaway Foundation for the Georgia Heart Clinic, Dodd stated, “There is no doubt in my mind that I have reached the right decision, and the paintings are going where they should be, where they will be not only admired and loved, but hopefully serve as an inspiration to many who walk those paths.

“When I began the study of this subject in 1977, if someone had predicted what I did or would do, I doubt if I would have believed them. I do have the satisfaction of knowing that at least in my opinion these paintings represent the finest productions that I have created, and I firmly believe that with the passing of time the intrinsic value will become more and more important. They represent over six years of dedicated study and work.”

Morphologic Findings, 1983 Oil on gold leaf on masonite panel 12” x 18”

Excerpted from a letter to Dr. Robert Copeland May 9, 1985

Cells of the Heart, 1983 Oil on gold leaf on masonite panel 12” x 18”

Readings - B, 1980 Oil and gold leaf on masonite panel 31” x 41”

6

"ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, I HAVE POINTED OUT THAT THIS PARTICULAR GROUP OF PAINTINGS—WHICH OCCUPIED OVER SIX YEARS OF A LIFE'S WORK—CANNOT BE COMPARED WITH ANY OTHERS I HAVE DONE. WITHOUT RESERVATION, I INSIST, THEY ARE UNIQUE IN AMERICAN ART." – LAMAR DODD Excerpted from a letter regarding The Heart artwork collection to Ben Porter, VP, Charter Medical Corp., September 17, 1984

Echogram - B, 1981-82 White gold and gold leaf, silver leaf and aluminum leaf on laminated masonite panel 34” x 34”

Readings with EKG, 1981 Gold leaf and silver leaf on masonite panel 30” x 40”

7

FIRST FLOOR/BREEZEWAY TO EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT “When I look at one of my paintings, I have two reactions: one, that it has become a part of me and, secondly, that it continues to be a challenge. I cannot live with a work of art that tells me the whole story and leaves nothing for the imagination. I don’t mind using the word ‘beauty.’ I want a painting to be beautiful and to exemplify good taste. And it should be elegant.

If one of my paintings makes the viewer feel a little better, then I would be very happy. This relates to the quality of life.”

Lamar Dodd quote from Journal of the Medical Association of Georgia, article by Dr. Robert Copeland January 1985

Behind the Screen, 1980-83 Oil on canvas 44” x 56”

Heart Surgery, 1980-83 Oil on canvas 48 1/2” x 32”

8

In Preparation, 1977 Compress charcoal on paper 47 5/8” x 31 3/4”

Triptych: God and Man, 1982 Oil, gold leaf and silver leaf on canvas and masonite panel Center: 17” x 22 7/8” Sides: 17” x 11 3/8”

Rebirth - A, 1980-81 Oil and silver leaf on canvas 54 1/2” x 34 3/4”

Triptych: Dr. Craver and Team, 1982-83 Oil, gold leaf, silver leaf and palladium leaf on canvas and masonite panel Center: 33” x 22 7/8” Sides: 33” x 11 3/8”

"I TRY TO INTERPRET THE HEART, DEPICT WHAT IT MEANS AND WHAT LIFE IS—THE INTANGIBLES." – LAMAR DODD Excerpted from an unattributed article in Cardio Newsmagazine, June 1984

9

Regarding the artwork Phonoechocardiogram with Simultaneous Electrocardiogram - A, Dodd stated, “It had been my plan to keep this painting as an example of a particular period of my work. I labored over this canvas for approximately 18 months, and while there is no perfection on this earth, it approaches – in my opinion – the closest thing I can arrive at perfection.

When you have time enough to examine the painting, you will read a lot of diagrams in the outer area, at least six major ones, and then you will note six ‘different views of the heart.’ On all of these panels, silver leaf oxidized, I don’t think I would exaggerate to say that it has at least 50 different tonings and rubbings.

Readings - A, 1980 Oil and gold leaf on masonite panel 31” x 41”

Phonoechocardiogram with Simultaneous Electrocardiogram - A, 1981

“You will note in the silver leaf and the palladium leaf, the vertical fractures which are deliberate, indicating the fragility of life. And, don’t overlook the inner gold liner with the different variations of width.

Would you believe that this liner was leafed three times to get that effect. (I had to forget that gold leaf cost over $32 a book.)

“As the group was being put together to go to LaGrange, the more I thought about it, the more I felt that this painting had to go as a love token from Mary and Lamar to the collection.”

Excerpted from a letter to Dr. Robert Copeland June 12, 1985

Intensive Care, 1978 Oil on canvas 40” x 54”

10

Oil, gold leaf, silver leaf and palladium leaf on canvas 35” x 54 1/2”

SECOND FLOOR/INTENSIVE CARE UNIT WAITING ROOM

M-mode Scan, 1983 Mixed media with silver leaf on masonite panel 30” x 96”

THIRD FLOOR/LABOR AND DELIVERY WAITING ROOM "WITH THE PASSING OF THE DAYS, I AM MORE AND MORE PLEASED TO KNOW THAT THE HEART PAINTINGS ARE EXACTLY WHERE THEY ARE, WITH YOU FOLKS IN LAGRANGE, AND THAT IS WHERE THEY BELONG."

Phonoechocardiogram with Simultaneous Electrocardiogram - B, 1982 Oil, gold leaf and palladium leaf on canvas

– LAMAR DODD Excerpted from a letter to Dr. Robert Copeland April 13, 1990

35” x 54 1/2”

11

LIMITED ACCESS AREAS/ PAT I E N T C A R E A R E A S

Those Hands, 1978 Oil on masonite panel 16” x 20”

Readings, 1981-82 Oil on canvas 40” x 66”

12

Angiogram Readings, 1978

Awaiting, 1983

Pastel on paper

Mixed media on masonite panel

31 3/4” x 47 5/8”

40” x 46”

Working Drawings, 1978-81 (18 individual pieces)

The Operation, 1983

Pen and ink on paper

32” x 48”

Approx. 8 1/2” x 11” vertical or horizontal

Oil on canvas

Working Drawing, 1978 Compress charcoal with pen and ink on paper 47 5/8” x 31 3/4”

Arteries, 1978 Compress charcoal with ink and gold leaf on paper 30 7/8” x 40 7/8”

13

â„¢

WEST GEORGIA HEALTH FOUNDATION

1514 Vernon Road LaGrange, Georgia 30240