gordon gallery

Luster Willis

(1913-1994) Crystal Springs, MS

Luster Willis lived in Copiah County, Mississippi, not far from Mary T. Smith. He spent three years in Europe during WW II. He had been making art since childhood. He is best known as one of the artists featured in the landmark Black Folk Art in America 1930-1980 show at the Corcoran in 1983. "I draw from life to emphasize it, to speak through a picture what actually can't be brought into words."