Jackelope

This documentary by independent filmmaker Ken Harrison provides a look into the contemporary Texas art world of the mid-‘70s. Shot in 1975, Jackelope is loosely divided into three segments, each focusing on one of three young Texas artists: James Surls, George Green, and Bob Wade. The first segment follows sculptor/ woodcarver James Surls and the evolution of one particular piece (Blind Bear with a Crooked Stick) from its conception and physical creation (with memorable footage of Surls sawing trees) to its studio refinement and, eventually, the piece’s exhibition at San Antonio’s Witte Museum. In the second segment we see George Green at work in his Houston studio as well as more leisurely shots of the artist flipping through a family photo album, talking at an artists’ party, and on a trip to Galveston Island. Road footage of artist Bob Wade concludes the film, with stops at Jernigan’s Taxidermy in Waco, hatmaker Manny Gammage’s Austin store, the Luckenbach World’s Fair, artist Mel Casa’s house outside of San Antonio, and, memorably, a shooting range outside of Waco. Jackelope finishes with Wade’s work in a group installation at a New York City gallery. The documentary captures each artist in their more casual moments, capturing their ideas about art, Texas and creativity in the process. Not only does Jackelope include appearances by fellow Texas artists Mike McNamara, Letitia Eldridge, Mel Casas, and John Alexander, the film is also intercut with footage of many of these same artists in discussion with each other at parties, openings, and in each others’ studios, providing a rare glimpse into an often overlooked scene.