Imagine spending decades quietly carving monumental art, not for fame, but because the wood called to you. That was Thaddeus Mosley. The self-taught Pittsburgh sculptor, who only truly broke into the mainstream art world in 2018, is now the subject of a new documentary, Thaddeus Mosley: In the Time of Trees.
Mosley, who passed away in March at 99, lived a life that proves you don't need art school — or even a gallery — to leave an indelible mark. His story, now captured for the big screen, began in an unexpected place: a world history course at the University of Pittsburgh in 1948.
He'd originally planned on a career in English and journalism. But then he saw it: a book featuring modernist sculptures by Constantin Brâncuși, alongside the very African objects that inspired them. Mosley was particularly struck by how Brâncuși's graceful curves echoed the forms of Senufo birds. He later admitted to ARTnews that he hadn't known about Brâncuși's African influences at the time. Sometimes, you just stumble into your destiny.
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Start Your News DetoxFilmmakers Sarah Cooper and Conny Fridh started documenting Mosley in 2018, right as his nearly 70-year career was finally getting its moment in the sun. They continued filming through his final months, capturing a quiet dedication that director André Robert Lee calls rare.
Lee, who joined the project last summer, observed that Mosley spent decades creating simply because he believed in the process, not for the spotlight. It's a refreshing take in a world obsessed with viral moments. His story, Lee suggests, is a powerful reminder that creativity itself can be a lifeline.
The Voices of a Legacy
The 90-minute film isn't just about Mosley; it's a chorus of voices celebrating his impact. Over a dozen people who knew him intimately share their insights, from art world luminaries like Ingrid Schaffner (who curated the 2018 Carnegie International) to Brendan Dugan of Karma gallery in New York, which began representing Mosley in 2020.
Even Pittsburgh Steelers legend Franco Harris and Bill Strickland, founder of the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, weigh in. And, of course, Mosley's children, Tereneh Idia and Khari Mosley, feature prominently. Karma gallery even published a book about him, featuring a poem by fellow artist Sam Gilliam, who dubbed Mosley the "keeper of trees anywhere." Which, if you've seen his work, is a pretty perfect title.
The team expects to finish editing this fall, with plans to submit to film festivals later this year. Get ready to meet the artist who proved that sometimes, the slowest burn creates the brightest light.
