Camp Bosworth Blue Balls – 2003 Hand-Carved Relief Longhorn, Signed, Marfa TX

Titled Blue Balls, this 2003 hand-carved and painted wood relief by Texas-based artist Camp Bosworth offers a compelling mix of humor, craftsmanship, and emotional depth. A forlorn longhorn bull dominates the scene—hand-carved in low relief and vividly painted in Bosworth’s signature impasto style. Set against a stylized Southwestern backdrop with agave, yucca, and desert rock, the bull's heavy-lidded eyes and slumped stance evoke quiet sadness and vulnerability.

The punchline lies in the name: Blue Balls. An exaggerated splash of blue on the bull’s anatomy adds a layer of innuendo, turning the piece into a clever, satirical commentary. Bosworth’s wit is balanced by strong artistic discipline—every element is intentionally carved, painted, and composed. The work is signed and dated "Bosworth 2003" at the lower right, and comes framed with an integrated brass-tone display light featuring a corded switch for illumination.

This piece exemplifies Bosworth's ability to fuse folk art technique with cultural commentary, resulting in a unique and collectible artwork from the early 2000s Marfa art scene.

Condition:
Excellent condition. No visible damage or wear. Carved surface and paint remain vibrant and intact. Light fixture has been tested and is fully functional with the corded switch. Artwork is ready to hang and enjoy.

Size:

• Art Only: 17" H × 24 5/8" W × 2.5" D
• With Light: 18.5" H × 24 5/8" W × 6" D

Please Note: Soup for Scale in Photo

Artist Biography: Camp Bosworth (b. 1964)

Camp Bosworth is a contemporary American artist celebrated for his bold, hand-carved wooden sculptures and painted reliefs that blend folk art traditions with sharp wit and sociopolitical commentary. Born in Galveston, Texas, in 1964, Bosworth earned a BFA in painting from the University of North Texas in 1989. He later moved to Marfa, where he became a central figure in the town’s renowned art scene.

Bosworth’s work explores themes of identity, regional symbolism, and American mythos. From oversized narcotics and political paraphernalia to stylized cattle and cowboy iconography, his works are known for their exaggerated proportions, vibrant colors, and biting humor. Notably, Bosworth co-founded The Wrong Store in Marfa—an art space disguised as a retail shop that’s garnered national attention for its tongue-in-cheek approach to art and commerce.

His pieces have been exhibited in major institutions including the El Paso Museum of Art, Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, and Galveston Arts Center. Bosworth continues to carve out narratives that challenge, amuse, and reflect the unique spirit of the American Southwest.