Charles Herndon (Born 1947) American, "Untitled" Abstract Stone Vase Sculpture. Misshapen pot-like sculpture, with naturalistic ore deposits visible through the smoothed surface of the work. Small round label attached near the bottom edge that reads "Herndon 1982." Signed with the same words on the bottom. Additional small paper with further information, including the attribution, "title," and measurements. 

Size: 13 3/4 x 5 x 12 1/4 in. 

Charles “Chuck” Laylin Herndon was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1947. As a youth he began creating sculptures in stone, metal, and wood, as well as exploring painting and photography. After obtaining his BFA in sculpture from the Cleveland Institute of Art, he went on to earn a BA in art history from Case Western Reserve University, as well as an MFA in sculpture from Syracuse University. Here he met and married his wife Cindy, and returned to Ohio to work as a professor for Columbus College of Art and Design, eventually retiring as Professor Emeritus in the early 2020s. He built a sculpture studio on Kelleys Island in Lake Erie in 1980, followed by a painting and photography studio built in 2000. In 2007 Herndon rescued a boy who survived a plane crash just off of Kelleys Island. In recognition for his actions, he was awarded a Coast Guard Public Service Commendation for heroism. Today he maintains two galleries as well, one on the island and one on the mainland, as well as offering lessons and advice to aspiring sculptors and painters who come to work at his studios.