Plains, Georgia – Jimmy Carter, well-known as a former president and devoted humanitarian, found creative outlets in woodworking, painting, and poetry, producing works that express his introspective thoughts on both his personal experiences and broader societal issues. His artistic contributions provide not only insight into his relationships and values but also play a vital role in supporting the ongoing legacy of The Carter Center.
Carter himself noted that creating art afforded him “the rare opportunity for privacy” amidst his public life. He appreciated these moments of solitude, referring to them as a transition into “another very pleasant world.” At his funeral back in his hometown, attendees will encounter various items crafted by the former president, including a maple altar cross and collection plates he turned on a lathe. Additionally, furniture he made has served as cradles for his great-grandchildren, showcasing his deep familial ties.
Displaying modesty, Carter described himself as a “fairly proficient” craftsman. However, Atlanta woodworker Chris Bagby, who has witnessed Carter’s work firsthand, described him as “rather accomplished.” His woodworking skills were cultivated on his father’s farm during the Great Depression when multitasking was essential for survival. He became more adept through school shop classes and participation in Future Farmers of America, recalling a project where he created a miniature model of the White House—not as a representation of his ambitions, but an exercise in skill.
During his tenure in the Navy, Carter and his wife Rosalynn opted for military housing without furnishings, prompting him to construct their furniture from scratch. His passion for woodworking continued into his presidency, as he dedicated hours in the woodshop at Camp David rather than engaging in the more typical pastime of golfing. After leaving the White House, his aides organized a gift that allowed him to create a fully equipped home workshop. Carter later reflected on this setup as “one of the best gifts of my life.”
In their converted garage, he honed his skills while refurbishing their home, displaying techniques such as joinery without nails or screws. He later acquired Japanese carving tools and crafted a chess set that ultimately belonged to a prince from Saudi Arabia. Frequenting Atlanta’s Highland Woodworking, he absorbed valuable knowledge and skills, taking courses from renowned furniture maker Tage Frid, who is remembered through photographs still displayed in the store. Bagby remarked on how Carter was a familiar face, though he was always accompanied by Secret Service agents.
In 1983, Carter crafted four hickory ladder-back chairs, which famously sold at Sotheby’s for $21,000 each—a testament to his craftsmanship that has since brought in millions for The Carter Center through the sale of both his furniture and paintings. Nonetheless, for Carter, the activity was never purely about financial gain. His friend, Jill Stuckey, recounted how he once took a broken chair from her home, mending it overnight and returning it by dawn. This act encapsulates Carter’s affection for woodworking, where he appreciated the tangible results of his labor—an ethos aligning with his formative years.
As a later-life apprentice painter, Carter adopted a folk-art style, humbly asserting he had “no special talent.” Yet, his artworks have fetched impressive sums at auctions, illustrating their significant value. One of his paintings, “Cardinals,” generated $340,000, while an eagle painting sold for $225,000 shortly after he entered hospice care. His artistic expressions adorn The Carter Center, including a sunlit meeting room decorated with bird paintings inspired by his hobby with Rosalynn.
Carter’s body of work often features reflections on his past, including depictions of his parents, particularly his mother as a 70-year-old Peace Corps volunteer and his father, James Earl Carter Sr. His artistic representations capture various themes, from childhood memories of farm life to portraits of influential figures who shaped his life and career. His grandson, Jason Carter, shared how significant one of these portraits is to his grandfather, as it reflects their familial connection amidst the political landscape.
Carter also penned over thirty books along with poetry that delves into his contemplative self-examination. He expressed his early recognition of segregation with poignant observations, contemplated the complexities of international relations during the Cold War, and conveyed deep sentiments of love and loss in his personal life. His poem, “I Wanted to Share My Father’s World,” captures a son’s struggle with unresolved feelings towards his father, revealing the intricate and often bittersweet bond between them. Through his varied creative encounters, Carter has left a legacy that resonates with personal introspection and a broader societal perspective, enriching the fabric of American culture.
