Thornton Dial integrated found objects ranging from industrial items to common domestic goods into his paintings, drawings, and sculptures. He specifically chose to work with materials that were previously used by other people—items like dolls, stuffed animals, shoes, plastic toys, and auto parts. Through his creations, Dial gave the discarded items new purpose while adding unique textures to his sculptures and paintings. He also integrated natural elements like seeds and pinecones to reflect recurring motifs of nature and wildlife. A self-taught artist, Dial connected traditions of Black vernacular art and contemporary art, working with available resources and materials to create bold works from the sum of many parts.

–Mia Matthias, from the Glenstone Field Guide