Today brings more artwork from the 75th Annual Plaza Art Fair. A favorite of Mary and I each year are the 3 booths featuring the creativity of the Whipple family. John and Lynn are husband and wife and, I have to be honest, I’m not sure where Marty Whipple fits into the family tree. All three artists are take unique approaches to work found objects into art.
(Cat)
John Whipple creates both paintings and three dimensional sculptures. As with these works they often feel like one in the same.
(Poophead)
The individual pieces of wood, often birch according to John, bring their own unique characteristics to the work. The colors in these pieces are warm and rich. John Whipple draws out his design in charcoal and then uses thin oil glazes to work up layer upon layer of color while allowing the grain of the wood to continue to show through.
(Bad Bunny)
I like the rulers in these paintings. By using objects of varying ages and painting images that call to mind slightly psychotic Little Golden Books characters John makes each piece look like something that has been around for a long time which lends a depth to his work.
(Red Can)
John’s wife Lynn Whipple creates works using layers of found objects, antique pieces and old memorablia, often in shadow boxes.
(Good Pal)
“I find the things that interest me the most are slightly absurd”…you can see this in her work and it is one of the things I like about her pieces. They are whimsical and fun…slightly silly at times. There is a mixture of trying to create something important, “My hope is to create something real and somehow poetic but not commonplace”, while maintaining a sense of humor throughout.
(Seek)
The use of old photos is one of the things that interests me the most about Lynne’s work and other artists who work in the found art medium. Looking at old pictures always makes one wonder about the lives led by those photographed and by incorporating those pictures into layered artwork each piece feels like it has been around for ages, gathering stories to share with each person who takes the time to listen.
(Honey)
The old photographs, papers taken from generations old books and ledgers, the use of old typeface letters, even the use of old wood to make the boxes are all aspects of Lynn’s work that I really enjoy.
Marty Whipple takes the same concept of using old and antique items to create one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry.
Marty Whipple calls her jewelry “wearable art” which is indeed an apt description. Using pill boxes, photos, buttons, watch parts and other silver and brass found objects circa 1800-1930 Marty creates heirlooms that that speak of time passed while maintaining a sense of fun.
The patina of aging metal is something I really like and you can see at work in Marty’s jewelry. The pins and necklaces and bracelets are not shiny, polished and new. They are worn. They have a sense of history. They make you wonder about each pieces life with its previous owner.
Looking back over many of my Friday Favorites it is obvious that I like rich color. I also really enjoy the muted colors of aged metal, discolored paper, faded photographs, old wood. These pieces all demonstrate how beautiful aging can be and I was so glad to see that all three artists were back at the show this year.
I encourage you to visit each of their websites as they contain many more examples of their amazing work. I hope everyone has an enjoyable, inspired and creative weekend!
I find the jewlry interesting (in a good way).
Isn’t it funny how the word ‘interesting’ has come to have such negative connotations when used to describe something?
Yeah, kind of like Spock when he would describe something as “fascinating.”
I agree with your comment on the word ” interesting “. I also enjoy your pick today and I will say the items are so much cooler in person. The computer screen doesn’t do them justice.
That is very true Jeff, they look amazing up close and personal.
Once again,I love the pictures!! Do they have glass over them ? The one looks like it is in an old drawer. Good ideas!
Yes, the ones in the boxes have glass over them. I noticed that too, a couple of them look like old drawers.
I didn’t recognize the name but as soon as I saw Lynn’s works I knew I’d seen them before. Her artwork has been featured in several of the crafty magazines & books I’m obsessed with 🙂 Thanks for posting the pics. These are great.
Oh! The jewelry! I covet! Especially that last one, with the bluebird…
I think Carl is “interesting”.
I love unique jewelry. These pieces are amazing!
I agree with Tom 😉
Oh, I like those. Nice re-use.
Uh, I agree with Tom, too.
Ah the humor, it doth flow!!!
I love(!) Lynn Whipple’s artwork. Like Iliana I first discovered her through crafty magazines. Lucky you to actually see it up close and personal!! Thanks for sharing the photos!
I am such a huge fan of shadow box art. I’ve only done a few myself, and i’ve been pleased with the outcome. Still, I would love to do more. It seems like a good idea to do one at least once a year to capture a little memory box, if you will, of who you were that year….sort of a window into my life, year by year.
That is a really great idea Rus!
These look extremely appealing, each in its distinct way – spooky, nostalgic, and trendy. Very good pick!
good website i see
very good art i see in this websit
http://www.maktoobblog.com/saedalawy
These all look as though they’d be so much better in real life, though they still look good on the screen. I especially like Marty Whipple’s wearable art.
Nice post.
…re: the glass on ms. whipple’s boxes…is it glass? or plexi-glass? how does she get the nails thru them if it is glass? hmmmm…
Not sure, Sull. Probably plexiglass, but I don’t recall ever touching it to find out. I am sure there are diamond tipped drill bits that would cut holes in glass for the nails to go through if it is indeed actual glass.
I am the daughter of Marty and the sister of John. Their work is more impressive in person but your photos are lovely- thank you for displaying them! John is now doing spectacular sculpture. They all will be in Chicago for a show in June- try and see them!
I have a pair, well used to, of your earrings, black clockface with a tiny gold dragonfly. Now I have only one and would really like to have a mate. Are you still creating them, are you showing at the Old Town Art Fair? Whatever, how can I replace the lost one? salli eley
I own two of Marty Whipple’s pieces including the “We Serve” piece. She is the mother of John Whipple/ mother in law of Lynn. I love her work. Ir’a not just recycling, it’s remembering.
That is great Susan, I can see why you’d want to own her work, it is wonderful.