Regarding
stuffed animals; First of all I create the patterns. That
means that I never, ever use commercial patterns, but start
with a blank piece of paper. Creation of a pattern is a long
process, especially for the head. This involves drawing the
pattern pieces, cutting them out in fabric, sewing, stuffing,
and evaluation........followed by correction and moving onto
the next version. This typically takes ten "trials and
efforts". The facial construction and shape is what gives
these animals their distinctive, humorous expression.
All
of my animals are entirely cut, sewn and stuffed by me, in
my studio in Clark, Wyoming. If you try to find Clark on
the map it might be difficult. If you google it, there is
no map. Kind of out in the boonies. Figure we're pretty safe
from here, unless you're afraid of bears, mountain lions
and rattle snakes.
Sunrise
over the River with Hart Mountain in Wyoming
The
materials used in my fabric animals are the finest available;
All the fabrics come from Germany and are Schulte Mohair.
Some are made of wool or alpaca, but this also comes from
Schulte and the exact material is always specified. Occasionally,
I find a synthetic or antique fabric and enjoy making a special
creation out of that. Fabrics are always specified. The eyes
are crystal and come from Austria. All of the animals are
hand-painted with permanent dye. This is applied with an airbrush
and fixed by a secret heat process. This "painting"
is more apparent on some animals than others; more subtle,
but it is always present. These subtle shadows give added
depth and expression to the animals faces and paws. Working
with an airbrush allows me to apply the lovely subtle pink
blush on some of the tummies, and cheeks.
After
being painted with the permanent dye, each animal is individually
embroidered by the artist, paying careful attention to its
individual character and great effort is made to obtain the
desired expression.
The
beauty of hand-made collectible art is that no two pieces
can ever be exactly alike, and that is to be seen as a quality!
However, I do repeat, enlarge, decrease, my own patterns and
the variation of beautiful mohairs is infinite. If you see
a piece you admire, and it is sold, please don't hesitate
to contact
me regarding an order. I will do my best to make something
very nice for you in which you will find, if not the identical
piece, the same allure of the first creation. Satisfaction
Guaranteed!
With
regard to my two-dimensional work, that is a long story. I
graduated
with a diploma in drawing from the California College
of Arts and Crafts, (after a couple of most enjoyable years
studying psychology and American Literature at Berkeley, like
my father before me. (I would add that my father is a distinguished
mechanical engineer whose inventions changed the world of
transportation, and who would classify psychology and literature
with........astrology; meaning, in his distinguished mind,
a total waste of time!) Despite these minor differences of
opinion, we remain very close. The respect I have for my father
and his contribution to the world is immeasurable.
Since
college I have made my living entirely as an artist; that
is by selling art exclusively.
This art has taken many forms. For most of these years it
was in fact oil painting. I was with a top gallery in Paris
from the first week I set foot on French soil, until 17 years
later, when sadly they closed when the owners retired. Through
them, I had two one-man shows in Paris, one in New York, one
in Chicago and one in London. These people at Naifs et Primitifs
took me on when I was unknown, and built up my career to where
I was selling large oil paintings for $3000+. That was New
York. The dollar was at 10 to the french franc. Ah, the good
old days...
I
have both the honor and the problem of being "Officially
Quoted" in terms of price in France. Consult the Benizit.
One enters this official book when work has changed hands
at public auction. The good news is that it brings prestige,
especially if one's entry is followed by a little arrow pointing
upwards, indicating and an artist on the rise. (My entry is!)
However, when times got tough, the dollar started falling
through the basement, it became impossible to lower the prices
on paintings sold through the gallery. So I began doing pastels,
which are officially, "drawings" not paintings.
The last time I checked I had no official price regarding
drawings. Years passed. I made papier-maché chickens,
hundreds of them; 17 years with my arms up to the elbows in
glue. If I never see another dancing chicken again as long
as I live it will be fine by me. I must say, and I can truthfully
say, that I never made one papier- maché animal which
did not sell. I sold those chickens (and cows and sheep) in
the Museum Shop of the Louvre in Paris! So why did I stop?
I am an artist, not a machine.
So
it was pastels for me. And then of course collector's Teddy
Bears, which led to the Rabbits and Dogs, and the rest is
history. Now, I am returning to the easel and concentrating
on Animal Portraits.
These are often pastels
which I present in my gallery on the island. Pastels do not
travel well. The powder of dry pastels drifts down onto the
matt. The protective glass is highly breakable. So,I have
begun painting in acrylics, and propose paintings on this
site for sale which could be safely shipped anywhere in the
world. These images are constantly updated as I finish each
new painting. And of
course I propose the opportunity of having a custom portrait
of your favorite furry animal. (I specify "furry"
as I don't warm to subjects such as pet salamanders etc.)
Dogs? Cats? Ponies?
Please send
me your photos! I will be happy to discuss doing a painting
of your favorite pet.
Any
Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact
me.
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