1.26.2007

Studio Friday: LOOK WHO I FOUND... !

Well the pressure is on because I'm the one who suggested this week's topic!

"I love to discover new artists and often find them through other peoples mentions of them. So, introduce us, in words and/or pictures, to an artist, craftsperson, or writer you admire and that we might not have heard of before (i.e. not a famous one). What do you like about their work? How does it inspire your own work?"

I'd like to introduce you to the work of Brad and Sundie Ruppert. They create whimsical sculptures—everything from birds to cowgirls to angels—from wire and scrap metal and vintage found objects that they discover in their travels around the country. Each sculture is quirky and one-of-a-kind and I love that each time you look at one you find more things to see.

Seeing Eye Dog
Seeing Eye Dog

They support themselves as freelance graphic designers just as I do and I love how they describe that in their about us section...

"We currently have two careers...one that feeds our kids (freelance graphic design) and one that feeds our souls (Vintage Sculpture). We are lucky enough that those two things work pretty well together and allow us the freedom to travel and pursue our dreams...whatever that might be."

What do I like about their work? I've always loved assemblage (an artistic process in which a three-dimensional artistic composition is made from putting together found objects—sort of a 3-D cousin of collage) and admire artists like Joseph Cornell, Deborah Butterfield, and Janet Bolton. I love the idea of taking other peoples discards and recombining them into something new and wonderful. Isn't that what I do, except with fabric?

All of which inspires me to be a bit more experimental in my own work. And to look at everyday objects in a new way.

See more of their work at Vintage Sculpture. And read about other artists here.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you for the great topic!! and introducing us to these delightful artists. (Deborah Butterfield is one of my all time favorite artists as well!)

janet said...

The biggest thrill of my life is that I actually got to talk to Deborah Butterfield once—on the phone. I was art director of a magazine and we were doing an article on her work and needed some photos. I don't remeber exactly what I said but I'm sure it was something gushing :)

Artful Creations by Tracie said...

Wow that is sure neat! I have seen some similar work and it's still amazes me how some people just have an eye (or knack) for this! I would put something together and think it was horrible and throw it away or unassemble it, I just know I would!

I love also the assuredness (is that a word??) they have about their work and creations...I need to grasp that myself!

Great topic!!

AtPlayWithFiber said...

Great topic!! Its great seeing all these new artist. :)

Anonymous said...

Great topic! Its the first time I have seen Janet Bolton's work. Its fresh and enchanting. I love it!Thanks for introducing her to us.

kelly barton art + design said...

wow...great links. thanks for the new finds.

kelly barton art + design said...

wow...great links. thanks for the new finds.

Silvia Hoefnagels . Salix Tree said...

I love her pieces! She has a great style, I like that she uses whatever objects she gets her hands on! How inventive!
Thanks for the topic, I love looking at artwork.

Anonymous said...

Oooh, I love assemblage! Why don't I make the time to try all these art forms! This week's SF is excruciating!

Kerri Jean said...

Great topic Janet. I absolutely love recycled art like this. I've seen many different kinds, and even though they incorporate similar materials, they're always fabulously unique.