English BLoG

 Exceptional sternboard carving titled "Mermaid & Sailor" by Jac & Patricia Johnson.  Jac & Patricia Johnson's work is essentially an outgrowth of their lifestyle – grounded in American tradition but thoroughly infused with modern nods to technology and progress. A piece of their work may start with a hand sketch, reworked digitally for scale or size, but will finish under careful consideration of where each knife and chisel mark will make the most impact. Hand working, with traditional tools and techniques proven by time, ensure a true melding of the old with the new.  A weathervane directional in the form of a jellyfish with tentacles by Jac & Patricia Johnson.  The Johnson's have over time shifted their work from period reproductions of antiques to pushing the boundaries of traditional American folk art forms, seeking to explore the association of universal human themes as they relate to traditional folk art and modern 21 st century life. Emp...

Folk-carved Humpback Whale by Southhampton artist Randy Kolhoff It’s a folksy collection of whales, mermaids, fish, fowl, carvings, paintings, models, trade signs, weathervanes, folk and sailor art. Some are whimsical, others memorable, but they are all simply delightful. The 2011 Marine Folk Art Show opens this Friday at 5 PM at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery located at One High Street (on the riverfront) as part of Olde Towne Portsmouth’s First Friday Events. Virginia decoy carver Gentry Childress Featuring original folk carvings by Randy Kolhoff, Steve Hazlett and Jac & Patricia Johnson, decoy carvings by Gentry Childress, “folky fish” wall art and furnishings by Joe Marinelli, contemporary scrimshaw by Tony Perry as well as other marine artists works. A variety of vintage and antique folk carvings and marine folk items will also be on hand. Mermaid weathervane by Jac & Patricia Johnson Scrimshaw artist Tony Perry will also be at Skipjack during opening weeke...

Shad carved from white cedar by Jac & Tricia Johnson for Skipjack Nautical Wares.  L 72" W 24" D 4 I feel inclined to begin this blog by stating that throughout the 30 plus years of being a dealer, appraiser and collector of period American Furniture as well as fine and decorative arts, that I have received the greatest pleasure from collecting American folk art. We have also been fortunate to have represented some of the best contemporary folk artist from around our great country. Our focus today of course is nautical/marine folk art, both period and contemporary and a number of collectors have found their way into our gallery doors to acquire them. Here are a few great examples that have adorned the rooms and walls of Skipjack throughtout the years. This early 20th century sailor-made folk compass box was hand-carved from walnut with whale bone clasp and keep. A carving of a mermaid carrying a light in oval adorns the top of ...