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USA
Midwest
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Dearborn, MO
Rhett and Kelly Johnson
unknown
Sculptures
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Information:
Rhett Johnson has been making artwork out of junk since he was a kid, growing up on a farm near Dearborn, Missouri, taking what some may consider "pure junk", the artist views as "pure possibilities". On a whim, he began including his "junk art" at shows and, to his surprise, found it outselling other pieces. The familiarity of some pieces used in his work will draw the viewer in. Items such as coffee pots, coffee cans, old TV trays and saws that have been discarded are turned into "living beautiful old pieces of art."
Rhett’s most recent piece was unveiled in this exhibition. A two story tall ship-like structure entitled " Frozen in Time" is based on a story he read about a 17th century cargo ship discovered at sea with the ship’s passengers ‘frozen in time’. The ship has a motor that gently rocks it back and forth and colored glass below it that illuminates the piece from within.
His enthusiasm and creativity have been a source of inspiration for large corporations, such as Sprint and Hallmark Cards, who bring groups of employees into his studio for inspirations and rejuvenation. Rhett and his wife, Kelly, who is also an artist, reside in Dearborn, Missouri where they create new works daily.
Albrecht Kemper Art Museum
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Bibliography:
On DVD - Rare Visions and Roadside Revelations, "Neighborly Northerners", KCPT, Kansas City Public Television, 1996-2001.
"Rare Visions and Roadside Revelations" by Randy Mason, Michael Murphy and Don Mayberger, 2002.
Slotin Folk Art Auction Catalog, Masterpiece Sale, November 4, 2006
"Rare Visions and Roadside Revelations Coast to Coast Travel-o-Pedia" by Randy Mason, et. al., Kansas City Star Books, 2009. |
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