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USA
Appalachia
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Flemingsburg, KY
Ronald E. and Jessie F. Cooper
1932- & 1931-
Painters and sculptors
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Information:
Ronald and Jessie Cooper, from Fleming County, make folk-art objects in the Appalachian Mountain tradition. Both are also self-taught painters.
The Coopers started making art after Ronald was in a serious automobile accident that left him disabled. Forced to live a changed life, he took up whittling animals in the Kentucky mountain craft style. Meanwhile, wife Jessie decided to try her skill as a sculptor. Because of the circumstances that brought them to this new career, Ronald Cooper describes the work he and Jessie create as a gift from God.
And in fact, Biblical scenes dominate the work of both Coopers. A frequent theme is the conflict between good and evil, though the two artists approach it a little differently. Ronald sometimes gets his ideas from nightmares he has had, while Jessie’s work is more literal. They both paint on old furniture and print messages on their pieces.
Morehead State University has examples of both Coopers’ work in its permanent collection. Ronald’s work is also housed in the American Visionary Art Museum.
Update June 2009: Both Mr. and Mrs. Cooper are in failing health.
KET Arts
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Bibliography:
"Detour Art—Outsider, Folk Art, and Visionary Folk Art Environments Coast to Coast, Art and Photographs from the Collection of Kelly Ludwig" by Kelly Ludwig, Kansas City Star Books, 2007.
On DVD - Rare Visions and Roadside Revelations, "Eastern Weaseling", KCPT, Kansas City Public Television, 2002.
"Museum of American Folk Art Encyclopedia of Twentieth Century American Folk Art and Artists" by Chuck and Jan Rosenak, Abbeville Press, New York, 1990.
"20th Century American Folk, Self Taught, and Outsider Art" by Betty-Carol Sellen, Cynthia J. Johnson, Neal-Schuman Publishers, New York, 1993.
"Self Taught, Outsider, and Folk Art—A guide to American Artists, Locations and Resources" by Betty-Carol Sellen with Cynthia J. Johnson, McFarland & Company, 2000.
"Contemporary American Folk Art - A Collector's Guide" Chuck and Jan Rosenak, Abbeville Press, 1996.
"Flying Free: Twentieth-Century Self-Taught Art from the Collection of Ellin and Baron Gordon" by Ellin Gordon, Barbara L. Luck and Tom Patterson, exhibit catalog for The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center, 1997.
"American Self-Taught Art: An Illustrated Analysis of 20th Century Artists and Trends with 1,319 Capsule Biographies" by Florence Laffal and Julius Laffal, 2003.
"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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Credit: © Kelly Ludwig, Detour Art, all rights reserved. |
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Ronald and Jessie Cooper outside their home with 2 of their larger sculptures.
Credit: Randy Mason/Mike Murphy, "Rare Visions" |
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Ronald and Jessie in their upstairs guest room, which often doubles as storage space.
Credit: Randy Mason/Mike Murphy, "Rare Visions" |
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Ronald with a hell boot.
Credit: Randy Mason/Mike Murphy, "Rare Visions" |
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Heaven and Hell minnow bucket painted by both artists. From the collection of Kelly Ludwig, featured in the book ÒDetour ArtÓ 2007.
Credit: Kelly Ludwig |
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Jessie predominately works on church scenes and everyday life, while Ronald warns all about the perils of hell. From the collection of Kelly Ludwig, featured in the book Detour Art 2007.
Credit: Kelly Ludwig |
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Hell tricycle
From the collection of Kelly Ludwig, featured in the book Detour Art 2007.
Credit: Kelly Ludwig |
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Adrain Swain, of the Kentucky Folk Art Museum in Morehead, KY, stands with a desk created by both Jessie and Ronald.
Credit: Kelly Ludwig |
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