2011 Marine Folk Art Show- Featuring Traditional American Folk Art by Jac & Patricia Johnson



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. Employing symbolism, and observing the human tendency to dwell on boundaries they use creative manipulation of natural, traditional materials; be it a block of white cedar or a stack of salvaged iron to fashion evocative works that challenge their creativity.



"Lobster" a large wall carving by Jac & Patricia Johnson.



Public and Private collections hold varied works from different periods of their production. From 1991-1996 their focus was creating the best reproduction Southern style working decoys possible. From 1996-2002 they transitioned their work to pure American Folk Art, inspired by classical folk art forms and techniques, heavily influenced by primitives. 2002 saw a change to more one-of-a-kind and limited edition designs and commissions as a response to market changes from the excess of import art, which remains their focus to the present day. This low output, high quality design process has been the most rewarding period of their careers.

"Redfish" Hand carved with great detail and finished by Jac & Patricia Johnson.

The Johnson's studio setting influences their design choices. Their rural community provides inspiration from its wildlife and waterfowl plentiful in the area. The forest and fields around their 100 year old farmhouse in southeastern Virginia provide not only inspiration, but acquired items of yesteryear that can be recycled and repurposed into modern masterpieces of American folk art. Old tin barn roofs become wings for eagles and crows, or a roof and porch for a birdhouse. Vintage porch railing spindles become bases for carved white doves. Old pennies transform into eyes for folk art fish. This wonderful process of rebirth allows for self expression through their art.



“Swimming Mermaid with Starfish and Shells” by Jac & Patricia Johnson.

You can preview the latest creations by the Johnson's at Skipjack Nautical Marine Galleries 2011 Marine Folk Art show (June 3rd through June 29, 2011). You can also see Jac & Patricia Johnson's marine folk art by visiting their page under Skipjack's Marine Art division.

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 at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery! The show runs through Wednesday, June 29, 2011. It’s the greatest folk show in town!


*The 2011 Marine Folk Art Show was featured in the summer edition of Sea History Magazine!

Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery is located in Olde Towne Portsmouth on the riverside of the historic Seaboard Railroad Building next to the High Street Basin and ferry landing. Our front doors face the Elizabeth river and are just a few steps away from the historic Hog Island Lighthouse Fresnel lens! Open Monday through Saturday 10AM to 5 PM. Sunday 1PM to 4 PM. Other times by appointment. (757) 399-5012

The 2011 Marine Folk Art Show

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 weekend and decoy carver Gentry Childress will be at Skipjack, Saturday, June 11 throughout the day to demonstrate his fine artwork. Go to Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery’s news/events page at http://www.skipjackmarinegallery.com/ for their complete schedule of artist demonstrations. The 2011 Marine Folk Art Show runs through Wednesday, June 29, 2011. It’s the greatest folk show in town!

Folk art carvings from a previous Skipjack Marine Folk Art Show

*The 2011 Marine Folk Art Show is featured in the summer edition of Sea History Magazine!

Nautical Folk Art- A Dealers Passion

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 the lid and a carved star in circle centered on the box front. The gimballed compass was made by Wilcox & Crittendon and dated to the 1920's.

Essex Whaler Weathervane by Steve Hazlett

This elegant ship and whale weathervane depicts the classic whaler Essex boat guided by Captain George Pollard, out of Nantucket on August 12th, 1819. This weathervane captures the history of this great voyage.It was perhaps an incomparable aid in forecasting the maritime weather. Although the boat motif is popular in maritime folk art, wooden examples are rarely found today, merely due to the unpredictable weather conditions in New England that these boat weathervanes endured. Handcrafted from a single heart pine beam and board. Iron and copper is applied to the piece. Cream, green, gray and blue buttermilk paint is applied in numerous layers to produce an as-found crusty appearance. The piece is hallmarked and placed on a metal museum mount for display. Carved by New York folk artist Steve Hazlett. 45L by 36H by 4D Folk art carvings by Steve Hazlett

Early 20th century folk made sailboat with wooden sails, artist unknown.

This early 20th sailboat featured all wood construction including the sails with painted composition seas. This example would typically be found in a wooden diorama box.

"Deep Sea Charter" trade sign hand-carved and painted by Jac & Tricia Johnson.

This wonderful marine folk art trade sign is reminiscent of the days of Ernest Hemingway where deep sea fishing was prevalent at many fishing marinas. This sailfish was hand-carved from cedar and measured 60 inches in length.  

Marine folk art carving of a horseshoe crab by Jac & Trishia Johnson.

Another favorite carving created by the Johnson's was this Horseshoe crab carved out of yellow pine with walnut stained finish. The horseshoe crab is wall hung with kinetic tail (swings) L 36" W 24" D 4-6"

19th century sailor-made rope basket

Sometimes wonderful folk created pieces are quite simple in construction. I can envision a sailor making this knotted basket during his leisure time aboard a great sailing ship.

Early 20th century mermaid weathervane, artist unknown

This New England weathevane was hand-carved and painted then applied to a metal arrow directional.  Artist unknow.  Measured approximately 30 inches in length. Wall mounted using a custom made iron bracket.

Hunter and  dog weathervane, early 20th century

The provenance that accompanied this unique (almost comical) weathervane suggests that it once decorated the roof of an old hunting lodge from the Back Bay region of North Carolina. Constructed from two sheets of metal creating a full-bodied perspective and mounted on a metal directional. Retained an old dark red painted surface and mounted onto contemporary wooden stand.

We will be featuring other great nautical folk carvings in the weeks to come including pictures from a customers private collection. You can read more about American folk art by visiting our blog "From Sidewalks to Rooftops": Outdoor Folk Art. 
Click here to go to Skipjack's Nautical Living home page.