During my stay down on Hatteras Island in The Outer Banks, NC, my friends and I stayed at a little cottage a few steps from the beach. Every summer we rent a different house because we love the surprise of what it will look like and how it will be decorated. Usually we find lots of lighthouse paintings, seahorse figures, and shell wallpaper; however this time we got lucky. In one of the bedrooms was the beautiful poster posted above. It was an intricate illustration of Atlantic wildlife. I instantly fell in love with the simplified birds, magical seashells, and the details included in the repetitive ornate patterns. In the corner, a signature of "C. Harper" was inscribed. The amazing, talented, and lovable Charley Harper. Once I started searching through his work I realized I had seen it before. Charley had been painting and silkscreening since the 1940s. He began his illustrious 60-year career as an artist when he attended The Art Academy of Cincinnati, where he later taught and inspired younger artists. Charley loved protecting and preserving nature with his art. Unfortuneately, Charley passed away in June, but his brilliant and timeless works of art will live in my heart forever.
His work can be found all over the place, in old biology books, wildlife posters, children's books, and more. You have to check out more of his work here, you will be BLOWN away!!
Here is a nice little video about Charley put together by Todd Oldham...
I love this! His prints are so fun.
Posted by: Haley | August 21, 2007 at 09:52 AM