b-b-bonus this week in outsider art // february seventh
a vampire welding mask, the passing of two legendary artists, a william hawkins not on view in minnesota and my first whirligig
FIND OF THE WEEK
A couple of weeks ago, a student of mine asked if he should take an auto class or welding. Without hesitation, I said, “Wedding!” I didn’t really have a good explanation until now. Look at this rad-as-hell welding mask. It feels both like a dance mask from Mexico back in the 60s and some vampire cartoon character you may see scrolling through cable television (remember cable?) late at night. It makes me want to take up a job where I have to wear a helmet that I could decorate. Maybe my next career change. Until then, this welding mask is from the good folks at Heimwee Antiques in San Francisco.
Mid-century welder's mask, complete with a hard hat, showcasing a truly unique and enchanting touch. This remarkable piece defies traditional expectations with its playful yet haunting design.
✌️ every wednesday, this bonus newsletter with bonus outsider art content, including exhibit listings, personal collection highlights, and news of the week, will be sent to paid subscribers. The weekly ‘This Week in Outsider Art’ newsletter that goes out every Sunday morning continues to and will always be free of charge — enjoy ✌️
B-B-BONUS
This week saw the passing of two beautiful and legendary outsider artists.
Melvin Way (1954-2024) was a visionary artist who explored the connections between art and science with these incredibly detailed and complex artistic equations drawn on found pieces of paper, a frequent guest and artist featured at the Outsider Art Fair in New York.
Alice Mackler (1931-2024) was originally a painter who found fame as an artist with her bumpy and quaint ceramics at the age of eighty-one. for the past ten years of her life, she has enjoyed much success, including works being acquired by institutions such as the Whitney Museum.
Two beautiful artists and people who made truly unique and beautiful artwork in a field of its own. Rest in peace.
Upgrade to a paid subscriber to see works by Melvin Way and Alice Macker, and much more.