The other contributor, a very advanced dealer/ collector whose name will be shared after a future auction, brought many fascinating pieces of folk art as well. Included are listed artists like Brian Fancy (cat) Peter Rafuse (pig), Fred Burridge (teal), as well as many unlisted artists.
Other collectors contributed folk art as well. Of note is the large carving of herons by noted Quebec artist Andre Pelletier from Saint-John-Port-Jolie titled “Le Couple de Herons”. It was the prize winning entry purchased directly from the artist at the Internation Festival of Sculpture at Saint-John-Port-Jolie in 1997. Another noteworthy piece is the large oil on masonite of cows by Eddie Mondaggio. Looking at it will make you smile.
We have the pleasure and privilege of selling a major portion of a collection of contemporary decorated canoe paddles. Each of these paddles was painted by a Canadian artist (Murphy) who is currently 90 years old. He chose to display his art symbolically on canoe paddles. In this way he could put an image on the blade and his philosophy, sentiments, humor, disgust, or interpretation on the shaft. Some of you may be unhappy with his political leanings but the pieces each speak from his heart. The pictures don’t do justice to the art as it is difficult to compress all that information and imagery into a tiny thumbnail photo. These paddles in total or in part would make a great wall art installation – think Banksy, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat – only Canadian and much more affordable.
From its central focus on folk art, the auction grew in scope. There are many early pieces of furniture, mostly from Ontario with some Maritime and some PA/NY. One highlight is the gateleg table in flame birch which was sold through Henry Dobson Antiques nearly 30 years ago. The Maritime table maintains its original finish.
The auction has several strong Indigenous pieces. One snake cane in original paint and varnish is an early example found in Elgin County. Another interesting piece is the carved totem found on Tyendinaga lands near Belleville Ontario. What’s intriguing is that the Mohawks did not have the tradition of carving totem poles.
There are several pieces of redware, stoneware and earthenware in the auction. One of the more interesting lots is the ½ gallon stoneware storage jar. The feather or fern decoration is very well done but the jar itself with its misshapen lip and lumps is definitely a primitive piece of work. The quality control inspector must have been asleep that day.
Collectors of tole will be excited to learn we have a candle chandelier made by the famous Canadian tinsmith and author John Player.
Finally, every good collection is formed from a “good eye” and knowledge. This sale has an excellent selection of reference books from Indigenous art, folk art, Canadian art, tramp art to furniture.
Enjoy the auction and please come out to preview.
