Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Mini Garden Art


Some tiny metal sculptures by Jeff Borden planted in my desktop rock garden.
"The artist's world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep".
-Paul Strand
At the beginning of the weekend I spent some time in Providence on the west side and had a great time digging around Rocket to Mars. Found some great treasures, a Simplicity pattern from 1974 for cloth spats, a chair that matches my little Kofod-Larsen, but the find of finds, these little "doodles" by Jeff Borden. Jeff is in his 80's, was a product/toy designer in RI and is a neighbor of Rocket to Mars. These tiny one-two inch high metal sculptures were doodles he would work on as a toy designer when his hands weren't busy. By the looks of them, I would guess mid century. He comes in to Rocket from time to time covered in metal granola and dust, taking a break from his studio. In the last year or so four amazing artists in their 70's and 80's have come across my path who I'm gaga over. Charles Seliger, Walter Feldman, John Udvardy and now Mr. Borden. Very talented and passionate and prolific... still. I think I have grandpa crushes on all these man. And does this mean I truly am just starting my career as an artist? Another 30-40 years, easy? I like that.