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Lot Essay
Number eight from this edition is in the collection of the New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain, Connecticut (inv. 2005.47).
Judy Kensley Mckie is a leading figure in the American studio furniture movement whose work and career are rightfully considered to be equal to that of other master craftspeople of the 20th century, including Wharton Esherick, Sam Maloof, George Nakashima, and Wendell Castle. The daughter of two graphic artists, McKie learned woodworking from her father as a child. She graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1966 and accepted a job as a graphic designer thereafter. She was however, still intrigued with furniture production and continued to hone her skills in carving and design. These self-taught skills led to an extraordinary career, and her artistry and talent, whether expressed in stone, wood or bronze, are unrivalled. Over time, McKie developed a highly personalized style that was deeply influenced by her fascination with Pre-Columbian, African, Eskimo and Native American visual cultures. Each of her works wonderfully exhibits an imagination that ingeniously blurs the expected norms of form and function. The rare Grizzly Bear bench offered here beautifully displays McKie’s talent to combine whimsy with superb craftsmanship. The finely cast creature, enhanced with a rich brown patina, is normally a fearsome beast in nature. In McKie’s unique interpretation, the bear is displaying a quizzical, almost amused, expression.
Judy McKie’s furniture designs are utilitarian but should ultimately be considered as superior works of art. Each of her objects creates a sense of wonder and playfulness, but that should in no way overshadow her incredible skills in any material she decides to employ. In addition to numerous private collections, her works can be found in museums throughout the United States, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania, and the Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Connecticut.
Judy Kensley Mckie is a leading figure in the American studio furniture movement whose work and career are rightfully considered to be equal to that of other master craftspeople of the 20th century, including Wharton Esherick, Sam Maloof, George Nakashima, and Wendell Castle. The daughter of two graphic artists, McKie learned woodworking from her father as a child. She graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1966 and accepted a job as a graphic designer thereafter. She was however, still intrigued with furniture production and continued to hone her skills in carving and design. These self-taught skills led to an extraordinary career, and her artistry and talent, whether expressed in stone, wood or bronze, are unrivalled. Over time, McKie developed a highly personalized style that was deeply influenced by her fascination with Pre-Columbian, African, Eskimo and Native American visual cultures. Each of her works wonderfully exhibits an imagination that ingeniously blurs the expected norms of form and function. The rare Grizzly Bear bench offered here beautifully displays McKie’s talent to combine whimsy with superb craftsmanship. The finely cast creature, enhanced with a rich brown patina, is normally a fearsome beast in nature. In McKie’s unique interpretation, the bear is displaying a quizzical, almost amused, expression.
Judy McKie’s furniture designs are utilitarian but should ultimately be considered as superior works of art. Each of her objects creates a sense of wonder and playfulness, but that should in no way overshadow her incredible skills in any material she decides to employ. In addition to numerous private collections, her works can be found in museums throughout the United States, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania, and the Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Connecticut.