Friday, August 7, 2009

Teddy Bear Typologies

(Above)
Ursulus parvulus 10-08, Felted wool, glass jar, 2008
7” H x 3.5” W x 3.5” D Click image for larger view.

(Above)
Teddy Bear Fetal Development, Felted wool, buttons, 2007
7.75” H x 23” W x 3” D Click image for larger view.

(Above)
Group image of Teddy skulls.
Click image for larger view.

(Above)
Ursulus gasterpectus, Felted wool, 2006
4” H x 4.5” W x 4” D Click image for larger view.


(Above)
Ursulus victuspedis II, Felted wool, 2008
6.5” H x 7” W x 5.25” D Click image for larger view.


(Above)
Ursulus leucostomentosus, Felted wool, 2006
2.75” H x 5” W x 4.75” D Click image for larger view.


(Above)
Teddy Skull, Felted wool, 2005
9” H x 7” W x 10” D Click image for larger view.


(Above)
Ursulus rubramacularius, Felted wool, 2006
4.5” H x 6.75” W x 7.5” D Click image for larger view.


(Above)
Ursulus mellitus, Felted wool, 2006
4” H x 5” W x 5.5” D Click image for larger view.


DID YOU EVER WONDER WHERE THE TEDDY BEAR ORIGINATED? Artist Stephanie Metz has, and its not the same story you might find with an internet search of the furry toys.
Stephanie has invented her own origin of the species, and she presents her research on her website here.

In this series of work (and she has many other series you’ll find interesting) Metz sets out to classify and present the skulls of teddy bears like a paleontologist might arrange newly discovered dinosaur bones from the Olduvai Gorge on the Serengeti. For materials, she uses wool felt and felting needles to create her odd but cute little skulls. I especially like the fetuses (and the single one in a jar), which reminds me of what you might see in a sleazy carnival sideshow or cartoon biology lab.

Stephanie Metz’ “teddy skulls” can be purchased at the Hosfelt Gallery in San Francisco and in NYC. All images here © Stephanie Metz.

5 comments:

Maureen said...

As a painter and an art consultant, I believe what makes someone truly artistic borders on obsession. That going to a place of one's own creation and the willingness to stay there. You keep showing us this, it's inspirational.

Anonymous said...

John you are inspirational with your constant quest for creativity...thanks!!!

John Foster said...

Maureen and Red—thanks for the comments. That is what I seek out, the art that pushes that envelope of any given field. I have never been drawn to contemporary mainstream--for that is where you find the most mediocrity. I try to showcase those people who find place outside of all that. Those are the trailblazers, the ones taking the chances.

Anonymous said...

I remember that the first time I receive a teddy from a boyfriend was when he decide to visit Viagra Online and them he gave it to me.

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