Sara Caswell-Pearce

I first encountered Charley Harper’s whimsical artwork in a wall calendar. His style is mid-century modern with solid lines and bold colors. His images of wildlife are stylish and sweet. I can see why designer Todd Oldham was taken with it and incorporated it into his designs. What I did not know until I picked up this book is that his wife, Edie, was a great talent herself.

This book is an extension of an exhibit that was when an old foot locker was opened to reveal the early works of Charley and Edie. Starting with their items from art school and moving into the early years of their marriage – spanning from 1940 to 1967. It is fascinating to see them both blossom in their works, each trying on different art styles and techniques. Many times, you can see their images side by side and can tell how they informed each other’s works.

I loved learning about their friendship in art school, Charley’s time in World War II Europe and his return to Edie, his try at a school in New York and hating it, and their honeymoon tour of the United States while taking photographs and painting what they encountered. Their lives and story is as endearing as their art.… (más)