June 2nd was yet another day that warrants two emails. It was a photo-o-thon and especially in the afternoon. After hanging with Wild Bill we set off for what can only be called one of Folk Art and Outsider Art's most sought-out sites -- The Whirligigs of Vollis Simpson.
I have been aware of this man's work for close to 20 years. In the mid-eighties I bought "Self Made Worlds" that featured him and his work. My love for outsider/naive/folk/visionary art has been part of my artist's soul and inspiration for many many years. My desire to see this man's kinetic sculpture has haunted me for years. When would this Colorado boy/man ever be in a field in North Carolina? It was a dream that seemed to remain only that -- forever a dream. Well, yesterday that dream became a reality.
The quest for words continues and yesterday forced the issue once again. The word for the day is "stupendous" and that's an understatement. After some serious driving around in circles, we called a phone number that appeared in our research. We spoke to Vollis' wife and she guided us toward his workshop (note they call it a workshop not snooty artist studio).
Come around a tree canopied corner, we found ourselves beneath the first of Mr. Simpson's whirligig wonders. Then moving to a small parking area, we were in complete mouth agape awe at the scale and number of these truly unique "windmills." My hands were literally shaking as I dug the camera out (not the small pocket Konica/Minolta - this called for the full blast Nikon and lenses). Like the first time one sees the Grand Canyon (an apt comparison), it's hard to know where to begin or focus one's eyes. There is a large hedge and ivy covered fence enclosing the majority of the pieces in one field.
Mrs. Simpson told us to go up to the shop and Vollis will be glad to see us and tell us how to get closer to the work. Well there he was, hard at work welding, grinding and pounding away. At first it was hard to get his attention but finally he saw me and said "Howdy" and beckoned us to come up. After a handshake he headed into the big building to turn on lights in the "garage". He returned to work and we gingerly moved past his still hot current creation into a very unexpected explosion of color and movement. The garage is where Vollis keeps all the pieces that are for sale. The once active work zone of engines, steel and tools was now a gallery of sorts. In direct and marvelous juxtaposition to massive piles of rusting metal were hundreds of brightly painted sculptures. Most had moving components that seemed anxious for wind. Like cats and dogs at the shelter, these kinetic treasures were just begging to have someone take them home. We spent some time pondering such an adoption but Rodney was also antsy to get out into that field of the big kahoonas.
Susan inquired about prices and then we were aimed at the gate into the domain of the large pieces. It is awesome! Really dear friends, this cannot be described and the photos are pathetic attempts at capturing what cannot be confined to 2 dimensions. Sadly (actually there was nothing sad about this day) there was no wind. The occasional breeze hinted at the potential movement looming above. Many pieces have rusted and perhaps are not as flexible as they once had been (who is?). Vollis told us later that all but one of the large pieces had survived 5 Hurricanes with Fran having tumbled one big piece in '96. Time has never been better spent than the hour or so we wandered beneath this visual art circus.
Now about the man -- Vollis Simpson: Truth is we did not even know if he was still alive. He has to be getting up there. Well, he is 92 and still doing far more than sitting on the sofa. In spite of knees that make walking very painful and difficult, he works on his art everyday. He drives a few miles from his home and then get from the truck into his workshop. Getting to meet the man was an honor. Being able to watch him work and chat with him was a privilege beyond any dream. His engineering abilities and welding skills are only surpassed by his creativity and sense of humor. His work ethic knows few peers and his devotion to his art could serve as a role model for every artist I've ever known. He is very well known and genuinely famous in many circles. All this said, it all pales in comparison to his sincerity, authenticity and salt of the earth spirit. This is an amazing man. Like our spending time with Joseph Minter and M.T. Liggett, having met Vollis Simpson makes us better people. The words gratitude and thanks are not strong enough.
One last note: A few people have asked me how Oddasee will change my art? Some have wondered how all the art and visual wonders will alter my own vision. Truth is, the artists and people we have met will have far greater impact than anything I've seen. I am impressed, inspired and deeply moved by these incredible artists and human beings. I am in awe. I am truly proud to be an artist and will delve deeper into expressing my thoughts and feelings. I will continue painting with renewed conviction, devotion and appreciation.
Susan too speaks of how these people are affecting her. She is changing her ideals and self-expectations for her own potential. Her art eyes are evolving and her art heart is touched by these remarkable living treasures. She is collecting images and ideas for a potential "memory" quilt of our Oddasee.
Love and Awe,
Rodney and Susan
ps. In the last picture you will see my new treasure.... my very own Vollis Simpson whirligig. After our visit, Susan (aka: Hot Babe Oddasee co-conspirator and sweet breath of life) went back to the workshop and bought me this magical little wind craving airplane.
Life is good. I am happy.
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