When I saw the piece above, I forgot what I was doing and just stared up at it. I was at last year’s Architectural Digest Design Show, and as you can imagine, the show can be a little overwhelming. Beautiful, fascinating, amazing, but still a lot all at once. But in a sea of beautiful things, this beauty stood (dog) head and shoulders above the rest. While packing the other day, I came across the artist’s card while packing up my home office, and as soon as I saw the fine fellow above, I was once again in love.

Originally inspired by 19th century scrimshaw carvings, Nantucket-born sculptor Mark A. Perry began his career exploring traditional American folk forms. While his work has certainly moved into the current century, it is often referred to as sophisticated folk art, and it is instantly clear how it gets that label. While he’s certainly got one foot in the past, his pieces have a distinctly modern feel. I absolutely adore Perry’s blend of sass and history and steampunk and Americana. Hope you do, too!

All images property of Mark A. Perry.