When I posted a few weeks ago about baking Wally's Cookies for Smooch,
a few astute observers questioned whether I was harboring an elf in my kitchen.
a few astute observers questioned whether I was harboring an elf in my kitchen.
In a word, no. Those jolly red boots belong to my rooster...
my spur-wearing, whistle-blowing rooster.
I spotted him in a gallery in Telluride 17 years ago. Some of you may remember reading a story about that fateful ski trip. In any event, I was in the gallery hemming and hawing over two pieces that caught my eye. As I was trying to make up my mind, the salesperson suggested I simply buy both. What a good idea.
Turns out both pieces were by the same artist, Clifton Barr.
Mr. Barr clearly has a sense of humor. Meet my anatomically correct buffalo bull.
Mr. Barr clearly has a sense of humor. Meet my anatomically correct buffalo bull.
About three years later, I was gallery-hopping in Ouray, Colorado, and saw another whimsical piece of folk art that I had to have. It was only after I decided to buy it that I turned it over and found Clifton Barr's signature.
And here you were thinking you already knew all the animals that live at the 7MSN.
Here's one more...
Here's one more...
He is not signed by the artist, as he's just a lowly potholder...
...who occasionally doubles as a puppet.
Smooch isn't sure what to make of this inanimate herd,
but she's wise enough not to mess with the rooster in spurs.
VERY interesting array of animals. I got a big kick out of all of them, from the spurs on the rooster (I had one of those in real life once and his spurs looked just as threatening!) to the anatomically correct bull and the awesome cow. The potholder is a hoot and if that was at this house I know Wally would be barking and bouncing all over every time he saw it, BUT why the whistle on the rooster? There's got to be a reason for that ....
ReplyDeleteI too was a bit disturbed by the elf boots in the corner of the photo, by didn't comment on it at that time. But let me tell you: I'm now even more disturbed. That roosted looks fierce! And it has a whistle... But you have a nice collection there!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the Rooster!!! Very cool.....
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your inside gang!!
How funny is that? Love that rooster! You have such a fun taste in art.
ReplyDeleteBTW, love your new header!
I'm sure Smooch is happy you aren't harboring an elf. That would have been creepy. We love that potholder!
ReplyDeleteMr. Clifton Barr does nice work! Wouldn't it be fun to visit hie studio?
ReplyDeleteHow funny that you are drawn to that particular artist! Really nice stuff though, I can see why you love them!
ReplyDeletemmm I have been spurred by a rooster and let me tell you it hurts!
ReplyDeleteThat is hilarious! It did look like an elf. Thanks for explaining. It's really cool art! ;)
ReplyDeleteWow - I really like those! Thanks for sharing! And Smooch is one smart doggie - stay away from roosters girl - they can get mean :)
ReplyDeleteOh my, I almost peed my pants laughing at that rooster elf! With spurs! You are TOO MUCH!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat great whimsy in your indoor herd! Love the artist's work, isn't it funny how his wide variety of work attracted you?!
ReplyDeleteI've always heard that if you put boots on a rooster, they're never happy just hanging out in the coop again.
The oven mitt did me in! Thankfully I have learned NOT to drink coffee while reading your posts!
ReplyDeleteI saw "rooster" and rushed right over! Ah, yes...the "why not take both?" technique...
ReplyDeleteClearly, he's an artist whose work you're drawn to. He has a great style. Those spurs are a bit daunting, though.
I have to admit, though, I think the potholder is my favourite. :o))
I love these pieces. Do you know if he happens to have an online gallery?
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Those pieces are great! What a fun splash of color for your home. And, I love when things are anatomically correct. It kills me when they have a gelding playing a mare in a movie. Uh, hello? We can see that "she" is not a she, but rather a "he". Love the spurs on the rooster. Too cute!
ReplyDeleteI have 4 real roosters, and I must say that your Clifton Barr roo is the only rooster I'd allow in my house. lol!
ReplyDeleteYour taste in art shows your playful spirit, Linda.
~Lisa
Those are great pieces! Great taste you have. I'm going to look up that artist, thanks!
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ReplyDeletePat, I think Barr gave this rooster a whistle so he could have a way to wake everyone up if so compelled.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, all I could find for Barr on the internet was a few references to his studio in Ridgway, Colorado - it's probably a good thing he doesn't have an online gallery...my house is pretty small.
I love the bull!
ReplyDeleteI wondered the same thing about the boots! I thought maybe there was a little girl there but wasn't sure.
ReplyDeleteYou make me snicker : )
Isn't that amazing how your're drawn to the same artist's work over and over...you could be called one of his best customers!
ReplyDeleteLoved your rooster. I too was attracted to his (Clifton Barr) work as I picked up a cow recently in Tampa, FL at an estate sale. I have pictures if you'd like to see her. (utterly ridiculous)!
ReplyDeleteGallery name in Ridgeway or Telluride, Co.???
ReplyDeleteI went to an estate sale today and there was rooster just like your. The price on it was $75---is that a good deal. Looked on line for some information on the rooster but could not find anything.
ReplyDeleteHard to say. I probably paid $125 maybe for mine back in 1992? If you like it, it's a good deal.
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