Valerie Skinner

Fraktur Artist

Artist Statement: I started drawing from an early age and always had an interest and passion for old world skills such as ink drawing, painting, soap making, sewing and needlecraft, woodworking, leather craft, gardening, etc. In high school my art teacher was an amazing inspiration and encouraged me to to join my first art competition; my artwork placed and went on a statewide gallery tour. I spent many years raising my family and engaging in other pursuits but all the while I continued developing skills and my own personal artistic style. In 1994 I attended my first 18th century event as an artisan and over the past 25+ years I continue to love the expressions of Colonial American society.

My work is inspired by traditional art found in Colonial and European society during the 18th century. The research for my work originates from many artistic expressions- paintings, folk art, fraktur, needlework, pottery and ceramics, school girl art, chap books, prints and woodcuts. My present interests include the use of graphite, ink, watercolor, acrylics, oils, reverse glass painting, verre eglomise and wood carving skills that make the foundation for my reproduction hand fans.

My research includes recognized artists such as Hogarth, Sandby, female artists of the time Eunice Pinney and Mary Delaney, as well as various Fraktur artists. The majority of inspiration for my work however, comes from the many unknown and anonymous voices of the 1700’s. My recent focus of research involves everyday art skills of women in the 1700’s. Not considered artists, they created and captured the art found in daily living and were the influence of new trends and styles. The expectations for these women was to become accomplished in many creative skills as part of their role in society and they become an influence of fashion, home decor, gardening, and social gatherings.

Although I live in the modern world, my skill and style are continually challenged to express the life, beauty and simplicity of the 18th century artisan.

-Valerie Skinner