New York New York Painting by Ashley Buttercup

Painting: Acrylic on Canvas.

Painting: Acrylic, Black & White on Canvas.

The Archie Collection was created with my grandfather in mind, Archie "Honey" Perry. Honey, is a fiercely devoted and kind man; someone I deeply cherish and respect. He had his own business painting houses and retired when he was 80. Now at 93, he enjoys telling his life stories to anyone who will listen. To truly understand the type of man Archie Perry is, you have to understand the juxtaposition of his character. Honey is the type of man who will tell a joke with a mischievous grin or something but also a man who loved eating a single leaf of lettuce before bed and tucks you in bed with a king size candy bar. Just like real honey, he’s both sticky and sweet.



When deciding on what to do for my new collection, I thought about Honey. I thought about his firmness while still being gentle. The swirls in this collection are careful and thoughtful, but are interrupted by sticky glob of white paint; leftover house paint, just like what Honey use to paint with. The layers of texture are solid and soft. Each piece is named after a Sinatra song because Honey used to blast Frank Sinatra when he’d go on drives with his family, and it evokes a feeling of nostalgia. This collection encompasses the spirit of my grandfather which I've translated in my painting as balance; joy in contradiction