Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am a sucker for the plastic pink flamingos associated with trailer parks and beach communities. They're the ultimate in kitsch. Plus, I love the story of their invention.
The now ubiquitous symbol of suburban satisfaction was invented by sculptor Don Featherstone in 1957. It's a real rags to riches story. While at a nearby art school in Massechusetts, Featherstone was hired by the Union Plastics Company to sculpt a flamingo for production. He dubbed his creation Pheonicopterus ruber plasticus. And the rest is history. The success of the iconic bird propelled Featherstone to the presidency of the company. He died a wealthy man in 2015.
The flamingo pool floaty depicted in this painting was tugging at me during a recent stay at hosts house in the Florida Keys. I couldn't resist. Even though it's not pink, it's super kitschy.
Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am a sucker for the plastic pink flamingos associated with trailer parks and beach communities. They're the ultimate in kitsch. Plus, I love the story of their invention.
The now ubiquitous symbol of suburban satisfaction was invented by sculptor Don Featherstone in 1957. It's a real rags to riches story. While at a nearby art school in Massechusetts, Featherstone was hired by the Union Plastics Company to sculpt a flamingo for production. He dubbed his creation Pheonicopterus ruber plasticus. And the rest is history. The success of the iconic bird propelled Featherstone to the presidency of the company. He died a wealthy man in 2015.
The flamingo pool floaty depicted in this painting was tugging at me during a recent stay at hosts house in the Florida Keys. I couldn't resist. Even though it's not pink, it's super kitschy.