John Richards Handbuilt Armadillo Lamp FL6485

Burnsville, North Carolina artist John D. Richards creates his whimsical animal sculptures by first constructing a wire framework and then layering tissue paper over the form. The paper surface becomes a canvas for Richards’ distinctive hand-drawn imagery, patterns, words and sayings. This wonderfully expressive armadillo features a rounded, banded body, oversized eyes, upright ears, a long patterned snout and an extended striped tail. Hand-penned lines emphasize the animal’s armored shell, while words and phrases wind across its body, inviting a closer look. Wire details forming the feet add to the sculpture’s wonderfully handmade character.

Both sculpture and storytelling surface, the piece reflects Richards’ playful imagination and his ability to build considerable personality from simple materials. The result is an engaging example of contemporary North Carolina folk art with the wit and individuality characteristic of Richards’ work. He has a mischievous personality somewhere between folk animal, cartoon invention, and dreamlike beast.

When the internal light is turned on, the piece glows warmly through the paper surface, illuminating the drawings from within and turning the sculpture into a luminous lantern. Really a sculpture that happens to light up. UL approved lighting fixture. Cord off and on switch.

Measures 9" tall and about 25.5" nose to tail tip. About 5" deep. 

Ships for $25 with insurance and tracking. Does not ship outside the continental USA.