| FRANK FINNEY |
| Noted American Folk Artist & Carver |
| NEWSOM & BERDAN ANTIQUES Sole Agent For FRANK FINNEY FOLK ART |
| FRANK FINNEY FOLK ART NEWSOM & BERDAN ANTIQUES PO Box 243 Thomasville, PA 717-792-6744 newsomberdan@aol.com |
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| An Artist Revealed |
| F A N K F I N N E Y |
| Years of running the roads in search of antiques can give you an appreciation of folk art. That soulful and sometimes spiritual impact felt is hard to describe. More than fifteen years ago in Maine I purchased two carved birds, a Hummingbird and a Warbler. On the bottom of these two carvings, was the stamp, "Frank Finney" There was no information about the carver, but my wife, Betty, and I, admired the fine carving and paint. It wasn't until a number of years ago, after showing the hummingbird to a friend who was visiting, that we discovered more about Frank Finney. This led to an introduction, a business alliance, and most important, a friendship. |
| Well known in the decoy world for restoring decoys, including ducks, geese and shorebirds for over thirty years. During this time, Frank would do carvings and folk art of his own. Over the years many of these pieces have found their way into collections and museums, most times unattributed. Only in the last few years has Frank Finney, his art and carvings, come to the attention of the folk art world. Signed Frank Finney pieces have been sold at Sotheby's Americana Auctions in New YorK. In their January 2009 Americana Sale, Sotheby's sold two lots of Frank Finney carvings, also publishing Frank Finney's Biography. |
During that first visit, it became apparent that there was much more to Frank Finney. He went to his attic to retrieve an old tin box. Inside the box were personal items, old photographs and a group of small, fine carvings of exotic wood, bone, ivory, and shell. They must have been carved by sailors on some long voyage or perhaps on a whaling ship, gifts for loved ones back home, collected by Frank on his travels, or even possibly from a Sea Captain's home right here on the southern coast. |
Stored in this tin box all these years, Frank explained how he valued these items. Incredibly, he had carved these when he was a young man, using his pocket knife. |
Whether it is family background, his extensive travels through out the world, strong religious and spiritual belief or a combination of all, I have found that there are no limits to Frank Finney's abilities. Working in any medium, if he can envision it, Frank Finney can bring it to the world of folk art. |
On that first visit with Frank and Mary Finney an alliance was formed. For Betty and I, it is exciting and a privilege to handle the Folk Art that Frank & Mary Finney create. It is important that Frank Finney and his work is known. In the historical past, much background of important folk artists, is vague, sometimes non existent or lost. For Frank and Mary it is time to concentrate on their Art, and to follow the inspiration that each day brings. Together we are proud to Introduce You to FRANK FINNEY FOLK ART. Michael Newsom Newsom & Berdan Antiques |
| Reverse: Frank busy picking a bunch of flowers |
| Turtle Snuff Box Hinged Top & Carved Interior Cow Bone 1972 |
| Porpoise Mustache Comb 1965 |
| Swan Pipe of Deer Horn, Abalone, & European Brier 1963 |
| Painted by Frank & Mary Finney Private Collection |