Fine Art Portfolio

Design Portfolio

Art Curriculum Vitae

Design Resume

Home

Beadwork

Mythology

Sideshow

Fantastic Creatures

Commission Work

The Great Lentini was the first in this series of nine mixed-media sculptures depicting historic sideshow people. I have long been interested in freaks and their lives, since reading at an early age the book The Two about Chang and Eng Bunker, the original Siamese twins. Freaks have, for the most part, an extraordinary acceptance of themselves often lacking in so-called "normal" people. Most people have some part of their body they hate, be it a pot belly, big nose, or odd ears, and are perpetually trying to change themselves. On the other hand, sideshow people of the past (for the most part) accepted themselves as God made them and saw the potential for a lucrative career. Free from an institution, they could meet others like themselves and form bonds of friendship and even love. I intend this sculpture series to be an homage to these extraordinary & wonderful people. Click on a thumbnail below to see a larger, more detailed image.

Francesci Lentini-- The King of the Freaks,  wood, leather, fabric, paint 20"x71"x20"	Johnny Eck and Prince Randian-- The Half Boy and the Caterpillar Man wood, leather, fabric, paint 23"x72"x6.5"	William Henry Johnson-- Zip the "What is it?" wood, leather, fabric, paint 18"x72"x13.5"
Julia Pastrana--The Bearded Lady wood, leather, fabric, paint 13"x69"x13"	Horace Ridler--The Great Omi wood, leather, fabric, stain, beads, sequins 19"x73"x19"	Robert Pershing Wadlow-- The Tallest Man Who Ever Lived wood, leather, fabric, varnish, metal 16"x72"x16"
Baby Thelma--The Fat Lady wood, leather, fabric, paint, metal 16"x72"x16"	Alejandra Podesta-- The Dwarf Equestrienne wood, leather, fabric, paint 19"x75"x19"	Minnie Woolsey-- Koo-Koo the Bird Girl wood, leather, fabric, paint 17"x73"x15"
Chang and Eng--The Original Siamese Twins wood, leather, fabric, paint 18"x74"x21"

Contact me at holleybak@yahoo.com with any questions, comments, or praise.