Tom and Melissa D's grand art in Grand Rapids, MI
It started out sunny and nice, then turned to a cold rain, then back to sunny and nice. Ahhh, springtime in the midwest. After a rainy start at a small lakeside church for a soggy photo op, we headed to Grand Rapids, MI to meet Tom D and his wife and collaborator, Melissa. (and learned that Duimstra is pronounced DIME-stra, like the coin)
"Tom D" Duimstra, painter Melissa Arpin Duimstra, painter
Tom 1951-
Grand Rapids, MI
Tom first started showing is self-taught paintings in the 1980's along side Howard Finster, Mose Tolliver and other outsider art greats. A high school graduate, he never had formal training in art, although he is one of the best read artists in this field that I have ever met. (Their library of books on outsider, folk and visionary art is to be coveted)
Their styles are ever-changing and intertwining, from semi-erotic photo collages (think Bettye Page) and drawings to metal quilt-like collages, to stencil cut outs, the art never gets stuck in one place.
(Tom being interviewed in the studio aka basement)
The day also included a stop in Nunica to see a yard exhibit of a StoneHenge replica.
Downtown Grand Rapids signage
2 Vietnam Vets that wanted their picture taken