Judy Kensley McKie
Judy Kensley McKie is recognized as a premiere figure in the American studio furniture movement.
Her furniture in carved and painted wood and in cast bronze, marble, stone, and resin occupies a singular position in the field. The work is infused with a lively awareness of modernist and contemporary art and also with the design aesthetic of indigenous cultures throughout the world. Playfulness and power are summoned by her incorporation of sculptural, totemic animal forms.
In addition to her whimsical furniture, McKie also produces drawings. While every piece of furniture she makes starts first as a illustration, these pieces hold their own as works of art beyond a guide for a three dimensional piece. Featuring the same animals present in her furniture, the bold lines and simple patterning of her images are reflective of the native art that inspires her. Simple but full personality, her images radiate the same sturdiness and raw energy of the animal form as her other works.
Her work has been featured in major survey exhibitions of the studio furniture field at such venues as the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, the Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in D.C. all of which hold examples of her work in their collections.
In 2005, two groups with highly trained and deep appreciation of furniture honored Judy Kensley McKie's career. The James Renwick Alliance, supporters of the national collection of decorative arts at the Smithsonian Institution, gave her its Master of the Medium Award.
Her peers in the Furniture Society, furniture makers throughout the country, presented to her its Award of Distinction, also a recognition of great achievement over time.
If our society designated national treasures, Judy would be one. Admiration of her work is universal among furniture makers, collectors, curators, and dealers and within the audience of enthusiasts who encounter her marvels in museums and galleries, in both fine arts and craft contexts.
Pony Table, 2017, cast bronze (edition of 8), 40.5x42x14"> Inquire Wagging Dog Chair, 2006, cast bronze (edition of 12), 37x18x26"> Inquire Cat Chair, 2012, cast bronze (edition of 8), 28x17x19"> Inquire Monkey Table, 2018, cast bronze, glass (edition of 12), 28.5x54x20"> Inquire Crocodile Bench, 2018, cast bronze (edition of 8), 18x47x18"> Inquire Swan Side Table, 2018, cast bronze (edition of 8), 29.5x48x16"> Inquire Turtle Table, 2018, cast bronze (edition of 8), 17x41x15" Sold> Inquire Fern Stool/Table, 2018, cast bronze (edition of 8), 18x18x18"> Inquire Vase with Ferns, 2018, cast bronze (edition of 8), 29.5x13x13"> Inquire Vase with Pointed Leaves, 2018, cast bronze (edition of 8), 33.5x11x11"> Inquire Alligator Tray, 2018, carved basswood, milk paint, 1x15x19.5" Sold> Inquire Flower Coffee Table, 2017, carved basswood, milk paint, 18.25x35.25x21.25"> Inquire Blanket Chest with Trees, 2017, carved basswood, 29.5x31x19"> Inquire Blanket Chest with Birds, 2017, carved basswood, 31.25x36.25x22.25"> Inquire Blanket Chest with Foliage, 2017, carved basswood, 29.5x31x19" Sold> Inquire Flower Cabinet, 2017, carved basswood, milk paint, 47.25x30.75x17.5" Sold> Inquire Painted Blanket Chest with Leaves, 2017, carved basswood, milk paint, 29.5x31x19" Sold> Inquire Cactus Mirror, 2017, carved basswood, mirror, 24x24x1.5"> Inquire Mirror with Leaves, 2017, carved basswood, mirror, 24x24x1.5"> Inquire Abstract Mirror, 2017, carved basswood, mirror, 24x24x1.5" Sold> Inquire Mirror with Vines, 2017, carved basswood, mirror, 24x24x1.5"> Inquire Mirror with Birds, 2017, basswood, milk paint, mirror, 24x24x1" Sold> Inquire File Cabinet with Squares, 2013, carved basswood, milk paint, 30x52x17"> Inquire Beagle Side Table, 2012, cast bronze (edition of 8), 21x36x14"> Inquire Flower Mirror, 2012, carved basswood, 27x18x1" Sold> Inquire Urn with Flowers, 2012, cast bronze (edition of 8), 24x15x15"> Inquire Anteater Bench, 2012, cast bronze (edition of 8), 16x66x24"> Inquire Anteater Bench (detail), 2012, cast bronze (edition of 8), 16x66x24"> Inquire Head to Tail Bowl, 2012, cast bronze (edition of 8), 6x11x6"> Inquire Umbrella Stand, 2012, cast bronze (edition of 8), 24x15x15"> Inquire Crane Coffee Table, 2012, cast bronze (edition of 8), 18x40x30"> Inquire Bronze Bowl with Snakes, 2010, cast bronze (edition of 8), 3x13x8.5"> Inquire Dog Bites Tail , 2010, cast bronze (edition of 8), 18x42.5x18"> Inquire Helping Hands Vase, 2009, cast bronze (edition of 12), 12.5x5x5"> Inquire Bird Bowl, 2009, cast bronze (edition of 12), 6x14x10" Sold> Inquire Dove Door Handles, 2009, cast bronze (edition of 12), 18x4.5x2"> Inquire Helping Hands Candlesticks, 2009, cast bronze (edition of 12), 10x3x2"> Inquire Snake Candlesticks, 2009, cast bronze (edition of 12), 12x5x3"> Inquire Round Hound Table, 2009, cast bronze (edition of 8), 16x40x40"> Inquire Horse Side Table, 2007, cast bronze (edition of 8), 42x38x12"> Inquire Helping Hands Bookends, 2006, cast bronze (edition of 32), 7.5x4.5x4"> Inquire Moose Rack, 2006, cast bronze (edition of 32), 20x35x6"> Inquire Bird Settee, 2006, cast bronze (edition of 12), 36x60x28"> Inquire Cat and Dog Chair, 2006, cast bronze (edition of 12), 37x17x24"> Inquire Timid Dog Table, 2004, cast bronze (edition of 12), 17x56x18"> Inquire Ibis Hall End Table, 2004, cast bronze (edition of 12), 35.5x48x22"> Inquire Drum Table, 2003, cast bronze (edition of 12), 23x23.5"> Inquire Anteater Side Tables, 2003, cast bronze (edition of 16), 17x28x18"> Inquire Opossum Door Handles, 2003, cast bronze (edition of 32), 3.25x19.5x2.5"> Inquire Wild Beast Bench, 2003, cast bronze (edition of 9), 16x68x18"> Inquire Fish Bowl, 2002, cast bronze (edition of 35), 2x18x18"> Inquire Owl Vessel, 2002, cast bronze (edition of 16), 44x14x14"> Inquire Lynx Desk, 1998, cast bronze (edition of 12), 49x79x44"> Inquire Lizard Door Knocker, 1997, cast bronze (edition of 32), 18x5x2.25"> Inquire Snake Shelves, 1994, cast bronze (edition of 32), 10x84x6.25"> Inquire Snake Shelves, 1994, cast bronze (edition of 32), 10x84x6.25"> Inquire Circle Table, 1994, carved and painted walnut, 29x47x47" Sold> Inquire Swan Sconce, 1993, cast bronze (edition of 32), 21.5x13x4"> Inquire
Judy Kensley McKie
Judy Kensley McKie is recognized as a premiere figure in the American studio furniture movement.
Her furniture in carved and painted wood and in cast bronze, marble, stone, and resin occupies a singular position in the field. The work is infused with a lively awareness of modernist and contemporary art and also with the design aesthetic of indigenous cultures throughout the world. Playfulness and power are summoned by her incorporation of sculptural, totemic animal forms.
In addition to her whimsical furniture, McKie also produces drawings. While every piece of furniture she makes starts first as a illustration, these pieces hold their own as works of art beyond a guide for a three dimensional piece. Featuring the same animals present in her furniture, the bold lines and simple patterning of her images are reflective of the native art that inspires her. Simple but full personality, her images radiate the same sturdiness and raw energy of the animal form as her other works.
Her work has been featured in major survey exhibitions of the studio furniture field at such venues as the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, the Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in D.C. all of which hold examples of her work in their collections.
In 2005, two groups with highly trained and deep appreciation of furniture honored Judy Kensley McKie's career. The James Renwick Alliance, supporters of the national collection of decorative arts at the Smithsonian Institution, gave her its Master of the Medium Award.
Her peers in the Furniture Society, furniture makers throughout the country, presented to her its Award of Distinction, also a recognition of great achievement over time.
If our society designated national treasures, Judy would be one. Admiration of her work is universal among furniture makers, collectors, curators, and dealers and within the audience of enthusiasts who encounter her marvels in museums and galleries, in both fine arts and craft contexts.