Popular Hobby (2024)

Elise Manlove

Popular Hobby (2024)
Flowers.

Inspired by: 

Clifford Manlove (Grandfather, 1917-2015)

Window to the World (Early 2000s)
Glass, wood frame.
11"x19”

As a child, summers were spent at my grandparents' home in Dexter, Missouri. A month of fishing, mowing the lawn, picking blackberries, chasing fireflies, and following my grandpa around. Grandpa Manlove was a busy man – famous in his community for supporting everyone, no matter how big or small the task. He was Dexter’s small-town hero, manager of the tiny airport, yoga instructor, Boy Scout leader, Foster parent, and volunteered at the local Stars and Stripes Museum. When he wasn’t supporting the town, he putzed around home and focused on his stained glass hobby. For such a busy man, I’m grateful he still made time for art and solitude. In My grandfather’s words: “Some years back I was out in Colorado in Steamboat Springs, and this was a popular hobby. So I just got onto the idea; I got started with it.”

Like my grandpa, I am a my best when the community I love in Lower Haight is thriving. Sometimes, because of this – and the demands of running a small buisness – I take on too much. For this art piece, I wanted to channel my grandpa’s lifestyle. I made time to design and connect with my artistic self in solitude. When designing “Popular Hobby”, I just got started with it. I rarely know what I’m going to create until it’s happening. I love the freedom of working with flowers. Nothing is permanent, materials can be moved or shifted. This one is for Grandpa Manlove.

When you purchase this arrangement, you’ll be able to pick up your own fresh arrang ement anytime while the show is up. I will use similar colors and flowers, but each will be somewhat unique.