the healing machine

the healing machine , individual component, baling wire, aluminum foil

This post is about Emery Blagdon's Healing Machine.

the artist believed that his art could cure people

When Emery Blagdon was 48, he started building the healing machine and continued for 31 years until he died in 1986.  He lived in Nebraska and created an environment in a shed creating sculptures made of baling wire, aluminum foil, hand-painted lightbubs, salts, and bright paintings of geometric shapes.

Blagdon believed he was sensitive to electrical current and was investigating the curative powers of  this unseen force.  He hoped that the objects he made might ease human pain and suffering.

Portrait of Emergy Blagdon with his works in progress by Sally and Richard Greenhill 1979

In 1979, a couple from England, Sally and Richard Greenhill, came to Nebraska to photograph the artist.

view of Emery Blagdon's shed with installation of more than 300 hanging and standing sculptures made from bailing wire and aluminum foil

After his death, Emery Blagdon's work was collected together by his friends, including Dan Dryden.  The Kohler foundation acquired the work in 2004 and after conservation, it became part of the John Kohler Arts Center's permanent colleciton.  This includes the workshop and 400 constructions, paintings, and other components.  It is on view until July 1 2018.

It is fascinating that he had the idea that static electricity and its emanating aura would cure those who experience both physical and emotional suffering and so created these fantastical objects.

painted light bulbs

painted wood with nails and thread

His paintings of concentric circles and angualr lines seem to generate power and reflect it outwards.

the healing machine indvidual component, baling wire, wood, aluminum foil sculpture by Emery Blagdon

Astonishing
Here is another article about this artist, and an audio.

a visionary art environment

I was most attracted to the sculptures that used masses of repeated small and interesting shapes.  These were carefully placed within each of the "pretties" (his word for the individual components) so that they channel the earth's natural magnetic energy.  Read more here.

I had to go experience this exhibition twice and still walked away in awe.  

counting my blessings

counting my blessings   1999  about 80" x 90"  velveteen, cotton, chenille threads, machine pieced, hand applique, hand embroidery, hand quilting.

The vertical panel in the middle is like a child's counting book.  one - two  - three - four
We have four children.

On the back of the quilt I wrote the names of mother artists with more than two children.  Two writers:  Alice Munro  - 3 kids and Carol Shields -  5 kids

two visual artists:  painter Mary Pratt - 4 children , sculptor Barbara Hepworth - triplets

Looking for role models, I read about their lives to find out how they balanced their blessings with their creativity.