Scavenger Art - Mark Orr - Michigan

We love Mark Orr's work. Orr likes to place carved wooden ravens or crows on each piece, as the "symbolic gatherer of found objects and messengers of new possibilities, holding in their beaks antique skeleton keys to symbolize the 'opening of doors'." Orr might feature a pair of vintage dice representing chance or even fate. Hand painted wood eggs suggests new beginnings, potential and ancestry. A vintage watch might remind us of "our place in the universe." His popular ravens are often perched on carved wood hearts, balanced on vintage billiard balls and atop a variety of found architectural antiques.

Mark Orr tells us that he's been an artist all of his life, with the scavenger art series being a little more recent in a longer continuum. As he descirbies it, "the artistic process begins in unique places. Much of the fun is in visiting antique shops, salvage yards and flea markets in search of inspirational artifacts. These are things that have survived the ravages and purges of time because they 'spoke' of something special to someone. That personal meaning and the spirit which is preserved lends itself to and hopefully finds new meaning in my art. To blend the old with the new materials, I use many techniques including paint layering, distressing, crackle finishes and patinas. Another key aspect of my work is a sense of humor. By using found objects in unexpected ways my art produces lots of smiles and amused chuckles. Bowling pins, croquet balls and stair balusters become legs, antique shutters become the sides of cabinets and the tops to tables. Sometimes when I finish a piece and take that first look....if it makes me laugh out loud, then I know I’ve got something!”

Orr tells us more about his one-of-a-kind furniture works: The art furniture which was the heart of Scavenger Art's origin is now available for custom orders only. Here, vintage architectural elements and found objects from the past are playfully combined in surprising ways to create functional art furniture and one of a kind sculptures. Antique shutters become the sides of curio cabinets or book cases and the tops to both sofa and side tables. Vintage stairway balusters, bowling pins, croquet balls and fence posts become whimsical feet and legs for Mark's hutches, cabinets, tables and boxes. Scavenger Art Furniture often features a roof top and gable design to accentuate the architectural feel and sense of "home". Where new materials are used, a variety of paint techniques including distressing and crackling work to blend with the vintage found objects and maintain the primitive style. Metals are also rusted and patinated with charming results. Image shown above: one-of-a-kind custom built "Nevermore" cabinets. These can be custom built for our Gallery customers upon request.

For more information on Mark Orr's Scavenger Art, including what we might have in stock, please email or call us at 1-877-439-6554.

scavenger art, mark orr