Birds, Boats and Roadways : A New Collection by Philip Bennett Walker
What does the Florida Turnpike, Fresh Mayport Shrimp, a Shrimp Boat and Pelican have in common?
Here's a hint: they were all painted recently by Philip Bennett Walker.
The ol' Florida boy is getting back to his roots in this new series of original artwork.
If anyone's been packed in a car filled to the brim with family, luggage and road trip snacks, its Philip. The Florida Turnpike is home to many memories of himself with his two younger brothers and mom and dad, eager to get to their destination.
The road is infamous for its toll employees wearing bright Hawaiin-style shirts and views of the Everglades that slowly turn into big cities like Miami, West Palm Beach and Orlando. Although the traffic may be unforgettable, it's the nostalgic, exciting and quintessential Florida road that, for many, also brings back memories of endless summer days.
Without a doubt, this piece is iconic. Millions upon millions of Americans and tourists from abroad have driven this road that starts in Miami Gardens at the southern end, and takes you northwest to its end at I-75 near Orlando.
If you're looking for the perfect piece of art that not only adds style to your home but also familiar views and dreams of vacation, this one's for you.
Next up is Fresh Mayport Shrimp. We know it, we love it, and we eat it.
This piece is based on a photo from the sixties of a road sign in front of one of the old fish markets on Mayport Road. (Yes, Philip did a similar original several years ago, but this new one has a brighter color scheme and custom wood frame). The Mayport inlet and its old fishing village on the northeast coast of Florida is one of the few that Philips Great Grandfather, Grandfather and his brothers and their sons sold their shrimp for several generations. The image of shrimp boats clearly resonates. They are a part of Philips family's history, and he always tries to come up with new ways of portraying them.
Whether you just like shrimp or classic images tied to Old Florida, the Fresh Mayport Shrimp piece is definitely an instant classic.
...Now you can probably guess where I'm going with the next piece, Shrimp Boat. For the sake of all things shrimp and fishing related, it only made sense Philip painted this bad boy. You can spot the original hanging in its new home at ABBQ in Atlantic Beach, but don't worry because there are plenty of prints available!
Last but not least on this Florida-themed tour is Stare Down - the Pelican piece that has us absolutely obsessed. The mystery behind this creatures eyes paired with Philips intense detail and of course bright colors make this an all-around favorite!
Keeping it coastal, this piece brings you back to any fishing trip, walk on a pier, or beach day. Seeing these birds swoop in over the water and catch their prey is truly amazing and also gives somewhat prehistoric feels.
More new art will be dropping soon - so make sure to stay in the know and check back in with us! To be one of the firsts to hear about new products, events and deals subscribe to the Philip Bennett Newsletter on the homepage of the website.
