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Carol Ameche (1932-1991) Wisconsin Artist

Most likely it was Ameche’s kitchen that was the inspiration for the still life below. It is a fusion of objects in the kitchen interior; vegetables, vessels and the braided hot pad hanging on the wall. All the objects are interwoven in equal color density, Ameche understands her medium as well as her painting style and works convincingly within their limitations. She creates a very unusual and original painting from very common and ordinary items; the kitchen still life is titled “Kitchen Arrangement”. Each brushstroke has meaning, strength and vitality, yet some are twisted brushstrokes which reverberates oneness with the kitchen counter.

"Kitchen Arrangement"
Signed Lower Right: Carol Ameche
Acrylic on Canvas 32" X 24"

As an artist, Ameche demonstrated her artistic influences laying down bright colors with flat plane configurations. The kitchen counter is simple and straightforward, and it is filled with daily activity. It is almost post impressionistic, she uses violet, light lilac, orchid, pink-lilac, amethyst, and gentle orange, with a touch of forest green. The dark purple is known in Europe as aubergine and the eggplants are the central focus of the composition.

The counter is stark, almost minimalistic, she has reduced the clutter. Each element; the cup, the spoon, the mid-century wallpaper, play contributing roles as best supporting objects to the eggplants. With the gyrations of the wallpaper, the pot holder and the potted plant, the painting looks richly balanced. It is her artistic training and her understanding of color theory and spatial relationships of objects that puts forth this vigorous composition.

Ameche was born Carol Lorraine Johnson in 1932. She married Ray M. Ameche of Kenosha, WI. The famous tv and movie star Don Ameche was also from Kenosha. Don Ameche is best known for his role in the 1985 film “Cocoon”. It is not known if they were distant relatives, but it was a recognized name in Wisconsin, which added to her appeal.

Newspaper records of Carol Ameche’s artistic accomplishments from both Kenosha and Racine announced her awards in both watercolors and acrylics over the years. In the tenth annual Wisconsin watercolor exhibit, the jury recommended that the Wustum Museum purchase her submitted painting; another article reveals that her work has been exhibited at the Wustum Museum. Likewise, yet another story tells how she will share the prize money with other artists. Before her early death at age 59 in 1991, she had already left her mark regionally. Her early death impacted her artistic legacy, leaving art historians wanting further information on her full portfolio of work. This is just one such example!!

References:
Born in Kenosha, Carol Lorraine Ameche (B. 10 April, 1932 - D. 13 Dec., 1991) nee: Johnson; Died at 59; Married: Ray M. Ameche, Divorced: 1971.
  • Kenosha News, Carol Ameche (Obit, Announcement), Dec. 15, 1991, P. 12.
    • Artist, Display artworks at a number of local art shows.
    • Attended local schools.
    • Worked for the Sales Promotional Department of Snap-On Tools for 20 years.
  • Kenosha News, Kenoshans in Area Arts, Jan. 10, 1984, Unlisted Author.
  • Kenosha News, Art News, June 9, 1977, P. 21.
    • Articles and Obituary Below:
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    ©2021. Waller-Yoblonsky Fine Art is a research collaborative, working to track artists that got lost and overlooked due to time, changing styles, race, gender and/or sexual orientation. Our frequent blogs highlight artists and art movements that need renewed attention with improved information for the researcher and art collectors. The photos and blog was created by Mr. Waller and all written materials were obtained by the Fair Use Section 107 of The Copyright Act. #waller-yoblonskyblogspot #walleryoblonskyblogspot #carolameche










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