The Dusky Maiden Porcelain Bust

The Dusky Maiden Porcelain Bust | Heath Wilkes

This Polynesian Dusky Maiden porcelain bust is a heartfelt tribute to the vintage hand-painted chalkware pieces that captured people's imagination during the late 1950s and 1960s. Timeless and elegant, this piece has been thoughtfully reimagined with a minimalist and refined finish, emphasizing its classic beauty.

"While in the process of writing my upcoming book, ‘McPhee’ the biography on late renowned artist & party boy Charles McPhee, I came across various photos of Tahitian models captured in the 50’s & 60’s that McPhee used to paint in his now collectible velvet paintings. Having family in Tahiti, I went about finding as much information as I could on these models whilst in Tahiti. Unknown to me one of the models in the photo was in fact a relative! I had the honor of meeting her before she passed away a few years back. Many have claimed to be the Original Dusky Maiden in Mcphees famous velvet painting… but she is the original. I have used the photo to create a sculpture artwork honoring her & Mcphees's velvet painting in my own style".

Dimensions: 
Width - 150m x Height - 230mm