I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My father was a mortician and my mother a historian and biblical scholar who taught funeral history. From her, I inherited a passion and love of history and from my father...strong character, a good work ethic and a very quirky sense of humour. Try to imagine a brighter more successful Ralph Kramden married to Hypatia and you'll get the picture.
In 1972 I graduated from Ivy School of Professional Art and soon followed my heart to Ontario, Canada. I began my professional career as a cartoonist and book illustrator. I dabbled in acting and worked in publishing. By 1985 I began work as a giftware sculptor and created delightful miniature sandcastles sculpted in clay and produced in coloured sand. These castles have been sold all over the world.
In 1986 I started “Wee Back Door Designs” a small advertising agency, specializing in graphic design, packaging and illustration. I had great clients like McDonald's, Eatons, Burger King, Regal Greetings and Canadian Tire to name a few.
Along the way, I had the opportunity to teach at George Brown College in Toronto and Georgian College in Barrie.
I taught graphic design and computer production and all things MAC. Teaching is a very satisfying career!
Oh did I mention, I love my MAC?
In 2003 I started Whimsikatz Painted Furniture. Using ‘found’ furniture, I was able to utilize all my talents in a medium that combines my gift of sculpting, cartooning and illustration, in a childlike vision of everyday objects.
In 2007 I began to build 1/12 scale doll houses, fulfilling another life long passion...a love of miniatures. Built into 'found' furniture, these dollhouses are playful, humorous, and unique.
Building doll houses allows me the greatest fantasy artistically, that I could imagine. I can build and create in miniature the history that I have read in books. And I can offer the opportunity for others to share this experience by filling these houses with miniatures and making a mini 'house' into a 'home'.
I have three cats and I love to travel. My favorite places? Supermarkets, museums and graveyards.
Over the years my hobbies have become my career, which, by anyone's reckoning...is pretty cool!
Below are a few samples of my work. You can visit my linkedin page for my complete profile,
or check out my professional portfolio site at judewaples.wordpress.com
In 1972 I graduated from Ivy School of Professional Art and soon followed my heart to Ontario, Canada. I began my professional career as a cartoonist and book illustrator. I dabbled in acting and worked in publishing. By 1985 I began work as a giftware sculptor and created delightful miniature sandcastles sculpted in clay and produced in coloured sand. These castles have been sold all over the world.
In 1986 I started “Wee Back Door Designs” a small advertising agency, specializing in graphic design, packaging and illustration. I had great clients like McDonald's, Eatons, Burger King, Regal Greetings and Canadian Tire to name a few.
Along the way, I had the opportunity to teach at George Brown College in Toronto and Georgian College in Barrie.
I taught graphic design and computer production and all things MAC. Teaching is a very satisfying career!
Oh did I mention, I love my MAC?
In 2003 I started Whimsikatz Painted Furniture. Using ‘found’ furniture, I was able to utilize all my talents in a medium that combines my gift of sculpting, cartooning and illustration, in a childlike vision of everyday objects.
In 2007 I began to build 1/12 scale doll houses, fulfilling another life long passion...a love of miniatures. Built into 'found' furniture, these dollhouses are playful, humorous, and unique.
Building doll houses allows me the greatest fantasy artistically, that I could imagine. I can build and create in miniature the history that I have read in books. And I can offer the opportunity for others to share this experience by filling these houses with miniatures and making a mini 'house' into a 'home'.
I have three cats and I love to travel. My favorite places? Supermarkets, museums and graveyards.
Over the years my hobbies have become my career, which, by anyone's reckoning...is pretty cool!
Below are a few samples of my work. You can visit my linkedin page for my complete profile,
or check out my professional portfolio site at judewaples.wordpress.com
All work on this site is ©Jude Waples 2013