John R. Iampieri

John Iampieri was our featured invited artist during July & August 2012

A BALTIMORE STORY

BRIEF HISTORY OF SCREEN PAINTING

LOCAL ARTIST/JOHN R IAMPIERI

 

The unique tradition of painting on screens has long been considered an indigenous form of folk art.   

In 1913,William Octavek, a Czechoslovakian grocer and artist was concerned about his wilting outdoor produce display during Baltimore’s hot and humid summer days.  So he moved his fruits and vegetables inside and painted pictures of his merchandise on the screens outside of his storefront.  His customers noticed they could not see inside the store from the outside during the day,  but once inside, as they looked out it was as if there was nothing on the screen at all!  A few days later a customer came to him with a picture from a calendar and asked him to reproduce that picture on her screen door.  Soon the entire neighborhood had him painting screen windows and doors as well.  Before you knew it, there were self taught artists painting screens on doors and windows every couple of blocks.

A new art form was born!  In a few decades, by the 1940’s, there were over 300,000 painted screens on doors and windows throughout Baltimore. Alas, with the advent of air-conditioning this magical folk art fell into decline.  Today there are still a few artists from Baltimore continuing this rich tradition.

John R Iampieri, a local artist residing in Bishopville for over  20 years remembers the magic of these functional screens growing up in Baltimore as a child.  Today, the artist uses the techniques of the original masters and creates hand painted screens on windows, doors, entire porches, and as wall art. He will create any size to accommodate your interest.  He ships these gems rolled up to you on high quality UV treated super vinyl screen worldwide.  If you live on eastern shore he can install them for you at your home or business or you can call Screenmobile and they can install it for you.  John uses industrial grade primers and acrylic paints and coats every finished screen with a two or more coats of polycrylic and is guaranteed for the life of the screen.  Each screen is signed and numbered by the
artist.  The screens are easily cleaned with a hose and a sponge and will last for years.  Try the magic for yourself!

These original art pieces start as low as $50.00.