Benjamin Franklin was born in Milk Street, Boston, on January 6, 1706. His father, Josiah Franklin, was a tallow chandler who married twice, and of his seventeen children Benjamin was the youngest son. Ben would eventually settle in Philadelphia.
Description:
1998 mixed media
14'h x 7'w x 9'd
A two sided wooden cutout stands above Ben representing his double agent role (first for England, then France), floats above a pool of water representing his birthplace on a bay and the ocean that separated his two main residences and his other maritime events. An urban colonial garden surround Franklin.
Concepts:
Oil Painting: Central figure and surrounding upright.
Country Item: Antique American key from his time period.
Contracted Art: Neon and the motorized kite.
Pun: The title merges his loves of science (electricity via lightening) and writing with printing: "Light 'n' Ink".
