Hellie Blythe and the Pistachio Figures in Cigar Box Vignettes

Hellie-Blythe's "The Orthodontist" Photo © B. Radisavljevic

I first saw one of Hellie Blythe's cigar box scenes at Studios on the Park in May, 2011. On my February 11, 2016 visit, there was almost an entire gallery devoted to them. If you have never seen any of these clever mixed media works of art, you really need to get to Studios on the Park soon to see Hellie Blythe's cigar box vignettes of pistachio figures engaged in some challenging and daring activities. These bits of original cigar box and pistachio shell art are bound to start many conversations wherever you  display them. It's not only the art that's clever, but the signage is also designed to make you laugh. An example is 'The Orthodontist," pictured here. Be sure and click any of these which are not full page width to enlarge them. Below is the sign that accompanied this.

Hellie-Blythe's "The Orthodontist" Photo © B. Radisavljevic

Blythe's creations cover a multitude of subjects and some may even seem to have political or social implications. The one below,"The Magician," might be considered by some to be one of these.

Hellie-Blythe's "The Magician" Photo © B. Radisavljevic

I love the detail and color in "The Mariachis," pictured below. First the overview, then a closer look at some of the detail.

Hellie-Blythe's "The Mariachis" Photo © B. Radisavljevic

Hellie-Blythe's "The Mariachis" Closer View, Photo © B. Radisavljevic

Lastly, one of my  favorites, "Don Pistachiote."

Hellie-Blythe's "Don Pisachiote," Photo © B. Radisavljevic

Don't miss this exhibit. I have only shown you examples of Hellie Blythe's work. She has used other medical themes such as "The World's First Successful Brain Transplant," and some early science themes such as "The Alchemist." She shows you a daring family of acrobats in action, "The Flying Pistachicrows." And artists are not left out of the fun, since she also has created "The Sculptor's Reception." There are many more. Photos can't really do justice to these cigar box vignettes. Don't miss seeing them in person while you can.

Learn more about Hellie Blythe here.  See what gave her the idea of working with pistachio nut shells here. 

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