Art Appreciation
Born on May 27, 1883, in Chicago, Illinois, Jessie Hazel Arms Botke demonstrated an early affinity for art. She attended Lincoln Public School and Lakeview High School before enrolling at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1902.
During her studies, she was influenced by artists John C. Johansen and Charles Woodbury, attending Woodbury's summer school in Ogunquit, Maine. In 1909, Botke embarked on a European tour, exposing her to various art forms and styles that would later influence her work.
Botke's professional journey led her to New York City in 1911, where she joined Herter Looms, a prominent interior design firm. While there, she specialized in tapestry cartoons and decorative wall panels, notably contributing to a peacock frieze for the dining room of actress Billie Burke's residence.
She also assisted in creating murals for notable establishments, including the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. It was during this period that she developed a fascination with avian subjects, particularly white peacocks, geese, and cockatoos. In 1915, she married fellow artist Cornelis Botke, and the couple relocated to Carmel, California, in 1919, becoming integral members of its vibrant art community.
Botke's artistic style is characterized by detailed and decorative depictions of exotic birds and flora, often incorporating gold and silver leaf backgrounds—a technique inspired by Japanese screens. Her compositions frequently featured white peacocks, cockatoos, and other exotic birds set amidst lush vegetation.
Notable works include "White Peacock and Hollyhocks" and "Black Peacock and Magnolia." Her work has been exhibited in institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Santa Paula Art Museum.
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.kargesfineart.com/jessie-arms-botke
https://masterful-artists.com/jessie-arms-botke-painter-gold-leaf/
https://www.annexgalleries.com/artists/biography/244/Botke/Jessie
https://www.santapaulaartmuseum.org/jessie-arms-botke-auction-2024-3
https://www.artfixdaily.com/blogs/post/3740-the-exotic-world-of-jessie-arms-botke
https://cranbrookkitchensink.com/2019/01/11/the-peacock-in-the-hallway/
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https://www.artic.edu/artworks/74509/geese-and-hollyhocks
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57ad0e28d482e96d0a7c8ef1/t/5852fbd9d482e947810cb7e3/1481833435411/Jessie+Arms+Botke+Biography.pdf
https://www.americanfinearts.com/pages/jessie-botke-biography
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https://www.incollect.com/listings/fine-art/paintings/jessie-arms-botke-black-peacock-and-magnolia-719771
