Local Artist Spreading Smiles With Whimsical Nostalgia

A couple of weeks ago, I spent a few hours at Kraftucky walking around and looking at all of the cool booths of handmade items. As an artist myself, I LOVE seeing how everybody uses their creativity to make useful or beautiful items.

Or both! Towards the end of my morning, I came upon a local artist from Ohio County whose art was right up my alley! Quirky and clever with a huge dose of nostalgia. The first thing that caught my eye was this adorable mirror decorated like a sweet treat! It looked real enough to lick the icing, but don't worry! I didn't let the intrusive thoughts win.

As I took a look around, I saw a tray of deviled eggs, pieces of pumpkin pie, and rainbow colored jello molds. They weren't just sculptures, they were clocks, postcards, and lamps! SO incredibly clever. Folks walked by and instantly smiled every single time. That's the goal.

Jeffrey Dean Abner Jr is the mastermind behind Odd Flock Designs. Decked out in a leather hat and overalls, he made and upcycled himself, this energetic and bubbly personality shared with me the inspiration behind his creations. His mama LOVED flamingos and had them decorating the front of her house.

While some misguided people would consider the hot pink yard birds to be tacky, she proudly displayed them because they brought her joy. Jeffrey honors her memory with his nostalgic art pieces. Filled with love and excitement for life, which his wonderful mother taught him.

Recently, Jeffrey shared in a post about his art, "Smile and laugh wherever and whenever you can. You never know what darkness may hide around the next cloud. You never know what people are going through, or will go through. Hug em and love em while ya got em!"

Get our free mobile app