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John Dunnan

John Dunnan
September 2010
The artist, arts activist, and gallery owner sculpts a life around family, Legos, and the pursuit of happiness


 

 

 

 

Taking Shape:
Dunnan's signature figurative drawings exemplify his fascination with movement and the human form.


 

 

Grand Style:
"This is me with my grandmother, Winifred Barrett Baldwin. An artist who always had a twinkle in her eye, she was my biggest influence in life."


 

 

Coming Clean:
"We bought this French 18th-century hand-painted bathtub in an antiques store in Washington, D.C."


 

 

Well-Connected:
"My collection of cuff links includes a number that were my father's. Some are banged up and old, and I like that about them."


 

 

Under Construction:
“I play Legos with my nine-year-old son for hours. They’re wonderful for promoting creativity, and beautiful things come of this time together.” 

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Creative Space:
“I love to see photographs of artists in their studios. This is Picasso—we have a couple of his works hanging in the bathroom.”


 

Body of Work:
“I did this sculpture while a student at the Corcoran College of Art + Design. It’s one of my favorites because it is so very peaceful.”



 

 

 

Time & Tide:
“I collect watches and especially love those by Ulysse Nardin. Each is numbered, and their symbol is an anchor, which is perfect because I adore the sea.”

 

 

 


Essentials:

Personal Extravagance: Cars. “I had a Ferrari that Goldie Hawn once owned. It was beautiful but never worked!”
Style Icon: “Meredith. She walks into a room with blond hair flowing, and whether she’s in jeans or Chanel, everyone says how pretty she is. Her beauty comes from within.”
Relaxation Ritual: Three massages a week. “An hour of thinking and doing nothing is a true luxury.”
Status Update: “I love Facebook! It’s visual and keeps me amused. I’ve practically gotten rid of e-mail.”

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