jean ray laury and her wood applique doors, canoga park and fresno, california, circa late 60s - early 70s

a few years ago i was driving down the street and had to do a double take when something in a shop window caught my eye. i immediately pulled over and went into the shop for a closer look. it was a fabulous appliqued wall hanging and was even more incredible up close. sadly, it was not for not sale (it was just being used as decoration) but the shop owner gave me a little background on the artist - jean ray laury - who often collaborated with (and was once married to) stan bitters - the ceramicst and sculptor who did created the much loved installation that still graces the front of the duncan building in fresno, california. no wonder i was drawn to her work. i soon discovered that she did wall hangings for the nut tree restaurant and of course i had to find out as much as i could about her.

i think the first book by jean to make it's way into my collection was applique stitchery from 1966. i loved it so much i then had to scoop up everthing else she wrote (such as handmade rugs from practically anything, the total tote bag book and the pantyhose craft book). when i started to work on my book i knew that somehow the influence that jean's work has had on me needed to make an appearance somewhere in the book. i was fourtunate enough to be put in touch with jean and was able to interview her for a profile in my book - the few phone calls we had were such a joy - she was still at work on developing new book projects. i was so sad to hear that jean passed away the other day. it pains me so much that i will not be able to give her a copy of my book.

pictured here are a few of the doors that are featured in her book wood applique. i am especially drawn to the one at the upper left. that's jean standing next to the doors that she created for a restaurant in canoga park. aren't they the coolest things you've ever seen?

(images from wood applique by jean ray laury, 1973)

Comments

[Carolyn]

Thanks for this colorful post. I loved going to the Nut Tree as a kid. Even then I took note of the "mod feel" and its sister restaurant, the Coffee Tree with its crazy roof line. By the way the cover of your upcoming book reminds me of two Sunset children's craft books I had in the 70's. I wish I still had them and keep an eye out for them in thrift stores. I guess I'll have to get your book!

[PuNk rAwK pUrL]

gorgeous! Thank you so much for putting a name to the look that I have always admired!

[Pasadena Adjacent]

I looked up Stan Bitters and (re)discovered your fabulous blog. So many back pages to go through. Happy me!

[Feed Dog]

Oh no! I had no idea she'd passed away! I've similarly collected her books (found several signed copies secondhand up here in northern California) and will look forward to the profile of her in your book.