ABOUT JOHN MARC ANDERSON
New Orlean’s incredible cemeteries are among the most hauntingly beautiful sites to visit, anywhere in the world. Marc’s interpretations of our Cities Of the Dead are hugely popular, and various pieces in many sizes can be found at select retailers in the New Orleans area. Visit Marc’s where to buy section fo find a retailer near you.
An example of a custom made piece featuring a rendering of the St. Louis Cathedral. This piece was created for a private residence and is 65” tall x 50” wide. Custom pieces of residences, churches, or other prominent New Orleans architectural icons can be created for you. Contact the studio directly at 985 966 7000 for further information.
John Marc Anderson, is a relief artist, designer, and draftsman. Growing up all over the world in a military family, he settled in the Washington, DC area and attended the University of Maryland at College Park.
His process starts with his original sculptures carved in dense polystyrene foam. Using a proprietary process that blends architecture, draftsmanship and 3D printing technology, his creations are haunting, emotionally engaging, and highly detailed.
In 2002, Marc relocated to New Orleans from the Washington, DC, area, continuing a career as an executive in the home furnishings and bedding industry, and was an important pioneer and innovator, instrumental in creating the “bed in a box” mattress category, which includes companies like Casper, Purple, and Tempur-Pedic.
“I always had a small studio or workshop behind my day job office”, he notes, where he developed his techniques with no formal art training.
Marc’s familiar interpretations of New Orleans landmarks such as The St. Louis Cathedral, The Jesuit Church (Church of the Immaculate Conception) and the city’s world famous cemeteries are familiar to locals and international visitors alike.
Some of his work is kitschy and bohemian in style, and other pieces are more technically executed. For example, his quirky shotgun houses with flower pots will pair well with a large, carefully executed interpretation of a soaring cathedral.
Marc’s selection of New Orlean’s themed seasonal ornaments are among his most popular works. Each is hand finished and stained, and signed with his signature gold leaf ink. Collected by locals and visitors from all over the world, nothing says “Nawlins” like Marc’s incredible three dimensional art.
Marc’s process begins with an original sculpture that is completely cut by hand. In this case, a portion of a stylized cello is being created. When finished, the work will be laser scanned, and an original 3D prototype will be printed to enable multiple castings of certain works.
PROCESS
Most collectors of Marc’s work are familiar with his unusual process. Beginning with a rigid foam sculpture that typically measures up to 60” wide by up to 72” tall, he carefully hand carves each original from memory, using no frame of reference other than his own quick sketches and renderings. Larger pieces, including his iconic interpretations of The St. Louis Cathedral, can be found above many fireplace mantels, in corporate offices, businesses, restaurants, but mostly, on Christmas Trees. His Christmas Ornaments are hugely popular with natives and visitors alike. Visit Marc’s page to find a local dealer near you, and keep watch of his Events section, too. Marc typically does 2-4 street shows and events a year.
SET DESIGN AND PROPERTIES WORK
Marc can produce scenic pieces, including properties for use in film and stage applications. Call the studio at 985 966 7000 for further information.
Interested in becoming a partner? If you are also a conservator, write me at johnmarc56@gmail.com.