Wednesday, December 29, 2010

My Allen Noonan Art Collection





I've been collecting art from the Allen Noonan "Originals" series for the past three years. I've purchased six pieces total, and here are some pictures of them as they're hanging in my home. The ones directly to the left (wine bottles) are from Deja Vu in Long Beach. I paid $200 for the pair.

I don't know much about the artist, but after contacting Atomic Ranch magazine and doing a little research myself on the interwebs, I believe that these are by the Long Beach sign painter-turned-UFO Cult leader, Allen Noonan.

I also know that he designed wood mosaics for the Hody's Diners in the Los Angeles area during the mid 1960s. I believe that the two mosaics you see below on my orange kitchen wall are from one of these diners, as they look very similar to the ones I've seen in old Hody's pictures.

I bought all six pieces in Long Beach, and I've seen some others on eBay and etsy, but I didn't purchase them for various reasons. One reason is that a set I saw on etsy were horrible colors. They were so cool in shape--geometric amoeba and boomerags--but the colors were ick. I couldn't justify plunking down $250 for art that I just didn't quite like. Also, I had the chance to purchase a huge still life for $250, but again, I just didn't like it that much. I like the quirkier and more abstract ones. I do think that I have a pretty good collection going, though.
















I love these. These are the second set I bought, and I bought them for $175 for the pair. They're hanging in my dining room above the mid-century table I restored.













These are the first Allen Noonan Originials I bought, and I got the pair for $220. These are my favorites because they are more three-dimensional than the rest. They were filthy when I got them because they'd just been dug out of someone's basement in Long Beach, so after a thorough cleaning, I proudly hung them on my favorite orange wall.




















13 comments:

Kevin said...

Hey Junkgirl! Just thought I would stop by and take a look at your Allen Noonan pieces. Thanks for the Atomic Ranch info; that they think it is the UFO church leader too. I would love to add your pieces to my post. would you mind? I think I might be able to use the images you have up, though a close up would be better. Thanks again for stopping by my blog. midcenturia.com

Junkgirl said...

Hi, Kevin! Yes, please feel free to post my pieces to your blog. I'm glad there's someone else out there who appreciates these quirky pieces and the strange background of Allen Noonan. I look forward to purchasing more of his pieces, so I'll let you know if I do. I love your blog, by the way!

Churlita said...

Beautiful! And I love that orange wall too.

Mid-Centuria said...

Hi Junkgirl, I added your pieces to my original post on Allen Noonan. Thanks for letting me add them. You can check it here.

http://www.midcenturia.com/2010/12/allen-noonan-originals.html

Anonymous said...

I am sure these are originals from the same Allen Noonan who founded the One World Family Commune. I was part of that group years ago and knew Allen until his death last March 25th at the age of 93. He was an amazing human being who was committed to a world where "only good things are happening for everyone every day." This is one of the last things he said to me shortly before he died and while in a lot of pain.

Junkgirl said...

Thanks for posting the pics, Kevin, and to Anonymous--I appreciate the confirmation! Not only was he an interesting artist, but he sounds like a wonderful person, as well. I wish I knew more about how these pieces came to be, as I sure do enjoy them.

Mid-Centuria said...

Hey Junkgirl, I just spotted a Allen Noonan piece on ebay. thought you might be interested.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mid-Century-Abstract-FISH-Wall-Sculpture-ALLEN-NOONAN-/370491873444?pt=Art_Sculpture&hash=item56430958a4#ht_4795wt_1141

Anonymous said...

Hi Junkgirl, we are a furniture store in Riverside Ca. Lauer Furniture and we just came across 3original Allen Noonen pieces. I saw your intrest in his work and was wondering if you are possibly interested in buying them from us? If so please email us at mllauer@att.net We can send you some pictures of the pieces.
Thankyou
Mark Lauer.

TikiHeadA said...

My mom bought me one of the wine bottle pictures, it cost her $6.95 in Prescott Valley, Arizona. I have a pair of mounted horsemen that I got for $45, and a couple other still lifes.

Anonymous said...

Here's a link to the website for Allen Michael, spiritual master and galactic channel: http://galacticmessenger.com

If you go to the Media Library, there is a substantial slide collection of some of his artwork, "Assorted Slideshows".
http://galacticmessenger.com/gmn/?page_id=934 Cheers!

Joseph said...

Hi Junkgirl! I lived and served with Allen Michael in the One World Family Commune for 36 years. We have an inventory of his art pieces and sculptures. Let us know if you're interested by sending me an email: jantareeatsonicdotnet. Cheers! ~ Joseph Antaree

Unknown said...

I am Interested in this art. Please email me at grandville1975@gmail.com
Thanks!!

Angry Old Man said...

I have three Thatian Dancers? Each framed and in excellent condition. They were in my Cousins home for 50+ years. When she passed, I kept them as a remembrance. If you want to see them, email me, and I will forward a picture. I think they are kinda cute!

Paul Liles
Seal Beach, Ca