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Introducing
Willard Bond (1926–2012) was an American marine artist best known for capturing the essence of yachting and the sea in his vivid paintings. We’re proud to debut this distinctive collection of wearable art that gives new life to some of the late artist’s best-known works, presented along with excerpts from Gretchen Bond de Limur’s forthcoming book about her father, Willard Bond: Painting the Wind.
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When I capture what sailing is really like—how the water moves, how the boat moves, how the crew moves—it’s like I’m communing with all the other artists in the world.
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“Willard Bond grew up in the Pacific Northwest and spent his summers on his grandparents’ houseboat swimming, fishing and boating on Idaho’s Lake Coeur d’Alene. He was always an energetic, active and imaginative person, compelled to chart his own course in life.”
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Willard Bond X J.Crew graphic T-shirt
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Willard Bond X J.Crew graphic chino
“Bond loved NYC. He began his art career in the 1950s as an abstract expressionist, painting large oils and creating huge ceramic murals, many of which still exist today. His studio on the Bowery, with a 30-foot ceiling, stained glass windows and a giant swing, was the center of a lively art, music and theater scene.”
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Willard Bond X J.Crew made-in-the-USA graphic T-shirt
Willard Bond X J.Crew 6" stretch swim trunk with ECONYL® nylon
Willard Bond X J.Crew Crosby Classic-fit double-breasted blazer in Italian wool blend
Willard Bond X J.Crew made-in-the-USA graphic T-shirt
“In 1976, Bond’s love of sailboats was reawakened when he served as the Night Pier Master at the South Street Seaport. He soon found himself in Newport, RI, home to the 12 Meter America’s Cup yacht racing scene. The thrill and speed of these boats with their billowing sails, along with their courageous and daring sailors, captured his heart and soul.”
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Willard Bond X J.Crew English silk scarf
Available only at J.Crew Bowery
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Willard Bond X J.Crew 6\" stretch swim trunk
“Bond created a new style of modern maritime art. He combined the classic traditions of painting historically accurate sailing ships with the vitality of his own expressionist, gestural work, and became known for ‘painting the wind.’”
“In a career that spanned over seventy years, an artist from ages 12 to 85, Bond was always moving, exploring and curious. He painted what it feels like to be one with the water and the wind. His passion and intensity is the manifestation of his drive to communicate the energy and beauty that exist in the unseen universe—and within us all.”
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Willard Bond X J.Crew Crosby double-breasted blazer
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I’m a sailor and I’ve always been an abstract painter. I guess I’m blessed with a gift that brings it all together.
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Notice: [“©2023. Gretchen Bond de Limur. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.”]
