Bill Mack Astonishing – Marilyn Monroe Original Hollywood Sign Mixed Media Painting Contemporary Art

Artist: Bill Mack
Title: Astonishing – Marilyn Monroe
Medium: Mixed Media Painting
Size: 30" x 24" unframed, 42" x 36" framed
Inscription: Signed
Condition: Good condition overall, request condition report for specific information
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity

Bill Mack was so inspired by the original 1923 "Hollywood" sign that he purchased it and used it as the physical surface for a series of original paintings and unique prints. The unusual choice of material is the first layer of a complex, multi-media creation that also includes acrylic, oil, and urethane. Sometimes described as "Romantic Realism," Bill Mack’s style uses elements of photorealism and pop art to celebrate the golden age of Hollywood.

Unlike many living artists who are able to continue a series until they choose to stop, Bill Mack’s Hollywood sign series is limited by material. Less than 10% of the original sign remains unused, and there are portions of the sign that are entirely unusable due to age and damage. Mack also no longer creates this 30" x 24" image size. New, commissioned Hollywood sign pieces begin at $69,000 for a 24" x 18" image. Bill Mack created up to nine unique mixed media originals. Each unique has the original elements of the sectional of the Hollywood sign its created on, and each unique image is hand painted by Mack. The individuality of each unique image is signified by the fact that each unique has its own title.

"Astonishing – Marilyn Monroe" celebrates the most iconic figure of the golden age of Hollywood on top of its most iconic landmark. The universally appealing subject matter, rich history, and extremely limited production have made this unique image highly collectible. Bill Mack’s "Astonishing – Marilyn Monroe" is signed by the artist and comes with a gallery certificate of authenticity.

About Bill Mack

A sculptor with no mentors, Bill Mack is celebrated for his unique technique of relief sculpting. Working in the rarest of art forms, he is regarded as one of the finest sculptors in the world today.

Operating as a designer for a company that specialized in bronze relief tablets at a young age served as a turning point for Bill Mack to decide to start working exclusively as a freelance relief sculptor. Over the years, he has developed a unique technique that is nowhere to be taught, achieving a worldwide following. His work combines low and high relief, incised lines and various elements in the full-round. Mostly working in traditional cast bronze, he has also gained experience with more modern substances such as resins, urethanes, epoxies, silicones, and acrylics, developing a great deal of technical knowledge to compliment his unique talents.

In 2007, Bill Mack and his company Erin Taylor Editions purchased the metal from the Original Hollywood Sign which resided in the Hollywood Hills from 1923 until 1978 when it was deemed irreparable. Mack used the historic metal as a canvas to paint portraits of distinguished stars of Hollywood. During this process, he decided to restore the 45-foot H from the Original Sign metal, which he finally succeeded in 2012. For these efforts, he was awarded Certificate of Recognition by Herb Wesson and Tom LaBonge of the Los Angeles City Council.

Embodying the grace of a body in motion, the work of Bill Mack engages the viewer, turning him into a participant of the drama unfolding before his eyes. Leaving the background and extending into space, his works can be described as emotional elegance turned into sculpture.

Bill Mack was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1944 where he continues to live and work. His work is part of a range of private collections, including the ones of former Presidents Clinton, Ford and Reagan and actors such as Sylvester Stallone, Elizabeth Taylor, and Tony Curtis.