Ernest “Popeye” Reed

1919 - 1985

Ernest ““Popeye” Reed was born in Jackson County, Ohio of both Irish and Native American heritages.  He quit school after 8th grade and left home at 14 but stayed in the area and found his way eventually as a furniture maker.  By then he was 40 and he was earning a living as an artist.  He carved and did demonstrations at flea markets and county fairs.  His name, which he preferred to be called “Popeye”, came from his bulging arms strengthened by his stone carving.  His preference was sandstone although he did work in limestone and wood.  Mythological books, ancient culture, the Bible, angels, and Indians were a source of inspiration for his work which varied in sizes from very small to life size.  Though he never achieved great fame after being featured in a 1980 Folk Art from Ohio collection, one of his testaments to the quality and depth of Popeye’s work is the number of excellent dealers who have handled and marketed his work.  Popeye Reed’s work is included in many museums including the American Folk Art Museum, Smithsonian American Art Museum, High Museum of Art, and the Columbus Museum of Art. – Source: Michel Noland for Antiques and Fine Art Magazine (2007)