ARTIST'S STATEMENT

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   "Born out of the conflict of war, the skin - which was torn off of a downed aircaft - represented a trophy or symbol of victory.  As an historical entity, it represents a bygone era of aviation history. Their markings, so invested in so many meanings, may begin their journey as simple ancient symbols but are transfromed to represent an icon of national allegience and over time become signs that on the battlefield or in the skies can inspire peace - or incite violence.

  These aircraft, which were created in factories mostly by women of the era, were vessels made of metal ribs and skin, and encased, or carried their men  - fathers, husbands, sons and brothers - into battle to meet their fate.  

   As those machines became known as embodiments of destructive force, those same forces also go into the creation of my work, renewing that cycle.  The metal is drilled, pounded, cut, twisted, and even shot with live ammunition, as well as weathered using elements found in nature."             

 

                                          Jeff Willoughby

 

ABOUT THE ARTIST

 

After traveling much of the United States as a musician, songwriter and recording artist, Jeff now lives in the same small Pennsylvania town in which he was born. Jeff combines his aeronautical knowledge of detail and passion for history into a new art form - the full scale combat aircraft trophy skin.