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Eggs by Jake
by Vicki Barr
 At
age 87, Houston Egg Artist Jake Bingham has dabbled in almost every form of egg
art. A former president of the
Houston Egg Art Guild (1986-1987), Jake has had the opportunity to learn from
some of the best, develop his own techniques, and has honed his skills over the
years. Thankfully, he is willing to
pass his knowledge on to new eggers like myself.
My husband and I met the Bingham’s few years ago at church and were
invited to their house to see all their beautiful treasures.
We had a wonderful time visiting. I was in awe at the beautiful
eggs, crafts, collections, quilts, and treasures that they have collected or
created. Jake has created 160 eggs to date and is
still adding to his collection. He
was kind enough to take me on as a pupil in April 2002 and is a wonderful
teacher.
Jake tells me that in the 70/80's, he owned a stamp
business. A sweet
 lady
came into his shop in 1980 to buy some stamps for her collection and spoke to
Jake about egg art. Intrigued, Jake became a member of the Houston Egg Art
Guild, where he quickly gained a reputation for having the "touch" -
give him an idea or a photo and he can create almost anything (such as the
diorama ostrich egg to the left). He became active in the organization,
taking classes, teaching, showcasing his art and even serving as president of
the guild for two years. Although
health and/or weather may not permit him to continue to travel to the meetings,
he is still very active and is still creating beautiful eggs! He
does not sell his eggs, but makes them as loving gifts to his wife and daughter,
Pat. Pat has lovingly displayed about 1/2 of his collection in her
home. And who could blame her...
anyone would be proud to display an egg by Jake. (Editors note:
Click on images to enlarge).
  
As every artist knows, creativity is inspired in many
ways. Eggs by Jake may be musical, covered with beads, have drawers or be
hinged. The theme may be taken from nature, as in the functional waterfall
Ostrich egg (above left), or to glorify God as in this Angel Guardian Ostrich
Egg (above center), or celebrate a fairy tale by creating a Cinderella
carriage with working "lamplights" in the front.. One thing his creation won't be is boring. Each egg is unique
and has a charm of it's own.
  Sometimes
Pat or MaryLou make a special request, but usually Jake sees an egg or
some other piece of art which inspires him to either make his own unique version
or take the idea a step further.
Many egg artists create clock eggs similar to the Emu Clock
Egg to the left, but Jake is one of the first to add a barometer and a
thermometer to the design,
as in the Ostrich Weather Station Egg to the right.
  The
egg design may be as simple as cutting out an ostrich egg to make a basket to
hold other eggs like the one to the left, or; it may involve cutting a more
complicated lattice work or filigree to frame a diorama. The ostrich
egg gazebo to the right has extensive latticework framing the three hummingbirds
as they hover above the flower in the center of the egg.
    
The first egg that Jake created is shown above in the
center. It is hinged and closes to complete the
"shell" surrounding an adorable little girl holding a sea shells.
  When
asked which egg is his favorite, Jake admits to having two that he really likes.
The Pagoda egg is actually two eggs - one inside the other. This unique
egg within an egg design utilizes a goose egg
inside an rhea egg. The inner egg, which rotates, is hand painted with a
lovely oriental scene. The outer egg is an rhea egg, and features
hinged doors within doors. Adding to the pagoda feel, Jake cut out the
sides of the egg, turned the pieces around and reattached them. As
you can see, the side inserts are also cut twice.
  Jake's other favorite is a hinged ostrich egg diorama which
features extensive gold mesh. Two little hand-made Victorian ladies sit
amid cushions under a chandelier. Yes, the chandelier actually lights
up! Note the mirror with sconces on the "wall" of the parlor.
Jake adds such wonderful details to create the perfect scene with many items
hand-made specific to each egg.
  Marylou,
his beautiful bride of 67 years, is also incredibly talented.
She has created several eggs herself (see picture to left).
She proudly displays their creations and loves to show them to friends.
In addition to egg art, she also creates quilts, tole painting, bead art and
anything that catches her eye... her talent seems limitless! When I asked
which of Jake's eggs she likes the best, Marylou showed me the beautiful pastoral
diorama ostrich egg to the right.
When I asked which of Jake's eggs she likes the best,
Marylou showed me the beautiful diorama ostrich egg to the right.
This beautiful musical country scene rotates to show the loving detail
work. The scene is carried out onto the open doors. The beaded goose
egg on the left displays another beaded delight inside, a small quail egg.
Jake has shared his love of egg art with me and I am
excited to have such a wonderful teacher to show me the "ropes."
I am always eager to go back to his house and hope to get more instruction as
Jake's time permits.
Still very much in love, Jake and Marylou celebrate life and all it’s wonders.
They express that passion in their projects and with all their friends!
It isn't just their talent for eggs that make you fall in love with them; it's
their heart!
Editor's note: Jake has done an excellent job of
teaching Vicki Barr. Click
here to view her work.
A sad note from the Editor: Jake passed away on December
29, 2002. He was 87 years old. It is my understanding that he
created 4 new eggs in October and November. Friends and family will miss
him greatly. "He was a great inspiration to me and many
others, not only in his art work but his love for life, friends, family and God.
I will miss him tremendously." Vicki Barr. | 
