Did you know Janet Sobel?

Perhaps the originator of drip painting, this Janet Sobel was the direct inspiration behind painter Jackson Pollock, who took credit for the avant-garde technique. The Ukranian-American artist was exposed in NYC a few years back by Garth Greenan gallery, but apart from that, has been mostly forgotten.

Jackson Pollock's "Number 8", 1949

Janet Sobel

A mother, and grand-mother, she borrowed her sons art materials and began painting in 1937, at the age of 43. Unfortunately, Sobel is often brushed off as a housewife, her paintings beings viewed as a hobby and nothing more. She was uncovered in an article byWilliam S. Rubin in 1967, and was exhibited next to Pollock just before her death in 1968.

For a complete overview of her life and work, read "Will the Real Janet Sobel please Stand Up?" by Libby Seaberg.