- Accepts Etsy gift cards
Original Baltimore Glassman Outsider Art Assemblage. Hand-painted on wood with glitter and glass shards. 13 x 8.5 inches.
Paul "The Baltimore Glassman" Darmafall (1925–2003) was born in Moundsville, West Virginia, to Polish immigrant parents. His life took a unique trajectory after leaving school early to serve as a gunner in World War II. Settling in Baltimore, he worked diligently as a skilled bricklayer and machinist, establishing a family with his wife Bonnie and raising three children. However, at 28, Darmafall began experiencing unexplained disappearances, losing track of time and place. These episodes led to a diagnosis of schizophrenia, despite revealing an exceptionally high level of intelligence during testing. While Bonnie supported their family, Paul grappled with his mental health challenges.
In the mid-1970s, inspired by the nation's Bicentennial, Darmafall discovered his passion for art. Using a unique blend of colored glass, house paint, glitter, and found objects, his creations became a reflection of his strong convictions about independence, history, and personal beliefs. Rejecting conventional workspaces, he relocated his studio to the streets, generously gifting his artwork to passersby who admired his pieces. Today, Darmafall's art enjoys global acclaim, revered by art enthusiasts worldwide and prominently featured in the permanent collection of the American Visionary Art Museum, preserving the narrative of a man's profound journey through his artistry.