by Michael Potter
Back in the 1930s there was a man named George Petty, and he decided that
beautiful women are something that the world needed to see. Mr. Petty began creating art pieces that we know now as a 'pinup'. These lovely ladies became know as "Petty
Girls" and were featured in major advertisements, calendars, and the cover
image of Esquire No. 1.
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| A Jantzen Bathing Suit Ad featuring a Petty Girl |
Another
famous name to come out of the 1930s is Gil Elvgren. Born in Minnesota, he went
on to study at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Some consider Elvgren to be
one of, if not the most influential pinup artist of the 20th century. After his
studies in Minneapolis, Elvgren moved to Chicago to work with Stevens and
Gross, Chicago's most prestigious advertising agency. Elvgren worked with
companies ranging from Coca-Cola to General Electric over a 40-year career.
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| A Gil Elvgren Original |
In the
1950s, pinup models became household names and feature actresses in Hollywood.
Women like Marilyn Monroe and Betty Page took America and pop culture by storm.
During World War II, the pinup could be seen painted on the nose of military
airplanes, the most famous being the Memphis Belle.
The art
of the pinup never really ended, but in the 1960s went into a recession.
However, some notable ladies, namely Raquel Welch, kept the pinup culture
alive.
Fast
forward to today. The culture of the pinup is not only alive but making a full
resurgence into pop culture. You can find the classic images of Bettie Page and
Marilyn Monroe on everything from tee-shirts to tattoos. Children and adults
alike are falling in love with the pinup all over again.
Christi
Williams and the Grinkie Girls are doing their best to bring the pinup culture
to Minneapolis, turning everyday women into sassy pinups. Having fun is a safe,
easy-going, loving atmosphere are the most important aspects of a photo shoot
with the Grinkie Girls. The fantastic pictures are a byproduct of the lively environment.
Teaming
up with the Grinkie Girls is Dawnfelice Warneke. She and the team at MN-Ups
Magazine, out of a true passion for the lifestyle, worked hard to put together
Minnesota's Premier Pin-Up Magazine, reintroducing Minnesota to the pinup
culture and having fun along the way.
