Lowe Mill gave me the opportunity to do an artist talk for my show Signs & Wonders, and the wonderfully cleaned up interview is now up on youtube. I am not much for talking, much less about my work, so the chance to try and articulate is a little bit like jumping in the deep end with just some floaties on, for me. Really very thankful for all of the hard work Lowe Mill has done and they have made this whole experience just amazing. The youtube video is above, and please subscribe if you are so inclined, as they will continue to add more interviews. There is such a diverse group of artists in this show period and their talks should be up before long. Signs & Wonders is up at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment through January 9th, 2021.
blues
Almighty Mule Movers - 3 - Place of Inspiration: Clarksdale
We’ve been going to Clarksdale since we got within spittin’ distance of it. Since 2015, i think. Blues music has moved me for a mighty long time, and to set bare feet down on that hot delta dirt where it began, it’s a type of transformation. The first trip up we went to see all three of Robert Johnson’s graves. That trip is still memorable, as we crossed railroad tracks and countless sunflower fields, saw cactus next to corn next to a graveyard. It’s shadowed church standing sentry where they still sing some Sundays. Realized that cotton flowers come in different colors, grew accustomed to crop duster daredevils. The delta is a magic place to me, and every chance i have to go is a treasure. Here are some images from various trips i have taken, the most recent trip happened in June 2019. (If you ever plan to go, i’d be glad to send recommendations, please feel free to get in touch.)
Beginning To Beller
Well, i sat down to the typin board yesterday and avoided doing any work by spending an hour looking for a good photo to use. Then i realized i should probably go get my photo made again. Then i ran out of coffee. Then i ran away from the typin board.
Reading books about how to be an artist, how to make the leap, how to become the story, the first step was to always claim yourself an artist. Just say it already. The next was to learn what your limitations are. Well, i didn’t think i was afraid to call myself an artist. And i didn’t think i had any limitations with sharing stories.
Turns out neither of those things are truly true. So maybe once i have that sorted out, i can come back to y’all with the artist’s story. Right now i need to write it.
In the meanwhile, in that passing time, this blog will be there for all those things y’all wanted to know. What’s involved in the process, who and what inspires me, history-stories, poems, studio practice, and sketchbook glimpses. So lookin forward to sharing those that i love with you here. It turns out not every-body knows who Ma Rainey or Walter Anderson are, after all.
Hey friend, take my hand, let’s head down to the crossroads together.