Paul & Babe

John Henry

The Tale Tales series came about during a period I was reading and studying American Folklore, remembering over the stories I read as a child. I wanted to try to make images for some of them, and since this was in a very abstract period of mine, I decided to try out some rather abstracted but also recognizably representational designs. I had seen a few paintings done with the resin coating and wanted to play around with it, and went full mixed media, using the resin to bind the whole piece together. I used all manner of materials, from wood slats to cloth to burlap to balloons, rope, and glow-in-the-dark stars. I really wanted compositions that looked interesting visually, but also, if you know the name of the piece and a little about the story, would make sense in its representation.

I also wanted to do my part, as an artist, to represent, record, and pass along these stories, which are a part of our cultural heritage and the story of our nation.

Acrylic and mixed media on canvas. 24x56 in.

Sleepy Hollow

Johnny Appleseed

Pecos Bill