Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Painting the Kudzu Monster

Water Valley, MS> It was the spring after Katrina hit New Orleans as Bill Warren and his sweet wife Pati were doing what everyone does during Mardi Gras. Yes, they were staggering down Bourbon street at three in the morning on their way home. They were surprised (to say the least) when they spotted a giant deer covered with beads standing on the corner waiting for a street car. They immediately struck up a conversation and politely ignored the drunk naked woman riding on the deers' back. The deer told them all about the famous Christmas Place, me and the small town of Water Valley. Being adventurous, they decided to pack their things and move here for the small town atmosphere and growing art community and to be near the cultural artist center of Oxford and Ole Miss.
Bill and Pati are both exceptional artist and have quickly become a welcome part of the community. Bill knows art and had his own gallery in New Orleans and I want to introduce you to some of his work since he has been here.



"House On Panola"
this sits diagonally across from his home, and is a 30's style brick bungalow





"Kudzu Communion"
Bill has taken the quick growing and hated Kudzu and turned it into a living thing in many of his paintings.







"Kudzu Candidate"
maybe Kudzu is king here?







"Kudzuka and Friends"

this is my favorite and shows the influence of this horrible plant.



Bill calls everyday wanting to paint a picture of Thunderhoof. I hope that I can set it up soon and he can do as impressive a job as Susan did. Bill is set up with BrainWare Artworks in Water Valley and these are all for sale.
His email is puppetcode2@gmail.com to ask for pricing or to get info on his works.