As you have gathered by now, the Oddasee was quite the experience. My last lengthy message sought to summarize the adventure and the many thoughts that it presented. As time passes, the impact of such a grand journey will continue to alter my way of thinking, seeing and feeling. As a curious human being that seems to be inextricably drawn to the "out of the ordinary", such sights were a gift but as an artist, there was another level to the many encounters and visions.
NOTE: In these days of instant communication, we have grown accustomed to quick messages but be forewarned, this will be rather lengthy. It's just impossible to edit this down to a quick email, tweet or text message. So, if this long tome is bothersome, just hit delete now and not to worry. Art lovers and artists in particular might find something of value below. Enjoy or ignore at will...... Art people please slow down and let me share a gift with you.
NOTE: In these days of instant communication, we have grown accustomed to quick messages but be forewarned, this will be rather lengthy. It's just impossible to edit this down to a quick email, tweet or text message. So, if this long tome is bothersome, just hit delete now and not to worry. Art lovers and artists in particular might find something of value below. Enjoy or ignore at will...... Art people please slow down and let me share a gift with you.
Art Ponderings:
Along our 112 day path, we visited very few "traditional" art galleries, museums or events. This was intentional but not a hard fast rule. Truth is, we we're seeking the non-traditional and simply just found ourselves addicted to the unexpected found in many of the non-academic or commercial art sights. As mentioned, when in Washington DC we did not venture into any of the Smithsonian art edifices. Our goal was to see the quirky, odd and less traveled venues; be they art or whatever.
Setting aside the art/artist specific sites and sights, the journey itself altered some of my preconceptions and perceptions. I saw things that had been before me for decades as if they were seen for the very first time. The unique angles and perspectives presented by the Oddasee attitude really opened my eyes in new ways. From piles of retail crap in some Florida tourist trap to moss covered angels in a Missouri cemetery, my artistic eye was rejuvenated and perhaps, born anew. From subtle details like a spider web on a rusting gas pump to visual explosions on a grand scale like the "Forevertron", all permeated my artist soul in a manner deeply affecting mind, heart and soul. These realities may never fully be comprehended. I can feel them but need not understand them.
Some of you have asked if my art will "change". Answer: Probably but may not be immediate or obvious. More accurately, my belief in art and the commitment to it has been reconfirmed, solidified and recharged. Seeing the artwork, meeting the artists and visiting the places and people that honor them was very heartening. These were so much more powerful than any of the many art openings, exhibitions or special events that I have attended (and as you know, I have been around that proverbial block....a lot), I cannot find the words to truly describe my feelings. So, I apologize for my feeble verbal attempts at what will never capture the complexities of my ponderings and emotions in this regard.
ODDASEE Art Perspectives:
The most treasured memories and sights are directly related to getting to meet some of the creators of these astounding sights/sites. The art was amazing but the humans that made them were the true masterpieces. I am wonderfully haunted by a few of these living treasures. It was a gift and honor to get to shake their hands and on occasion, talk with them. Hearing their life stories and about their artistic inspiration was absolutely beyond my wildest dreams. Imagine spending an afternoon with Picasso or having tea with Marcel Duchamp.... these encounters were of similar power, grace and sheer privilege. Though they will likely never have the fame of such art icons, they were no less committed to their art. Their need to express was equal in focus, conviction and sincerity. It often felt like I was walking around in some book or documentary. "Pinch me! This can't be happening."
ODDASEE Art Perspectives:
The most treasured memories and sights are directly related to getting to meet some of the creators of these astounding sights/sites. The art was amazing but the humans that made them were the true masterpieces. I am wonderfully haunted by a few of these living treasures. It was a gift and honor to get to shake their hands and on occasion, talk with them. Hearing their life stories and about their artistic inspiration was absolutely beyond my wildest dreams. Imagine spending an afternoon with Picasso or having tea with Marcel Duchamp.... these encounters were of similar power, grace and sheer privilege. Though they will likely never have the fame of such art icons, they were no less committed to their art. Their need to express was equal in focus, conviction and sincerity. It often felt like I was walking around in some book or documentary. "Pinch me! This can't be happening."
Keep in mind that most of these artists do not know much about the "art world" or other artists. Few have any idea there are artists with similar devotion and vision. Susan asked me what I thought these people have in common. My response was "They are busy." Given the quantity of the work to be seen, it's obvious these people are not spending hours every day watching TV or updating their profile on Facebook or perpetually sharing snippets of mundane moments on their Twitter page. Most have had art as a passion for many years. Rather than rehash the circumstances of how we got to interact with these wondrous folks, I'll just include a note about how they have touched my art heart.
Note: Below are but eight of the many artists we met. Then there were the art places in which the artist was not available or had passed like Brother Zoetl's "Ava Maria Grotto" in Cullman, MS and Dinsmoore's "Garden of Eden" in Lucas, NM. That's not to mention the non-artist specific sites such as "Vent Haven" (ventriloquist museum) and the "Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum"; these places touched my artist spirit in inexplicable ways.
Human Highlights (in no particular order):
1. Vollis Simpson: Getting to see the "whirligigs" of this outsider art god has been on "must see" list for a very long time. I doubted I'd ever find myself in Lucama, North Carolina. Little did I expect to meet the man. During our visit, this very humble and quiet man did tell some of his story. He served in the Army Air Corps where her learned to weld. After the war he and some friends opened a business repairing and salvaging farm equipment. This led to an impressive pile of stuff that proved to be his "art supply store" for decades. At one time, he had a small farm but decided that it was infringing on his art time. So, he mounted large lights on the tractors so that he could farm at night and make art in the daytime. This 91 year man can barely walk now but he gets in his truck and drives to his workshop/studio every day. Yep, according to his wife, it doesn't matter if it's hot and humid or a cold and bleak, he works every single day (including Christmas and holidays). She said the only time he doesn't go to work is if on some rare occasion, they happen to be out of town. Vollis simply must make art to live; a true tole model.
Note: His whirligigs are astounding, whimsical and quite magical.
Note: His whirligigs are astounding, whimsical and quite magical.
2. M.T. Liggitt: Having never heard much about Mr. Liggitt's work, I had no preconceptions about what we would find in a field near Mullinsville, Kansas. An amusing moment occurred as we were not sure if our directions were accurate. We came around a curve (one of the few on this Kansas highway) and could see in the distance a massive collection of steel sculptures. This outdoor "gallery" was over a third of a mile long and two or three pieces deep. It is a truly remarkable sight. At the far end down a side street sat the barn/workshop/studio of M.T. Liggitt. He is a very unique and larger than life character. He welcomed us in and invited us to watch him work. At one point, he elicited my assistance as he needed help balancing a piece he was welding; it was an honor. Another retired military man that discovered his art after retirement. It was immediately apparent that this artist enjoys expressing his political opinion via his sculpture. At first we though "Uh oh! Better not bring up that issue." We saw pieces parodying/hacking Obama and Hilary. Then we saw others having at Bush and Reagan. This guy takes shots at everybody and every point of view. His sculptures are funny and ferocious. As an artist, once again I was inspired by his work ethic but even more impressive was commitment to "stirring things up" and speak his mind. This is done with a fervor and no pulled punches. He not only does he not care what anyone thinks of his art, he seeks, as he stated "to get their attention, make them think and maybe piss them off a bit." He has had over 40 lawsuits from locals wanting his work removed from public view - he has been successful in every case and thus can tell the naysayers to "If you don't like them, look the other way and shut up."
Note: On our return trip heading west, we made but one repeat/backtrack over the same stretch of highway and that was to go visit M.T. and his sculpture. To our surprise, when we pulled up to his workshop, it was a charred pile of rubble. It had burned to the ground a few weeks after our first visit. He was not around to tell the tale and let us know he was not harmed in the conflagration. Later that night, we did find out that he was fine and that after an extended period of grieving of about 24 hours, he went out and bought new equipment and is back at work. M.T. Liggitt is now even higher up my artist hero food chain. Awesome!
3. Joseph Minter: Our trek took us into some areas that felt a bit intrusive or more accurately - "They might not take kindly to visitors." The artists were always welcoming and glad to show us their creations. After all, most of the outsider art is far from subtle or hidden. In a neighborhood found on a dead end street adjacent to a cemetery we found "The African Village in America". This outdoor environment/gallery was inside a chain link fence spread over at least an acre. We were greeted by both Joseph and his wife as they beckoned us in. What at first appears to be a vast pile of junk (some damn impressive junk by the way), actually turned out to be overlapping sculptural vignettes. Joseph takes his inspiration from moments in history. The primary themes involve African-American history, particularly in Birmingham. Specific installations memorialize the 1963 Church Bombing and Martin Luther King's stay in a Birmingham jail. There is also an area where all the installations are based on terrorism disasters such as the Oklahoma MeVey Bombing and the 9/11 nightmare. Mr. Minter talked to us and this gentle man spoke of being a man of peace. He said: "My work is to remember the moments where we lost our way. I want humanity to be at peace with our neighbors near and far." To see such devotion to ideals was very moving. In the midst of what could have been very deep and emotional, there was a lightness to this incredible man. Humor and laughter came easily. It served to balance the heavy themes of his visionary work. Another interesting aspect of our visit was that Joseph could only be with us in spurts. He was so driven/obsessed with his work that he would chat with us for a few minutes and then go back to his workshop and we could hear him (over the blaring Gospel radio station) tinkering, welding and pounding away on some component of works in progress. To see the artistic results of such devotion to one's, convictions, beliefs, dreams, hopes and opinions was a privilege indeed. Joseph Minter was a construction worker that many may judge as being a "simple" man but the truth is that his mind is vast and his heart is deep with a gentle soul as his guide. He reminded me once again of the power of art.
4. Cecil and Bet Ison: Another of our unexpected travel treasures was meeting the Isons. On a side road off a side road down toward the end of off the beaten path sort of near Morehead, Kentucky, we came upon an "embellished" barn on one side and a "enhanced" fence on the other. All seemed quiet at first and the fear of being intrusive was rising. Then bounding out of the yard was the greeting committee - three overtly friendly canine members of the Ison family. After belly rubs and head strokes for all, we expanded our tour down toward the home and yard. Their were dolls hanging from trees, stuck on fence posts and a porch full of mannequins with various poses, styles and moods. There was a shed covered with, well, cool stuff placed with intent. The desire to get a closer look was growing but I did not feel comfortable marching into such obviously personal territory. Fortunately, my lovely and courageous companion, Susan, just walked right through the front gate and knocked on the door. Oh how little did we realize what that act would present. Cecil and Bet were so very gracious, welcoming and just plain friendly. We got a tour of two barns; one with a large work in progress next to the still functioning tractor (Cecil had just been out mowing hay) and the other an ever-evolving installation of "deceased" dolls hanging from rafters on tobacco drying sticks. Way cool! It was here that we were told of Cecil's current vocation as a "forensic anthropomorphologist". He doesn't just display random dolls but can tell you much about their untimely demise. As the tour continued, we learned more about their lives. Cecil has had significant moments in his past that influence his life everyday. Actually there is an article in "GQ" "The Long Shadows of War" (www.gq.com/news-politics/big.../cecil-ison-vietnam-soldier) about how being a Vietnam War veteran has impacted his life to this day. Due to that experience and our current challenges (aka: war) in Iraq, he has had to find ways to express himself and find inner peace. Part of that process involves making art and his "doll forensics".
After the tour of Cecil's workshops and various installations, we were in for a very unexpected surprise...... my research info mentioned his work but said nothing of Bet. Well in another gift from the Oddasee gods and goddesses, it turns out that she is a quilter. This certainly got Susan's attention and we were invited inside and taken upstairs to see some of her work. After seeing some traditional pieces, we got to see the good stuff, her art quilts. They are awesome. Along our journey we went to see quilt collections in museums, quilt specific museums and outsider/visionary museums that showed art of this particular ilk. None were more impressive that those of Bet Ison. They were theme based and quite poignant. So, there we were in a small (and very hot) upstairs bedroom seeing some of the most powerful art of our entire adventure. Her work is worthy of any museum collection and hopefully somehow it soon reaches a much wider audience.
Bet and Cecil treated us like old friends and their hospitality made us regret ever having to leave. However, their life and art will remain an inspiration for a lifetime. To see the sincere emotional and thoughtful expression of Bet's art quilts was certainly memorable; to say the least. To see how art is a significant part of Cecil's life and perhaps, part of the his healing process, was something that could only have been truly experienced face to face. Again, what a gift they were.
5. The Gee's Bend Ladies: This day will be impossible to due justice to; both verbally and visually. Firstly, my trusty art weapon of choice for Oddasee, was not available as no photography is allowed. Add to the lack of "a picture is worth a thousand words" freedom, my limited use of language will simply not be able to adequately express this experience. As was often the case on our journey, there was a symbiotic relationship between your Oddasee guides. At times, my desires led Susan into worlds that she may not have ventured to on her own. The same must be said about her taking me to places and opening doors that I would have missed. Our visit to Gee's Bend is the most glaring example of this wonderful symbiosis. Near Selma, Alabama at the literal dead end of an isolated road sits Gee's Bend (aka: Boykin). This very small town/area is historic largely in part due to Civil Rights issues in the early 60's. It is also known internationally due to the incredible quilts that are produced there. The story is fascinating and I encourage you all to look into it. The reason this day made my list of "most influential" is directly related to not only the quilts but to the women that make them. Though they are world renowned and anything but off the radar, their everyday world is like stepping back in time. We drove into a reality almost completely foreign to our own. People like to throw around words like community and "arts community". Well in this case a more apt terminology would be "art as community". In a very small building that serves meals to the needy and as a meeting place, several days a week a group of ladies get together and quilt. This is the essence of what it means to do a "group project". On average 4-8 women are working on one quilt together. I do not know how they decide which design to work on but from their conversation, it sounds like some sort of rotation and/or group selection. The designs have enough in common to identify them as "Gee's Bend" quilts but each woman has her own design style. To be able to sit and watch like the proverbial "fly on the wall" was indeed a rare opportunity to watch art happen. Susan sat in the ring as they talked and worked like a finely tuned human machine. In time, we blended in and they talked almost as if we were not there. The conversations got personal and even a covered a bit of gossip. One older woman in the meeting hall would occasionally break into song acapella and dance around the room. A time machine it was. To see art being produced in such a communal way and with virtually no technology much beyond needles and scissors, was mind-boggling and refreshing (not a Mac or PC within sight). I truly felt like I was allowed to step into a time from long ago. To be afforded such an experience was a privilege that touched me deeply. My heart and eyes will never be the same. Note: Due to the photo limitations, there is little I can share with you. I did take the liberty of finding some pics on the internet (my Mac does have it's moments).
6. Casey Marquez: This is a case (so to speak; my apologies to Casey) where the human was more noteworthy than his actual artwork. Mr. Casemiro Marquez is more of a creative interior designer and lifescape architect than mere artist. His yard is a humorous and slightly macabre tinged installation. Hanging in trees, heaped on the ground, suspended on a clotheslines and nailed to walls are hundreds of stuffed animals and characters. Another aspect of "Casa de Colores" in Las Vegas New Mexico is how he uses spray paint. Objects are enhanced by wild colors. There are dots, stripes and squiggles everywhere. As mentioned, it's amusing to see Warner Brothers and Disney characters hanging in trees and lumped together in bizarre scenes. Add to that the ravages of weather, dust, bright NM sunshine and the loudly crackling radio tuned into a Spanish station and you get quite a remarkable sensory wonderland. Yet all of this pales in comparison to the creator of such a magnificently unique environment. In a very real way, Casey is an integral part of his art. He is part of a kinetic sculpture of his own making. Part unintentional theater and part just living life, neither he nor his art exist completely independent of each other. This gentle man truly has a sparkle in his eyes. He is friendly but so much more than that. He is open, authentic and sincere on a level I am not sure I have ever experienced. When he invited us into his home, I felt very privileged but not intrusive. He wanted to share part of his private life/world with no fear or expectation. To see the domain of a man that has so little and yet so much, was deeply humbling. He lives in such a simple way but has once again allowed his art to embellish his living space in a manner that is not separate but integral. It came as no surprise that this engaging soul has people in the community helping him with some of the essentials like food, cleaning and other mundane life requirements. That said, there was absolutely no sense that Casey wanted anything from us. He never uttered a negative word about his life. He was a genuinely proud but humble man - try that someday. He shared tales of his life and there was no sense of regret, resentment or entitlement of any kind. I can't recall ever meeting anyone that made me wish I had something to give him. I wanted to give something to this precious soul but was at totally baffled as to what that should/could be. The little gift I did give was so sincerely appreciated that I was taken aback and deeply moved. Never have I been so touched by someone saying "God bless you" than when Mr. Casey Marquez looked me in the eye and uttered those oft used words. Once again, it was art that served as the link that brought me to one of the most memorable experiences in my life. To have met this man speaks to the magic of art. My oh my oh my......
Note: On our return trip heading west, we made but one repeat/backtrack over the same stretch of highway and that was to go visit M.T. and his sculpture. To our surprise, when we pulled up to his workshop, it was a charred pile of rubble. It had burned to the ground a few weeks after our first visit. He was not around to tell the tale and let us know he was not harmed in the conflagration. Later that night, we did find out that he was fine and that after an extended period of grieving of about 24 hours, he went out and bought new equipment and is back at work. M.T. Liggitt is now even higher up my artist hero food chain. Awesome!
3. Joseph Minter: Our trek took us into some areas that felt a bit intrusive or more accurately - "They might not take kindly to visitors." The artists were always welcoming and glad to show us their creations. After all, most of the outsider art is far from subtle or hidden. In a neighborhood found on a dead end street adjacent to a cemetery we found "The African Village in America". This outdoor environment/gallery was inside a chain link fence spread over at least an acre. We were greeted by both Joseph and his wife as they beckoned us in. What at first appears to be a vast pile of junk (some damn impressive junk by the way), actually turned out to be overlapping sculptural vignettes. Joseph takes his inspiration from moments in history. The primary themes involve African-American history, particularly in Birmingham. Specific installations memorialize the 1963 Church Bombing and Martin Luther King's stay in a Birmingham jail. There is also an area where all the installations are based on terrorism disasters such as the Oklahoma MeVey Bombing and the 9/11 nightmare. Mr. Minter talked to us and this gentle man spoke of being a man of peace. He said: "My work is to remember the moments where we lost our way. I want humanity to be at peace with our neighbors near and far." To see such devotion to ideals was very moving. In the midst of what could have been very deep and emotional, there was a lightness to this incredible man. Humor and laughter came easily. It served to balance the heavy themes of his visionary work. Another interesting aspect of our visit was that Joseph could only be with us in spurts. He was so driven/obsessed with his work that he would chat with us for a few minutes and then go back to his workshop and we could hear him (over the blaring Gospel radio station) tinkering, welding and pounding away on some component of works in progress. To see the artistic results of such devotion to one's, convictions, beliefs, dreams, hopes and opinions was a privilege indeed. Joseph Minter was a construction worker that many may judge as being a "simple" man but the truth is that his mind is vast and his heart is deep with a gentle soul as his guide. He reminded me once again of the power of art.
4. Cecil and Bet Ison: Another of our unexpected travel treasures was meeting the Isons. On a side road off a side road down toward the end of off the beaten path sort of near Morehead, Kentucky, we came upon an "embellished" barn on one side and a "enhanced" fence on the other. All seemed quiet at first and the fear of being intrusive was rising. Then bounding out of the yard was the greeting committee - three overtly friendly canine members of the Ison family. After belly rubs and head strokes for all, we expanded our tour down toward the home and yard. Their were dolls hanging from trees, stuck on fence posts and a porch full of mannequins with various poses, styles and moods. There was a shed covered with, well, cool stuff placed with intent. The desire to get a closer look was growing but I did not feel comfortable marching into such obviously personal territory. Fortunately, my lovely and courageous companion, Susan, just walked right through the front gate and knocked on the door. Oh how little did we realize what that act would present. Cecil and Bet were so very gracious, welcoming and just plain friendly. We got a tour of two barns; one with a large work in progress next to the still functioning tractor (Cecil had just been out mowing hay) and the other an ever-evolving installation of "deceased" dolls hanging from rafters on tobacco drying sticks. Way cool! It was here that we were told of Cecil's current vocation as a "forensic anthropomorphologist". He doesn't just display random dolls but can tell you much about their untimely demise. As the tour continued, we learned more about their lives. Cecil has had significant moments in his past that influence his life everyday. Actually there is an article in "GQ" "The Long Shadows of War" (www.gq.com/news-politics/big.../cecil-ison-vietnam-soldier) about how being a Vietnam War veteran has impacted his life to this day. Due to that experience and our current challenges (aka: war) in Iraq, he has had to find ways to express himself and find inner peace. Part of that process involves making art and his "doll forensics".
After the tour of Cecil's workshops and various installations, we were in for a very unexpected surprise...... my research info mentioned his work but said nothing of Bet. Well in another gift from the Oddasee gods and goddesses, it turns out that she is a quilter. This certainly got Susan's attention and we were invited inside and taken upstairs to see some of her work. After seeing some traditional pieces, we got to see the good stuff, her art quilts. They are awesome. Along our journey we went to see quilt collections in museums, quilt specific museums and outsider/visionary museums that showed art of this particular ilk. None were more impressive that those of Bet Ison. They were theme based and quite poignant. So, there we were in a small (and very hot) upstairs bedroom seeing some of the most powerful art of our entire adventure. Her work is worthy of any museum collection and hopefully somehow it soon reaches a much wider audience.
Bet and Cecil treated us like old friends and their hospitality made us regret ever having to leave. However, their life and art will remain an inspiration for a lifetime. To see the sincere emotional and thoughtful expression of Bet's art quilts was certainly memorable; to say the least. To see how art is a significant part of Cecil's life and perhaps, part of the his healing process, was something that could only have been truly experienced face to face. Again, what a gift they were.
5. The Gee's Bend Ladies: This day will be impossible to due justice to; both verbally and visually. Firstly, my trusty art weapon of choice for Oddasee, was not available as no photography is allowed. Add to the lack of "a picture is worth a thousand words" freedom, my limited use of language will simply not be able to adequately express this experience. As was often the case on our journey, there was a symbiotic relationship between your Oddasee guides. At times, my desires led Susan into worlds that she may not have ventured to on her own. The same must be said about her taking me to places and opening doors that I would have missed. Our visit to Gee's Bend is the most glaring example of this wonderful symbiosis. Near Selma, Alabama at the literal dead end of an isolated road sits Gee's Bend (aka: Boykin). This very small town/area is historic largely in part due to Civil Rights issues in the early 60's. It is also known internationally due to the incredible quilts that are produced there. The story is fascinating and I encourage you all to look into it. The reason this day made my list of "most influential" is directly related to not only the quilts but to the women that make them. Though they are world renowned and anything but off the radar, their everyday world is like stepping back in time. We drove into a reality almost completely foreign to our own. People like to throw around words like community and "arts community". Well in this case a more apt terminology would be "art as community". In a very small building that serves meals to the needy and as a meeting place, several days a week a group of ladies get together and quilt. This is the essence of what it means to do a "group project". On average 4-8 women are working on one quilt together. I do not know how they decide which design to work on but from their conversation, it sounds like some sort of rotation and/or group selection. The designs have enough in common to identify them as "Gee's Bend" quilts but each woman has her own design style. To be able to sit and watch like the proverbial "fly on the wall" was indeed a rare opportunity to watch art happen. Susan sat in the ring as they talked and worked like a finely tuned human machine. In time, we blended in and they talked almost as if we were not there. The conversations got personal and even a covered a bit of gossip. One older woman in the meeting hall would occasionally break into song acapella and dance around the room. A time machine it was. To see art being produced in such a communal way and with virtually no technology much beyond needles and scissors, was mind-boggling and refreshing (not a Mac or PC within sight). I truly felt like I was allowed to step into a time from long ago. To be afforded such an experience was a privilege that touched me deeply. My heart and eyes will never be the same. Note: Due to the photo limitations, there is little I can share with you. I did take the liberty of finding some pics on the internet (my Mac does have it's moments).
6. Casey Marquez: This is a case (so to speak; my apologies to Casey) where the human was more noteworthy than his actual artwork. Mr. Casemiro Marquez is more of a creative interior designer and lifescape architect than mere artist. His yard is a humorous and slightly macabre tinged installation. Hanging in trees, heaped on the ground, suspended on a clotheslines and nailed to walls are hundreds of stuffed animals and characters. Another aspect of "Casa de Colores" in Las Vegas New Mexico is how he uses spray paint. Objects are enhanced by wild colors. There are dots, stripes and squiggles everywhere. As mentioned, it's amusing to see Warner Brothers and Disney characters hanging in trees and lumped together in bizarre scenes. Add to that the ravages of weather, dust, bright NM sunshine and the loudly crackling radio tuned into a Spanish station and you get quite a remarkable sensory wonderland. Yet all of this pales in comparison to the creator of such a magnificently unique environment. In a very real way, Casey is an integral part of his art. He is part of a kinetic sculpture of his own making. Part unintentional theater and part just living life, neither he nor his art exist completely independent of each other. This gentle man truly has a sparkle in his eyes. He is friendly but so much more than that. He is open, authentic and sincere on a level I am not sure I have ever experienced. When he invited us into his home, I felt very privileged but not intrusive. He wanted to share part of his private life/world with no fear or expectation. To see the domain of a man that has so little and yet so much, was deeply humbling. He lives in such a simple way but has once again allowed his art to embellish his living space in a manner that is not separate but integral. It came as no surprise that this engaging soul has people in the community helping him with some of the essentials like food, cleaning and other mundane life requirements. That said, there was absolutely no sense that Casey wanted anything from us. He never uttered a negative word about his life. He was a genuinely proud but humble man - try that someday. He shared tales of his life and there was no sense of regret, resentment or entitlement of any kind. I can't recall ever meeting anyone that made me wish I had something to give him. I wanted to give something to this precious soul but was at totally baffled as to what that should/could be. The little gift I did give was so sincerely appreciated that I was taken aback and deeply moved. Never have I been so touched by someone saying "God bless you" than when Mr. Casey Marquez looked me in the eye and uttered those oft used words. Once again, it was art that served as the link that brought me to one of the most memorable experiences in my life. To have met this man speaks to the magic of art. My oh my oh my......
7. Tom Every: My research did not offer much in the way of visual info about "The Forevertron" by Dr. Evermore. I did not have high or low expectations. This site just appeared on a list with an address. Aside from a couple of small found object steel sculptures, the drive down that nondescript dirt road led our weary Oddasee spirits to not expect anything all that special. Oh how very wrong we were...... The next bend exposed a sight that absolutely blew me away. When asked by friends to pick an Oddasee trip "favorite" the one that comes to mind is the "Forevertron". How many times as an adult have you had an actual "jaw dropping" moment? How many times in your life have you seen a piece of art that was so incredible that it left you completely thunderstruck (definition: overwhelmed by a flood of emotions)? Well I almost drove off the road. I was in total awe. The truck almost had to park itself as I had to get out and see this creation NOW! Like an moth drawn to a flame, I had to get closer. It was such an amazing sight that I even forgot to get the camera. Oh my Gawd! Well as memorable as that sight was, it only got better and I will always be grateful for getting to meet and spend an afternoon with Tom Every (aka: Dr. Evermore). As we sat under that tarp and talked with this artist, we learned much about his life, family and art. Mr. Every seemed very comfortable in sharing details from his life. A sad reality is that as the result of a recent stroke, his health has severely limited his ability to make art. So, two or three days a week his wife/ex-wife/remarried wife/friend/soulmate (their current relationship was a bit vague) brings him out to the site so that he might sit and watch people see his art and perhaps chat with them. Though conversation with Mr. Every can be, well, tangential, it also is multi-leveled. Of all the conversations I had with artists along the way, the one with Mr. Every was special. When he found out I was an artist (I gave him some of my business cards that have paintings on them), he shifted into another gear. He talked to me eye to eye about artistic passion and vision. We swapped stories and found much common ground. He spoke of an underlying "message" and/or spirituality as an intentional part of his work. He said "Like you, we seek to open doors and pose questions. There is much more than thought under the rusting metal or in your case paint." For me he is an idol, mentor and colleague; all at once. There was much said between the lines. Looks of understanding passed between us. Over time, memories of the exact words may fade but the sense of kindred art hearts will not. My time with Mr. Tom Every in the midst of his other-worldly creations was more than inspiring - it was reaffirming and was a gift that will have deep impact on me as a person and as an artist... "forever".
In summary: This artist and Oddasee traveler was truly shocked and blown away by getting to meet these wondrous living treasures and seeing their art creations. I hear people throw out the trite missive "Art for art's sake." as an effort to explain something that perhaps has no "function" beyond the object/idea itself. Now I believe in another level of that concept. These people make art as life. It is not outside of themselves but rather who and why they are. Again, keep in mind, most of these artists have no academic training and little exposure to what we call "fine art." Do not misunderstand, these people are gifted, brilliant and many qualify as genius but simply did not have formal art education. They also, to a person, are NOT creating to a market. Many of them don't even have objects to sell. Most could not have a gallery or museum exhibition because their entire life would have to be transported to some far off locale. Not only do most of them not even know what other artists are making, it simply doesn't matter. They each find their inspiration in their own unique ways with no art history or trendy art magazines or special events/shows to influence them. They possess an impressive work ethic, focus and commitment to their art. Some live in environments that we might find very limiting but they have a freedom most artists would envy. Interesting also is how many of these artists are not trying to impress anyone. Another common and simplistic assessment of art is that it is about "personal expression." Most of the outsider artists we encountered are that ideal to the extreme. Be they making political, social or religious statements, they do it with such conviction and sincerity, it is hard to not be affected as an artist and human being. There was poignancy and humor but all was so genuine, it made me take a hard look at my own dreamss and aspirations for not only art but life as well. These folks seem to care little of fame but do very much enjoy sharing their work with anyone fortunate enough to visit their home/studio/workshop/yard. If notoriety comes, the greatest benefit is getting to share their creations with more people. Though many are shy, their art serves to break down barriers and that interaction seems to inspire them to keep working and bring awe to others. Their was no elitism or sense of competition. I know many artists, including myself, that can learn much from these art souls. This is real art. This is art for life's sake.
Therein lies a very abbreviated taste of some of the Oddasee people have impacted my art and deep parts of my heart, mind and soul. I wish only I had the skill to share this experience with every artist I know. Such a gift would also be of great value to everyone that not only loves art but how art could benefit the world in which we live. It made me grateful to have a voice. I will now paint with a sort of joy, experimentation and reverence that I did not know was possible.
Your committed (and perhaps commit-able) artist and Oddasee traveler,
Rodney
