The Blues Gallery

The Blues grew directly out of the African American experience. It is a response to the harse realities of life in early 20th Century America. Sadly it seems to be a dying art form in the Black community. Nevertheless it is a big part of the music mix of America and the world. Again Saint uses yet another artistic technique in order to capture stark reality.

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'Night Song' is our first offering in this gallery. It is not as colorful as it seems. The artist used only different hues and shades of blue in this painting. It is painted in a neo-impressionistic style once again focused on capturing a feeling. As Saint would say..."the Blues is a lonely man and a howling dog."

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Black and Blues Collection

The works in this collection are done on Claybord Black, a scratch board that allows the artist to remove the coating of black ink with a variety of techniques and in essence draw in reverse. Some how in photographing these works the white lines came out as as you see them...amazing. These works were inspired not by the fame of the artists portrayed but by the expressions on their faces and their places as relatively unknown yet important contributors to this original African American art form.

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'Professor Longhair', aka Henry Roeland Byrd (1918-1980)is a local legend in New Orleans. He is noted for his unique style which was a mixture of several styles (very appropriate for Louisiana). As is typical with most of these artists, their life experiences led them to this art form. "Fess" as he was also called worked as a boxer, cook, and professional card player. His most famous song 'Mardi Gras in New Orleans'(1949)is still the official theme song of the New Orleans Mardi Gras.

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Born Odetta Holmes on December 31, 1930 in Birmingham, Alabama. 'Odetta' grew up in Los Angeles, CA and had operatic training from the age of 13. She performed in many music genres including Jazz, Folk, and Spirituals. She has won many Grammy Awards and has influenced many other artists, including Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and Joan Baez. Here's to a true legend.

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The Reverend 'Blind' Gary Davis was also a Gospel singer from South Carolina in the early 20th century. This face definitely shouts the Blues!!!

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Sleepy John Estes is a real pioneer. He was blinded in one eye by a rock in his youth. He was also known to take frequent naps, hense his nickname. He learned to play guitar on a shoebox quitar. Travelled the country while hoboing playing at camp shows. Is known for his vocal renderings.

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Often partnering with Sleepy John, Hammy Nixon was noted for his musicianship. The two started out hoboing together and playing at camp shows. Now that's the Blues.

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Return to Culture and History from the Blues Gallery