Embedded within the lines, colors and shape of every map lies a story. Within every state in our union lies a history. Behind every face is a life. While drawing this portrait of Emmett Till, I was struck by the hopeful spark in his eyes. After his shocking murder in Mississippi, Emmett’s mother had the courage to show him to the world in a drastically different light. In exposing what racial violence really looks like, she helped propel the US civil rights movement light years forward.
Nina Simone
With songs like Mississippi Goddam, she confronted the ugliness of Jim Crow racism directly. We’ve been missing Nina Simone for some time now, but her music is still the perfect soundtrack to the protests of this past year.
Signed prints of this portrait are available here (in my Etsy shop)!
10% of proceeds from each print will be donated to Black Lives Matter.
Elvis Presley
Just looking at pictures of a young Elvis Presley, it’s easy to understand why he found such meteoric success. This native of Tupelo, Mississippi exuded an aura which has yet to be duplicated. While drawing this legend, I found myself continuously mimicking his distinct southern drawl. He sadly lost his way in life, but his early contributions to rock and roll will reverberate forever.
Signed prints of this piece are available here (in my Etsy Shop)!
Donna Tartt
Here's a portrait of one of my favorite authors, Donna Tartt. Born and raised in Mississippi, she went on to write three superb novels, The Secret History, The Little Friend, and The Goldfinch.