Frances Drew was an enormously productive painter known for her bold and color-rich scenes of regional life and images of suffering.
She gave her time and vast talent - singing, preaching, painting - to the community. I remember the year she had a grant to speak to high school students about how she painted. After the talk, she donated a vivid painting to the school. In it a black girl stands at a crossroads on a muddy, clay road deep in the Pine woods. The girl is dressed nicely; she is on her way to a mission church on foot.
Once I was showing a French exchange student around Shreveport. Stopping at Frances' house we entered a world of stacked canvasses and card tables strewn with paints and brushes. There was little furniture but a stream of talk from Frances furnished the house nicely.
Before we left Frances presented the student with a small painting of a girl dancing. I was touched by her generosity. I wanted to say to the French student, "Express your thanks! Do not take this loving act for granted." I doubt that Frances felt that way. I think she knew not to expect much, but to be happy and quenched by her own act of kindness.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
The late Frances Drew, Shreveport painter, multi-faceted artist and minister, 1949 - 2007
Jazz the heavens: Dirty Red, aka Don Crenshaw
Don is an admired trumpet player whose base is in Shreveport. Under the nickname Dirty Red he plays cool jazz, street jazz, blues and R n B.
He is also a friend of mine and a gentleman of the highest order.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Willie Hall, aka Robot, from Allendale
At the H&H Lounge, 717 Hope St, historic Shreveport, Willie Hall was jamming on congas and chanting with the music.
The towel turban atop his head is a mystery. All of a sudden, there was a turban.
Sax player Stefan Poole of the Stiff Necked Fools
Stefan was between numbers on a Texas St outdoor performance when I caught sight of his rakish hat and glasses and marvelous performerly attitude.
Cool, sir.
Saturday, June 09, 2012
The ear / fractura: a mandala for the summer
Spontaneous yet influenced by Mark Burt's world of diverse beings, I wanted this to be a fractal-like structure. But organic rather mechanic.
Everything seemed to slip into place.
Going to paste up a 3'X3' enlargement of it at the Beauty Supply Gallery - formerly called En Pleine Air Gallery - on the corner of Kings and Youree.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Tchai: psychedelic jazz in your tea
Tchai, the psychedelic improv arts collective, will be performing at the
- Highland Blooms, Sat, May 19, 11 to 3 pm.
- Blue Goose Festival, Sun, May 20, 4 pm
- Mudbug Fest with the Shreveport Hoop Group on Sun, May 27, 12:15.
Please follow us for healing, chilling, chatting and grooving.
Monday, April 09, 2012
St Cecelia / robert trudeau 2012
The Creole version of St Cecilia plays a banjo rather than the traditional violin or organ. Wears a tignon instead of a halo. Is a hearty laborer as well as performer.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Mahfouz in Shreveport / robert trudeau 2012
A study in ethnicity and visual impact.
It's about Trayvon Martin, Saudi extremists, Somali pirates, mystery, alienation, pride and fear.
Influenced by Banksy, JR and Edward Gorey.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Mahfouz in Merimekko / trudeau 2012
Provoked by the need of a proper birthday greeting to my friend Dale Alsandor.
Somewhat a satire (Marimekko is a Finnish textiles / design company) as well as a nod to the elegance of Arab wrapping.