Southern Breeze 2008 Spring Issue

A Thad Morgan displays his vibrant, stick-and-paletteknife portraits (above). Sans Souci Fine Craft Gallery is the perfect place to find artsy souvenirs (below). 46 lthough many of the artists making a living in the area today studied under Elemore, others are merely inspired by his influence. Like Elemore, their creativity is stimulated both by the unique physical beauty of the environment, as well as by the almost familial kinship and positive energy shared by artists making their livings here. Among the dozens of top-notch artists in Lafayette and the surrounding areas are those whose works have achieved recognition through prestigious New Orleans galleries and far beyond. For example, Rolling Stone magazine has called the colorful abstract paintings of Francis X. Pavy the visual equivalent of Zydeco music. A student of Elemore’s, he is known throughout the country for his colorful, narrative paintings on panels that often feature such iconic shapes as guitars and dancers. Another of Elemore’s students is chainsaw sculptor Kelly Guidry, whose studio and gallery is located in Breaux Bridge. He uses chainsaws and power tools, along with hammered copper and welded metal elements, to craft his distinct pieces. Thad Morgan (no relation to Elemore) is a young abstract portrait artist whose background is in advertising, not art. He creates bold, vibrant portraits of interesting faces—children, jazz musicians, animals—using only the filed-down stick-ends of his paint brushes and palette knives. Among the area’s many photographers is California transplant and longtime Louisianan Joyce Linde, who prefers a classic Hasselblad camera for shooting her gorgeous, oversized black-and-white images of bayous and swamps. Her use of shadow, light, and contrasting textures reflect a reverence for famed photographer Ansel Adams’ Western landscapes. Two of the area’s prominent African-American artists are Dennis Paul Williams and Vergie Banks. Dennis Paul’s deeply spiritual abstract paintings reflect his childhood diagnosis with a congenital heart disease – and his subsequent healing through prayer. Himself a ‘traitueur,’ a kind of spiritual shaman who offers prayers and cures to people with physical, mental, or spiritual needs, Dennis Paul is best-known as the guitarist for his brother’s internationally known band, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha-Cha’s. (Dennis Paul’s artwork adorns the cover of their latest Rounder Records release, Hang It High, Hang It Low). s o u t h e r n b re e z e . c o m http://southernbreeze.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Southern Breeze 2008 Spring Issue

Editor's Letter Contributor Gumbo Seen & Heard Coastal Calendar Storefronts - Keepin' it Reel Sweet Dreams - Grand Hotel Art of Living - Marking Time Fixtures - A Fitting End Our Backyard - Reasonable Drought Make Yourself at Home - Light up Your Life The Southern Breeze Hot List Unexpected Destin-ation Visual Zydeco We're an American Band The Good Life From Halter Tops to Maternity Tops Reader Services Cheers - Lazy Libations Dish - Mississippi Yearning Chef's Table - Welcome to The Doll House Let's Eat - Sunrise Sensations Last Bite

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