Memories From the Mountains

A little over sixteen years ago, I was driving through the North Carolina mountains with my friend Selena. We had the heat blasting, but not because it was cold outside. Quite the contrary. We were taking a weekend trip to her hometown and my engine was overheating. The drive was hot and miserable, but the rest of the trip was anything but. Selena and her brother, Hal, are friends of mine from college and, on that trip, I got to see the place that made them.

Lest anyone think I can only get nostalgic about my own hometown, take me on a tour of yours for a few days and I’ll be almost as enthusiastic about your family’s memories and all the places that have shaped its generations as I am about my own. Especially if heartwarming stories and quaint downtowns are involved.

When Hal asked if he could commission me to paint his grandfather’s service station (a Christmas present for his mom), I was more than happy. The project was meaningful and the story behind it drew me to the image. The building itself was interesting and I hoped that I could create something Hal and Selena’s family could enjoy as a tribute to a man they have deeply respected and loved.

But the piece was also helpful to me personally. I have done little visual art since the world stopped last spring. That’s not to say that I haven’t worked on other projects, which I may write about soon, but none that involved pencil or paint. A ready-made project and a deadline were just what I needed to get me out of the slump.

I worked mostly in graphite and charcoal, using paint in thin layers at the end for a little color.

Thank you Hal, Selena, and family for giving me the opportunity to hang out with your service station for a few days and be a part of preserving its memory.

Despite my phone charger and the toe of my boots being in this photo, I really like how the painting looks from a few feet away, so I thought I’d include it.