Saturday, April 25, 2009

On the Bayou * Elton Louviere *



On the Bayou in Louisiana.....



Here I am down in Cajun country enjoying my first batch of boiled crawfish in about 7 years. "An' yah, Cher, ...dem's cra-vees is sumtin man, whas reely delishus for shore, I done gar-on-teed you dat." I lived in Southwest Lousiana for over 20 years and a big piece of my heart is down here with the frogs, gators and skeeters. Right now I'm staying with one of my best friends from Sulphur High School,...Jim Hopkins and his wife, Beatrice. I could go on for 14 hours about Jim and Bea, but to keep it short...they have been great. Jim is a lawyer here in Sulphur and we have talked about everything from VietNam to the mysteries of the universe to the secession of Texas. And Bea, a teacher of the highest caliber, has just plugged her ears and let us ramble.


This is also the world of Elton Louviere. Elton is an extraordinary artist whose talents extend beyond the known universe and his accomplishments, awards, and recognition reach from here to Orlando. Elton is also an old friend and my mentor. Aside from my mother, Elton has given me more inspiration on my art endeavors through life than anyone else on the planet.


We moved to Lake Charles from Houston in 1958, a year after hurricane Audrey had scourged the area. Father, Mom and I lived in a beautiful old two story house on Hodges street. Three houses down there was a young man who had started a sign painting company...Louviere Signs. I was 13 at the time, and was allowed to go visit "Mr. Louviere" from time to time. Elton was probably 8 or 9 years my senior, and I was absolutely hypnotized by the incredibly beautiful and professional signwork that flowed from hands through the marvelous Langnickel and french quill brushes. What I remember most of those earlier days was his kindness and patience to a snotty nosed kid like me that most people would have run off in a heartbeat. I was a good spectator, though, because I could sit and watch his mastery in silent awe. After we moved to Sulphur, I had no contact with Elton until about 15 years or so later when I had a part-time job (full-time at the Post Office then), with Roy Loup's Highway Signs in Maplewood. Elton was the main sign painter for Roy, and was in the last stages of sign work...preparing to venture into the realm of full-time wildlife and bayou/marsh landscapes...his true love. He is now one of the South's most respected artists. Elton, I thank you and salute you. And I urge those that read this to visit his site.....www.LouviereFineArt.com/gallery

Tomorrow, it is off to Anacoco Lake for a few days. I'm giving the white perch fair warning. I will be going with two of the most special friends any person could ever be blessed to have. My brother-in-law Glen and his wife Wendy. The next post will be about those two and a tie-in with Every Photo Tells A Story. And I'll post that one later today, or very early in the morning.

Take care for now....your buddy in the bayou..........James

Blog thought: A little prayer plaque I had in my office: "Dear Lord, help me be the kind of person my dogs think I am."

16 comments:

  1. Very nice, Jim. I'd like to see you paint more landscapes. Your poem on EPTAS this morning was very good also. Wish I could be there to sample the fish and crawfish. Have fun.

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  2. James, what a beautiful photo of the bayou! I've never been there, but you make me want to be! And what an adventure you are having. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. What an adventure you are having, James. It's good to catch up with old friends while you can. Now I understand your love of frogs and such:)

    I checked out your friends website, and he has some beautiful artwork.

    Take care and enjoy the lake.

    ~Nancy

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  4. James what a wonderful journey. You have friends everywhere, and so many good stories to tell. Be sure to have a couple of those yummy beignet for me while you are traveling about Cajun country!
    hugs from me and the puggies in Texas...

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  5. James, I'm relishing every ode and poem you do on EPTAS. My gosh is there any talent you do not have. OH CAN YOU SING............. !!!.
    Enjoy the crawfish for me, I'm jealous. Hugs

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  6. Hi James- what a journey you are on! Thank you for taking us along. The photo of the bayou- we love- look at those roots in the water! We know you are having a swell time - that is what is important. Thanks for checking in, and by the way- we have that little dog prayer too
    love
    tweedles

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  7. Sounds like you are having a grand ol'time, James! I love the quote.

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  8. I love your quote - since I'm a cat owner, it's more like, I hope I'm a better person than my cat makes me feel haha!!!

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  9. James - I was born and raised in Lafayette; you have made me so nostalgic for home! Enjoy your visit.

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  10. Elton's paintings are awesome! Have fun!!

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  11. Really nice story, James...love the prayer plaque quote too!!

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  12. Hi James! I had a mentor like Elton as I was starting out on my art journey....How different things would have turned out if not for the special people we have met along the way!..

    Hope you catch a ton of fish!

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  13. Hi James! Elton's work is wonderful. Hope you are having a wonderful time!

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  14. I hope you had a great time at the lake with your friends, James, and didn't wipe out the white perch population:)

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  15. What a fun trip! Great friends, great food, great art, and family! Thanks for letting us join in the fun, and entertaining us along the way. Elton Louviere is a multi-talented guy. As are you!

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  16. Came back to say your poem on EPTS is beautiful.

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