Saturday, December 12, 2009

You Aint Nothing but a Coon Dog

Unicoi, Tennessee 1998 Mike Smith


My Tuesday routine usually consists of a few thrift stores, a couple antique shops and a warehouse junk store on the industrial side of Salt Lake City. That’s where I first saw this image. Something about it was familiar and it reminded me of home. Most would have overlooked its beauty, not seeing the value of these two junkyard coon dogs, or should I say backyard coon dogs. I could instantly feel the warmth of the south and smell the refreshing pine lingering in the humidity.

The $49.99 price tag made me want to snatch it up, but where would I put this huge 40" x 40" photo? Chances are it would live its life hiding against the back wall in my closet or get tucked between my mattress and box spring, keeping it protected from my cat, Sasser. I always have good intentions when buying, but unfortunately my desire to collect is much larger than the walls in my small apartment.

At that moment I let it pass, telling myself I didn't need it. But as fate would have it, I'd see these two coon dogs again. After that day I thought of them in that back yard, guarding their hillbilly chateau. I remembered the date, 1998, and the title, Unicoi County, Tennessee. It made me sad to realize my two coon dogs had probably passed. I wondered if there were kids that lived just beyond that lens who'd taken them on long walks through the woods. Even though I knew Unicoi County was in Tennessee, that same photo could have been taken back home in Arkansas .

Months passed, and I found myself back at that same warehouse junk store, flipping through bins of dust covered posters and prints. My heart stopped as I passed a monstrous poster of Duran Duran to find my coon dogs sitting there. No one had purchased them. It was in my hands once again, but my first thought was that there was not enough room in my car. However, my trusted and proficient shopper companion reassured me he could make room if I wanted it. The woman standing close to us pointed to the hot pink Xeroxed sign that read 75% OFF so I proudly made my way to the register and rearranged the back seat of my vehicle to accommodate man’s best friend.

I was right, it did sit in my closet for nearly six months, but eventually I perched it on my mantel. That’s when I noticed the artist signature, Mike Smith. What a simple name for an artist from Ucicoi County, Tennessee. I wondered where this Mike Smith was now and if he was still taking photos? A quick search on the web delivered a pleasant surprise: Mike Smith, wasn’t just out taking snapshots with his Canon, he was an internationally celebrated photographer. I learned early in my art career that photographers don’t take ‘pictures’. They ‘capture images’ and this image was very special.

Unicoi, Tennessee, 1998, originally sold for $4,500.00. I learned from the artist that many museums owned this image including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Library of Congress, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. Elton John and Bruce Berman also own copies so I’m in good company.

The moral of the story? It doesn’t matter if something costs $4,500.00 or $15.00. If you truly love a piece of art it’s already yours.

Denise Ryan "Lemon Moon"

"Lemon Moon" 2006 Denise Ryan
50" x 40"
Original Oil on Canvas
$3,500.00

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Win "Willie Jump" valued at $7,000.00




This will be our second year to give away such a wonderful sculpture during our "Frogman Show". We only require the winner to give us a "Price is Right Scream". If we're giving away a $7,000.00 prize we better get a screamer.

In accordance to Utah law this is not a raffle. Each ticket you receive is an opportunity to win. We do no promote or endorse gambling of any kind. For each purchase you make between now and 2010 you will receive a chance to win. Good luck!!!

* Winner not need be present to win.
** No purchase necessary. To receive one free chance please attend our artist reception August 21, 2010.

Silver Queen Fine Art
Po Box 2026
632 Main Street
Old Town Park City, Utah 84060