Woody Guthrie Canvas Print

This print reflects the format of the Woody Guthrie painting it is based upon. The print is on18x24 paper and will be signed and numbered just below the bottom border of the printed area… allowing the purchaser to choose between a standard(more affordable) 18×24 frame, or trimming the excess paper below the signature and custom framing the print. Cropping the image to more closely suit the 18×24 proportion compromised the composition.

Woody Guthrie (1912-1967) was an American folk singer and songwriter best known for the song “This Land Is Your Land” frequently sung in American schools. Though the song is used patriotically, it was  originally intended as as a “power to the people” themed anthem, and had its more controversial verses edited out. Full original lyrics below. Guthrie grew up in Oklahoma during the dust bowl and the depression which gave him empathy toward farmers and working class people in general. Guthrie was given the nickname “The Dust Bowl Troubadour” and wrote many songs championing workers, unions, outlaws, farmers, and the downtrodden. When Woody performed he often had the slogan “This Machine Kills Fascists” emblazoned across his guitar. If Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” was the literary embodiment off the struggles of the era, Guthrie’s songs were the musical equivalent. Guthrie was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for his left leaning views. Woody Guthrie’s influence can be felt in the tradition of social justice in music ranging from Pete Seeger, to Johnny Cash, to Bob Dylan, to Jimi Hendrix, to Neil Young, to Joe Strummer(who’s original nickname was Woody”). In my MAYDAY art show, Guthrie was an essential inclusion for his tremendous influence on so many of my favorite musicians who have combined entertainment and social commentary. Proceeds from this print go to the Woody Guthrie Foundation. The painting and print are based on a photograph by Sid Grossman.

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Obey Megaphone Print

-Shepard

For release on 8/13/2010 at a random time.  Limit 1 per person/household.

18 x 24″ Screen Print

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Moon Over Biloxi

The title of this print “Moon Over Biloxi” is a tribute to the  Dead Kennedy’s song “Moon Over Marin”. In 1984 I picked up maybe my 4th punk record which was the 2nd Dead Kennedy’s album “Plastic Surgery Disasters”. The album is a great listen all the way through and includes some blistering tunes like “Riot” and “Bleed For Me” laced with social commentary. The surprise song though is “Moon Over Marin”… detractors have called it the Dead Kennedy’s “U2″ song, but I disagree. “Moon Over Marin” is more melodic than most DK, but juxtaposed with the darkness of the lyrics, the song evokes a powerful sense of existential melancholy. I think the concept that struck me, and stuck with me, is that our disrespect of each other and the planet may doom us , but things will continue without us. I think it is healthy to recognize impermanence, but also to appreciate the value of the ephemeral. Moonlight, real or electric, will probably be around, but what it will be casting light on is the real question. There will always be a moon over Biloxi.
-Shepard

Prints will ship within 10 to 15 days from the date of your order.

A portion of the proceeds go to the NRDC.  Click for more to hear the Dead Kennedy’s song.

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