Acrylic / Conte Crayon on canvas, 16 x 20, $650
Graphite on paper, 11 x 14, $600
Graphite on paper, 11 x 14, $500
Graphite on paper, 11 x 14, 2009, $600
Mixed media on canvas, 36 x 48, $2500
Acrylic on canvas board, 18 x 24, $1200
Mixed media on canvas board, 14 x 18, $1400
Mixed media on canvas board, 12 x 16, $750
mixed media on canvas, 16 x 20 $1100
Indian ink & acrylic on paper, 18 x 24, $800
Indian ink & acrylic on paper, 24 x 18, $800
Indian ink on paper, 11 x 14, $700
Acrylic & conte crayon on canvas board, 16 x 20, $875
mixed media on canvas, 36 x 48, $2600
Conte crayon & mixed media on canvas board, 14 x 18, 2008, $750
Conte Crayon & mixed media, 16 x 20, 2008, $750
Acrylic on canvas, 30 x 40, 2008, $2500
Media on canvas board, 18 x 24, 2008, $1400
Acrylic on canvas board, 16 x 20, 2006, $1400
Acrylic on canvas, 18 x 24, 2005, $750
Acrylic & Mixed media on canvas, 18 x 24, 2007, $1200
Conte crayion on paper, 18 x 24, 2008, $875
Conte crayon on paper, 24 x 18, 2008, $750
acrylic on canvas, 30x40, 2008, $1800
Bryan L. Tilford
As a young person, Muhammad Ali inspired me. Ali's flamboyant style, ferocity in the ring and the belief in his convictions raised him to hero status in my mind. He risked his career and arguably his life, in the belief that the Viet Nam war was wrong. He knew he would not have to pick up a rifle or see one minute of battle because of his value as a mascot and status as Heavyweight Champion. Many celebrities had joined in past war efforts. His hero, Joe Louis served in WWII, putting on boxing exhibitions for the troupes and doing his part to fight the Nazis. Ali would not compromise his faith for a politically manufactured enemy. His statement that No Viet Cong ever called me Nigger, during a time when men were being killed for such bold proclamations resonated with a lot of Black People in America. Ali regained his boxing license and his championship crown and overcame every obstacle put in his path by the powers that be. His success made him the Peoples Champion and gave people courage to press on in daily life. He did this all while displaying a style and charisma that will never be matched.
As an Artist, I have always been drawn to capture iconic figures and personalities. Whether they are in music, sports or everyday life. Attempting to capture some of that charisma and personality on canvas and paper can be a challenge. I believe that in overcoming that challenge, an artist faces many challenges just like the people depicted.
Sometimes the canvas or paper takes on a life of its own and speaks to you and aids in its creation. Other times it stares back silently and defiantly. My artistic challenges are microcosms of life itself. With each work completed I feel that a small part of myself is completed as well.
