The “Geometry of Troy”artwork highlights downtown elements.
“There are so many interesting edges, contours, and shapes throughout our community. ‘Troy-Geo’ is simply an exploration of the visual design elements in our fair city. I started by taking notice of things near my studio in downtown Troy. ”
One thing about being 60-ish, there’s more life behind me than before me. At least as “flesh and bone” is concerned. I was pondering the many, many cities in countries that I have had the fortune to visit through the years. I’m quite blessed in that area—actually, about twelve (12) countries in all and much of that through my tenure at Troy University. Thank you, TROY—truly “The International University in Alabama”.
One thing that I’ve learned from traveling is that most cities/villages/communities have their own prevalent culture/s that often distinguish them from other places. This variety truly is the spice that goes along with traveling. Through these experiences, I’ve always been slightly “put-off” when I hear people dismiss their hometowns as ordinary or boring or even disgusting. I understand that “familiarity can breed contempt” but it doesn’t’ have to be so. In fact, I think hometowns should be embraced at least at some level and if necessary, taken to yet another level.
“Celebrate the distinctions and as necessary—perfect them!”
I know that my visits to cities in China found local pride in a certain noodle or liquor; in Italy entire villages were often built around a religious icon or artifact; in France it might be a famous artist or architect; in England it might be its castles or royal family; in Sweden it might be their design or even heavy metal music. On and on it goes—as it should.
My wife Lana and I have now lived in Troy, Alabama for over twenty years. Troy has become “home” for us even though we are native Okies. Our kids and our grandkids live right here in Troy as well. I want to learn to increasingly see the beauty and the storied textures around me in my village. And, as this exploration grows I desire to go even deeper in learning of the local people—their stories and their activities.
But, for now, this first art piece in the series is a baby-step—a simple observation of visual elements and structures near my art studio. PLEASE ENJOY!
Below are detail views of the seven (7) greeting cards inspired by the original drawing:
WANT TO PURCHASE GREETING CARDS or even the ORIGINAL ART from this series?
THEY ARE AVAILABLE FROM THESE LOCATIONS:
• This website. GO TO ONLINE STORE.
•. Sienna Cloud Creative | 113 N. Three Notch Street | Troy, AL
•. Burlap & Silk Antique Gallery | Downtown Square | Troy, AL
•. Or, contact the artist directly at jjkees@gmail.com or text (334) 268-1304. Artist will accept cash or credit cards, Venmo, PayPal, Stripe, and other similar online payment methods.
. . . . . . . . . . . . GREETING CARD SET . . . . . . . . . . . . .
“TROY-GEO: ELEMENTS 01” CARD SETS: This set is complete with seven (7) unique cards depicting various parts of the original composition. The inside of the folding cards are left blank for you to have a wide range of handwritten messaging.
SET TITLE: “Troy-Geo: Elements 01” Greeting Card Set
NUMBER of CARDS: Seven (7) unique views of artwork
SIZE: A2 Envelopes and 4.5” x 5.5” vertical cards
COLOR: Greyscale outside; blank on inside
PRICE: $15.00
. . . . . . . . . . . . ORIGINAL DRAWING . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Below is a depiction of the original artwork that began this series)
TITLE: “Troy-Geo: Elements 01”
MEDIUM: Graphite on Arches 300 lb. watercolor paper (original art)
FRAMING SIZE: 23” x 23” (artwork float-mounted onto white mat board)
DATE CREATED: 2021
PRICE: $415.00
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . SIGNED PRINT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TITLE: “Troy-Geo: Elements 01” DIGITAL PRINT
MEDIUM: High-Resolution greyscale, laser print on quality paper stock
PRINT SIZE: 12” x 12”
DATE CREATED: 2021
FORMAT: Unmatted and unframed; shrink-wrapped and positioned on heavy board with photo corners. Ready for custom or standard framing!
PRICE: $35.00
This finished drawing is float mounted into a white, contemporary frame sized at 23” x 23”.