John Henry: My 'Hero of Folk'...

Ever so often I get a chance to purchase art for my own enjoyment and personal art collection, whether it be a painting, print or sculpture. Unlike most art buyers, I buy work because I love it, and because it resonates with me on a personal level. In fact, if the art I buy (and love) doesn't match my throw pillows or the thread color of my monogramed bath towels, the better. (Actually, I don't own either, but you get my point.)

The beauty of social media like Tumblr and Twitter, even Facebook is that something eventually will immediately grabs your attention for further inspection. I have to thank the fine folks at Country And Western's Tumblr page for turning me onto the awesome 'Heroes of Folk' print series by Scotty Reifsnyder of See Scotty Design & Illustration.

One of my favorite Pete Seeger/Woody Guthrie tunes of the Dust Bowl era is about the steel-driving man John Henry, who raced a steam engine to see who could drive in railroad spikes the fastest. So, when I saw Reifsnyder's "John Henry" print, and became 'giddy' like a school girl, I absolutely had to have one. It's such an intricately designed print with massive amounts of detail, with a design that makes me wish more of this kind of work was featured in the mainstream.

The look and feel of the red, blue and black ink used for the print makes this look as though this was a prized design from a half century ago. I have to give kudos to Two Paper Dolls print studio for the fine printing job they did for See Scotty. The 6" x 8" print packs a whole lot of visual wallop that is forcing me to definitely collect the other prints in the series, like Annie Oakley, Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, Rosie the Riveter, and the Mighty Casey (at bat.)

This "Heroes of Folk" series is the first time I've seen a two-sided letterpress print before, other than a crafty business card, so I'm not quite sure how to frame this clever and eye-catching work of art. I may just have to acquire a second copy just to show off the back side. Who knew letterpress printing could be this detailed and exquisite? Certainly, this combo is a match made in art heaven.

Each print in the "Heroes of Folk" series is limited to 150 signed and numbered copies, printed on a white heavy card stock. Whether you are a literary fan, looking for decorating ideas for a kid's bedroom, or simply love great and playful design look into collecting a few, if not all of Scotty's prints. The design and print work must be seen in person to truly be admired!

While you are trying to decide which print you should purchase first, poke around and check out more of See Scotty's design work, especially the animated Johnny Cash video that makes the need for music videos on cable television relevant again.

I'm looking forward to seeing what new series See Scotty comes up with next, as I'll be keeping my eyes peeled to this uber-talented designer. It's artists like this that makes me happy to collect and cherish their work for decades to come. Can't wait for the day to arrive when I can stage an exhibition from the permanent collection of Jonathon Kimbrell.

(Photos courtesy of See Scotty Design & Illustration.)