Yeehaw!

Barnyard Butcher by Yeehaw

Woody Guthrie, American Poet by Yeehaw

Celebrating the print processes... Time to visit Julie Belcher and Kevin Bradley. Hailing from Tennessee, these two command a large space and creative juices. By the size of this downhome flavor, it sure ain't hurtin' 'em none.

Their Etsy "featured seller" page reveals a rich tradition of respecting the spirit of culture and strength in diversity. Whether it's their Barnyard Butcher/Chicken Killer No. 1, an iconic symbol or Woody Guthrie, American Poet, in outsider styling...it's fantastic s__t! Now, I've always believed that the end result masks the complex yet wonderful process of hand-inked and hand-pulled artwork. With sure and sometimes dirty paws, the works of art, churned out in limited editions are each individually handled - creating a unique print every time. Skillful mastery is enviable especially when the results are vividly stimulating even when the ink is limited to just one color!

Visitors of Hatch Show prints in Nashville can see that HSP produces some of the most memorable concert posters around. (Hatch's direct link leads to a site that might be infected but you can still see samples on the previous link. Thanks, Ryman.) Though music is food for the soul, I find the subject of just music to be limiting. Life's tangible wealth of imagery demands the inclusion of variety. Lucky for us that YeeHaw has perfected that art - brandishing salvation in an ink can. At right, Kevin adjusts his Barnyard Butcher plate with a confident hand. Visit their studio and you'll find out why Julie, shown above, says they've "been kickin' ass & takin' names ever since" they started this ride. Gotta love that humor. You can feel it in their works and their words.

Now, there's no need for me to promote them. Nope, they're successful enough. But, I just have a need to crow about the pieces that inspire me and these pieces do just that. I pat myself on the back with awkward enthusiasm and tight ligaments 'cause letterpress fans are the just best type! Pun intended. There I go tootin' my horn again.

p.s. Colorful lesson of the day for animal lovers. Especially those that love block prints. (nope, I'm not giving you the link) You need to mosey on over there. You'll find fun when you visit their Etsy shop and check out the Grinnin' Critter card set.

p.p.s Here's a thought for Yeehaw. If you do a crow print, let me see that wind and a prayer, okay?