Exotic, mystery, wonder, love, and honor. This piece is a diptych. This is my expression of the bloodline that Elvis and I share. I researched the genealogy and was able to find photos of some of the people that we share a blood connection to, including the 9th president of the US, William Henry Harrison, and the 23rd president, Benjamin Harrison. Elvis’s father, Vernon, was related to the Harrison family. My grandmother and great grandmother on my father’s side were Harrisons.
For all the Elvis pieces, I liked working in mixed media because I could use images of Elvis and in this diptych images of our relatives, and alter them in various ways with acrylic and oil paint as well as with what I call graffiti, using phrases, names of songs, and names of relatives.
While making the 4 Vintage EP art pieces, I felt a huge heart connection to Elvis, which I didn’t understand, never having been a big fan. I remember him in the late 50s, early 60s but once he started making B movies, I lost interest.
When I saw Baz Luhrmann’s film, I became obsessed with Elvis. I couldn’t stop listening to his music and I watched every video I could find, listened to all the interviews with his friends, girlfriends, and bodyguards. My preoccupation led me to make these art pieces.
Something in the film no doubt triggered the realization in my body that I share a generational connection to Elvis. I understand more deeply how important it is to follow one's intuitive drive into the unknown. We never know what magical surprises await us!
