|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
" I don't know anything about art. I just do what I do. "Lamar Sorrento
|
By Heather Gates
George Hunt may be the best-known "blues" painter in Memphis because of his annual Beale Street Music Festival posters, but he's by no means the only artist working the territory. Lamar Sorrento, the alter-ego of musician James Eddie Campbell, has been painting for about four years. Many of his subjects are early bluesmen. His work can be seen everywhere from the men's room at the City Grocery restaurant in Oxford, Miss., to the walls of the new Center for Southern Folklore, the House of Blues and the personal collections of some famous musicians. "I started one day for the hell of it," Sorrento says. "I don't know anything about art. I just do what I do." He considers his art to be "an extension ofbeing so crazy about the music." His primitive/folk style and bold colors are reminiscent of Dr. Bob or Howard Finster, both self-taught artists. That has not kept Sorrento's work from appearing in the Tennessee State Museum and galleries in New Orleans, Austin, Texas, and San Diego, Calif. He is planning to open a Midtown studio, but for now you can find his work at the Huey's Gift Shop Downtown. Another artist mining the blues field is Lazar, who is commanding premium prices for his works around the world. His style, a mix of impressionism and expressionism, has found a worldwide audience. European by birth, Lazar's connection to Memphis increased dramatically two years ago when he married Memphis artist Diane Levy. Lazar, who recently donated one of his paintings of favorite performer B.B. King to LeBonheur Children's Hospital, looks to create action is his work. He never paints sitting down because, "You have to stand up to paint action." His paintings, which start at about $5,000, also cover such areas as rock stars and sports figures. Lazar, who speaks seven languages, has exhibited his work all over Europe, particularly Italy, and in California. Plans are being made for a local show.
|
