Painting by Alvin Batiste

This corner is dedicated to the study of emerging artists and trends that may one day mold American popular culture. This month we are featuring Louisiana folk artist Alvin Batiste. What do you think? Is this the next Grandma Moses? The next Picasso? Can a painter entertain on the pop culture stage?

We bought some Red Bull, folded back our map, and turned our wheel toward Donaldsonville, Louisiana. Following the old River Road along the Mississippi, we curved past plantations and ancient oaks. Suddenly, Railroad Avenue appeared, and we turned right.

Now those who know this area probably think we were looking for chef John Folse and the new Lafitte's Landing at Bittersweet Plantation. But not on this day. Today we were looking for a custom frame shop named Rossie's. Why? Because the self taught folk artist Alvin Batiste sets his easel there and paints almost every day.

Here was Rossie's on the right. We parked the car and crossed the sidewalk. Before our eyes, through plated glass, was an explosion of color not unlike fireworks on the fourth of July. Fishermen, angels, farmers in overalls, and dancers skipped across the canvasses. We opened the door and entered Batiste's veritable studio.

We walked down the aisle and were staring at Church Anniversary when Batiste walked through the front door. What we noticed first was his smile: simple, warm, and ear to ear.

He sat down at his easel to talk with us.

Do you have any formal training?

No, I'm self taught, but I have had people from universities come and watch me paint. Some people from the University of Mississippi art department were here the other day.

What inspired you to begin to paint?

I used to watch that guy who paints on TV, and I thought I would like to try to paint like him one day. So one day I walked in here and bought some art supplies.

Why do you paint here in Rossie's?

Well, I always came in here to buy my paint supplies, and then I started to bring my paintings in to get them framed. The owner told me that I was getting really good, so she started displaying my work. More and more people came in asking about me, so we set up a little studio here where I could paint, and people sit right there and watch me.

We hear you were commissioned to do Billy Bob Thornton's new CD cover. How did that come about?

He was filming here, and some of his crew came in. They said they really liked my work, and they told him about me. A couple of days later, he came in and told me he liked my work and asked me to do his CD cover.

Just one last question, what is your intention as an artist, your objective?

I'm just telling the stories my mother told me about the way things used to be in the South.

What more is there to say?

July 2001