I came to the Oregon territory via a ship around the Horn. I lived in Astoria for a time, and then in Walla Walla (now in state of Washington). When gold was discovered in Idaho in 1860, I headed for the new gold fields. Now you must understand, I do not dig in the earth and get dirty. I sit in a saloon, and wait for the gold to come to me. I am a gambler, and my job is to entertain the miners, and especially, to make a handsome profit for myself.
Notice my shirt, it does not have lace on the sleeves, like it did have back east. I am a frontiersman now, and my shirt and vest are fringed. But the fabric is beautifully woven. My background canvas portrays the gold and precious metals just flowing down the surface to me.
Note from the artist:The shirt fabric is cotton and silk, with a pointed twill weave structure. the vest has a random warp of cottons, wools, novellty yarns, and metallics. It is a variation of a pointed twill. The painted canvas started with a bright pink gesso base, and then glazing layers of yellow, gold, and silver acrylic paint.
36” x 36” x 2”
Costume on Canvas
Kelly James, Photographer - Salem, Oregon
Anne Abendroth - Artist
