CUMBERLAND GAP/ mixed media resist on paper/ ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM/ PICTOGRAPHIC ART

                                                    Cumberland Gap

                                                    1986
                                                     by Eric Whollem
                                                     mixed media on paper
                                                     Collection of the artist
                                                     6 x 9"
                                                                                        Copyright by the artist

Listening to Old Timey Mountain Music

I was listening to Cisco Houston's version of "Cumberland
Gap," an old Appalachian folk song, when I painted the work
seen here.  Such titling, no doubt, is not uncommon with artists.
Everything has it's subtle influence.

My studio at this time was in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada
Mountains, about three miles from Rackerby, along the tributaries
of Rocky Honcut Creek.

Remnants of old stone chimneys, rock walls, and dredger tailings
were spotted here and there across the hills, memories of the
pioneers of the Gold Rush era in California.