2022-2023 Shoosty V3 Catalog Raisonne is volume 3 of the complete works of the artist Stephen Shooster aka Shoosty. Volume covers the dates 2022-2023.
Shoosty 2022-2023 Volume III Catalogue Raisonné Stephen Shooster aka Shoosty
DEDICATED TO DOROTHY SHOOST- ER, MY MOM. SHE TURNED 98 DURING 2023 AND AS OF THIS WRIT- ING JUST TURNED 99. HER OPTI- MICISM WILL ALWAYS INSPIRE ME.
Shoosty® Fine Art 2022-2023 Shooster Publishing Copyright Shooster Publishing, All Rights Reserved 2233 NW 8th Avenue Gainesville, Florida 32603 Dedicated to Diane Shooster and my kids; Jason, Jaime, Carly and Cassidy
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2022 - 2023 Shoosty® THE CATALOG RAISONNÉ VOLUME III
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OVERVIEW
In 2019, the business was sold, freeing Shooster to pursue his passion as a full- time artist. Alongside his artistic pursuits, Shooster authored a poignant survivor’s account of the Nazi Holocaust, titled “The Horse Adjutant.” He frequently engages in pub- lic discussions on this topic with the sur- vivor. The central message he imparts is the profound significance of FREEDOM. Dec. 2022- Jan. 2023, he had his first solo art show after a long hiatus at the Mills Gallery in Orlando. It was curated by his long term friend, Jennifer McGinnes Coolidge and gallerist Boris Garbe . Their confidence led to six more shows the same year, three of which were solo. In this volume you will discover a few new terms some coined by the artist: Chromatic-Fusionism, Frentic Drawing, Vector Painting . Today, Shooster is the founder of Shoost- er Publishing, Shoosty Art Licensing, and Shoosty Bugs™, He is also a board member of the Florida Cultural Alliance. "The Fine Arts are the greatest expres- sion of FREEDOM." - Shooster
Shoosty™ 2022 - 2023 represents the comprehensive catalog of the artistic en- deavors by Stephen Shooster, who op- erates under the tradename Shoosty™ . Volume III constitutes a continuation of two prior volumes, collectively encom- passing every artwork he has ever creat- ed thus far. In the art world, this practice is referred to as a Catalogue Raisonné, a rare undertaking. Historically, such cat- alogs were meticulously crafted for only the most renowned artists, often by a col- laborative effort involving art historians. Shooster says there is are no rules for suc- cess as an artist but we do have scientific notation and by using it we can draw a line marking milesstones and eventually we will have momentuum. Stephen Shooster , a graduate of the Uni- versity of Florida, BFA, in 1982, initial- ly worked alongside his father for over three decades. During this period, he transitioned into the role of a Computer Telephony Engineer specializing in Call Centers. When asked about the dichotomy be- tween left-brain (analytical) and right- brain (creative) thinking, Shooster dis- misses it, asserting that engineering itself is an art form. According to him, any en- deavor can be approached artfully, re- gardless of its nature. As the business flourished, Shooster’s en- tire family became part of the company. His father was the recipient of the Sun Sentinel Excalibur Businessman of the Year award in 2013. Seven months later he passed away.
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VECTOR PAINTING Vector painting is an artistic technique where the digital artist creates images us- ing volumes of vectors—mathematical- ly defined points. Unlike traditional ras- ter-based painting, which relies on pixels, vector painting allows for precise, scalable, and high-quality artwork. Vector artists construct shapes, lines, and curves using mathematical equations. These vectors are coordinates that define the posi- tion and direction of each element. Because they are based on math, vectors remain sharp and clear regardless of the image’s size or resolution.The computer handles the math. The artist uses elegant tools designed for visual thinkers. One of the key advantages of vector paint- ing is its scalability. Since vectors are reso- lution-independent, the artwork can be re- sized without losing quality. Whether you’re creating a small icon or a large billboard, vector-based images maintain their clarity. Vector graphics produce clean, precise lines and shapes. It’s commonly used for logos, il- lustrations, technical drawings, and graphic design. The absence of pixelation ensures a professional finish. The iPad Pro, equipped with powerful drawing tools and apps, provides an ideal platform for vector artists. Artists can cre- ate and manipulate vectors effortlessly with the freedom to work directly on the screen. A stylus pen enhances the creative process, allowing for a unified flow. It is an elegant drawing setup. Vector painting does not work well with a desktop computer and a mouse. You need a tablet and digital pen to achieve the relaxed freedom required to cre- ate hundreds of shapes that form a vector painting. In summary, vector painting combines mathematical precision with artistic ex- pression, resulting in visually striking and infinitely scalable professional artwork.
DEDICATED TO BUDDY SHOOSTER THE BEST DOG WE EVER HAD.
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CHROMATIC-FUSIONISM Shooster coined this term in 2023 to create a fresh artistic lexicon that explains his work. Chromatic-Fu- sionism refers to a bridge between the tangible and the intangible, the scientific and the soulful. Chromatic: This facet delves into the scientific realm of art. It encompasses the cre- ation of pigments, materials, and the intricate chemistry behind visual ex- pression. From the vibrant hues on canvas to the subtle interplay of light, Chromatic-Fusionism celebrates the technical foundation that un- derpins artistic creation. It extends beyond the canvas, to all aspects of the arts. For example reso- nance of the electrified gear musicians use. Fusionism: Here lies the heart of purpose. Fu- sionism intertwines the humanities with materiality. It’s not merely about technique; it’s about intention. The purpose applied to each stroke, each note, each texture. Fusionism acknowledges that art transcends mere aesthetics—it car- ries meaning, emotion, and connec- tion.
FRENETIC DRAWING Shooster coined Frenetic Drawing a few years ago to explain his method of sketching musicians as they play. You will find many examples in this book. Frenetic Drawing thrives on spontaneity and energy. It can't be done in a quiet room. It is a form of speed draw- ing that embraces the moment's immediacy. The heartbeat of frenetic drawing lies in its synergy with live music. When the band strikes its first chord, his pen starts dancing. The rhythm and emotion of the music establishes the tone of the work. Shooster draws as often as possible, especially when he is on a tour. You can find him frequently at musuems or temples drawing during the day or at a bar in the evening surrounded by live music. He frequently incorporates the daytime draw- ings into his night work. Other times, he may incorporate something he is studying. The point is that whatever is in his mind mixes with the music, and his hand captures the whole thing. This method of sketching has rules. They are not hardfast. The first is the start-stop rule. The drawing begins when the band starts and stops when the band finishes. This temporal constraint fuels the frenzy. Second, he accepts mistakes as conceptual ideas. The imper- fections become signatures of the experience. Frenetic draw- ing revels in serendipity. Each "mistake" contributes to the raw authenticity. Third, conceptual exploration. Let whatever is in your mind mix with the drawing. Accept spontaneous ideas. Just let go make marks and study them later. Drawing sharpens your mind and enhances focus. Your hand may move fast, but your mind will slow in contemplation. Shooster has years of experience doing this type of Draw- ing. He almost exclusively uses Pilot V7 precise needlepoint pens. He claims they are the fastest pens he has ever found. It is crucial to use tools that keep your pace moving. The outcome? A visual symphony—an amalgamation of mu- sic, movement, and creativity. Frenetic drawing captures the pulse of live performance, translating sound waves into ink blots. Armed with a pen and paper, my hand dances to the rhythm, embraces the chaos, and etchs moments that echo the band's melodies, as well as my artistic spirit, feeding my imagination. - Shooster
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SHOOSTY - 2022-2023
46 Anna and Jason’s Wedding Party - Jam Session 48 Livø Island 49 Livø Sunset FLOWERS AND TREES AND FRUIT
OVERVIEW 2022 ARTIST STATEMENT 15 SOS Childrens Brick Wall THE CONTRACTORS 16 Architecta 17 Hydrolic FRENETIC DRAWINGS 20 Crazy Fingers 21 Crazy Fingers - Guitar 22 Eddie and the Band 23 Pacifico 24 Zach Nugent - Dead Set2 25 Zach Nugent - Dead Set 18 Gas Contractor 19 The Elektricist 29 Zach Nugent - Dead Set4 30 All That Jazz 2022 Vector 31 All That Jazz Extrapolation 33 Caravan Palace Vectors 34 Old Songs Fok Festival 1 35 Old Songs Fok Festival 2 36 Nordic Themed French Horn 37 Tribute to Miroslav Houra FRENCH HORNS 26 Zach Nugent - Dead Set Close Ups 28 Zach Nugent - Dead Set 3 and Detail
50 Sunflower 51 Figure Tree 52 Shopping Bag Yellow 53 Shopping Bags Light Orange 54 Shopping Bag White 55 Shopping Bags Red 56 Sunflower in Space 57 Sunflower Close-UP 58 Fruit Halves 59 Poster for Mills Gallery 59 Tree Abstraction 60 Art Deco Coffee Bush 61 Art Nouveau Tree LANDSCAPES 62 The Ocean 63 Big Tree on a Farm 64 Faroe Island Lighthouse 65 Sandavagur Church 66 Railroad to Heaven 67 The View from the Vialto Farm 68 Greecian Landscape 69 Deerfield Beach Pier 69 Love Beach 70 Fra Moesgård Strand 71 Lake Estrum 72 Japanese Garden 73 Mountians 2 74 Pink Mountains 75 Kristina’s View 76 Delta Will Get you There 77 The Highway 78 Everglades Church 79 Beaver Meadows 80 Philadelphia at Night 81 Dog 81 Dog on Farm
38 Abstract Red Horn 38 Horn Illustrated 2 38 Horn Sketch 2 39 Horn Sketch 39 Horn Illustrated CELTIC
40 Celtic Engine 41 Celtic Flight WEDDINGS 43 Harmony and Spirit 44 Jason and Anna Wedding
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OCEAN 82 Katie’s Shark 83 Mola Characters BOOKPLATES 84 Tribute to M. B. Keezer 85 Tribute to Karl Mose ANCIENT STUDY 86 Hercules Chased by the Hydra ABSTRACTION 87 Abstract 87 Tribute to Egil Jacobson ART NOUVEAU 88 Secession 89 In Vito Weritas with Necklace STILL LIFE 90 Glass Tea Pot 91 The Dreamer 91 Tribute to Paul Ranson PORTRAITS 92 Leonardo Davinci 93 Michelangelo do Lodovico Buonar- roti Simoni BUGS 94 Shoosty Bugs 95 Shoosty Bugs Bookplate 97 Shoosty Bug Alphabet 98 Phlyology 99 The Fly - William Blake 100 Koyoto Squish 101 Chateau La Reel 1 102 Green Collection 103 In the Light Beetle 104 Pyramid Collection 105 Purple Wasps 106 Edessa Rufomarginata Broche
133 Mountains with Red Frame 135 Ideal Pool 136 Imagine 137 Earthbound 138 Floating Manatee over a Drawbridge 140 Pelican News 142 The Butler House 100-Year Anniver- sary 143 Butler House 100-Year Anniversary THE ART OF MUSIC 148 Orlando City Arts Center 150 The Audio Engineer 151 Sophisticated Hippie 152 Eddie Fields and the Band 153 Crusader Drummer 154 The Mad Scientist 155 Jason's Mind 155 Parkland, Florida 155 Ink on Paper Canvas Giclée 156 The Killer Whale Plays Sax to the Thunderbird 157 Onion Head Drummer 158 Florida Jazz 159 The Drummer 162 Color Senses Miami 166 American Dreamer WORKSHOPS 168 Mondrain/Shoosty Workshop 176 Subject vs Object THE FABRIC OF LIFE 182 Painting Under the Stars 184 Sunday Night of Art PUBLIC SPEAKING/RADIO 186 Liberation of Auschwitz 73rd 188 Magazine MAGAZINE ARTICLE TEACHING 194 Teaching at Deerfield Beach Ele - mentry School 198 Sanford Art in Chambers SHOOSTY BUGS 204 Shakespeare Beetle Dark 206 Shoosty® Bugs Blue 160 The French Horn 161 Dedicated to You
107 Moth with Orange 107 Moth with Red Tips 108 Monarch 1 112 Recycling Beetle 113 Cardinal Beetle
2023 ARTIST STATEMENT SHOOSTY BUGS
120 Mills Gallery
SHOOSTY LANDSCAPES 128 Deerfield Beach Historical Center 130 Mountains with Yellow Frame 131 Rock Springs with Lime Frame 132 Mountains with Pink Frame
208 Shoosty Bugs 209 Shoosty Bugs 2 210 Megascolia of Mariupol 214 Integrated Beetle Pink 215 Integrated Beetle Green
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216 X-Ray Beetle CPU 217 Beetle CPU 218 Primitif Yellow 219 Primitif Brown 220 Primitif Brown 221 Primitif Brown Purple
268 Shoosty® Bugs Overview 1 270 30 Days 272 Dead Fly Logo 272 The End 274 WalliWalli Bug Orange 276 WalliWalli Bug Olive 278 Combo Moth Plus on Gold 279 Combo Moth Plus on White 280 American Hardcase 282 Coocoo Wasp Gold 282 Coocoo Wasp Dark 283 Uncommon Fly Nouveau 283 Uncommon Dead Fly Nouveau 284 Around the Color Wheel 285 Red/Blue Combo with Elements 286 Shoosty Bugs Wheel Gold/Blue 287 Shakespeare Beetle II 288 Prism Beatle 289 Love Bugs 290 Royal Beetle Red on White Crowns 291 Celebrate Diversity in Nature 292 Sunflower in Space Astro Beetle 293 Mantis Crown 294 Nice LIce 294 Dead Fly Woodblock 295 Arabic Patterned Bugs 296 Exploded Beetle Pink with BW Pat - tern 297 Exploded Beetle with Stained Glass 298 Moth with Yellow Square Pattern 299 Abby with Yellow Square Pattern 300 Shoosty Bugs Coloring Book 302 Peacocks and Mantis STORES
222 Koi and Water Bug on Green 223 Koi and Water Bug on Yellow 224 Uncommon Fly Blue and Orange 225 Uncommon Fly Blue and Green 226 Uncommon Fly Backlit 227 Uncommon Fly Backlit Poster
228 Dragonfly Dark 229 Dragonfly Light 230 Walking Bug 1 231 Walking Bug 2
232 Shoosty Bugs Combo Green 233 Shoosty Bugs Combo Blue 234 The Fly with Flowers 236 Fiery Searcher Beetle 240 Art Deco Scarabs Red 241 Art Deco Scarabs Green 242 Steampunk Bumblebee Pink 243 Steampunk Bumblebee Turquois 237 Platinum Beetle 238 Stamped Bag 1 244 Steampunk Bumblebee White 245 Steampunk Bumblebee Gold 246 Goliathus Royal Beetle Charcoal and Platinum 247 Roy Beetle Red 248 Royal Beetle Purple 249 Royal Beetles 249 Royal Goliathus Critique
250 Lace Bugs Gray 251 Lace Bug Black 252 Cardinal Beetle 253 Cobalt Beetle 254 Stink Bug Deep 255 Stink Bug Green
304 Retail 305 Online
ART LICENSING 306 The Tokenization Factory 308 Surtex Convention 310 Rise, by Shawn Welcome 311 Shawn Welcome, Poet ARCHITECTURAL SCALING 312 Proposed Mural 313 Mall Concept ART CRITICISM 314 30 Days 314 The Beginning 316 Goliathus Royal Beetle
256 Dramatic Samurai Deep 257 Dramatic Samuri Pink 258 Shoosty® Bugs Combo Dark 259 Shoosty Bugs Combo White 260 French Curve Beetle Red Purple 261 French Curve Beetle Green Yellow
262 Violin Mantis Violet 263 Violin Mantis Cream 264 Cicada Rosette Yellow 265 Cicada Rosette Blue 266 The Light Beyond Beetle 267 In the Light Beetle Dark
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WAKAYAMA, JAPAN 378 Ceramics Workshop HIROSHIMA, JAPAN
318 Cultural Icon Award 319 Spring into Spring 320 The Catalog Raisonné (The Complete Catalog) 321 Brazillian Voices THE TIFFANY COLLECTION 326 Peony Table Pattern 326 Peony Table Lamp 328 No. 342, Wistaria design lamp and shade, large 329 Wisteria Lamp 330 Wisteria Lamp Pattern MUSIC
380 Peace Dragon 382 The Mac Bar 383 Jazz Rokudenashi MIYAJIMA, JAPAN 384 Iconic Tori Gate KYOTO, JAPAN 386 Parade of the Ages 386 Stephen at the Parade of Ages 387 Parage of the Ages 388 Kowadarski HOZUGAWA KYOTO
340 Walking Bass Line Options 343 Joanna Connor - Sanford
344 NW Alligator 1 345 NW Alligator 2
390 Rag Live Spot 392 Rag Live Spot 2
346 Mike Wilson Collection 347 Parkland, Florida - Studio 348 George Tandy Sr. Band 348 Jorge Garcia Band 349 Led Zepplin 350 Concert Painting 352 L'Astronomie
NARA, THE OLDEST CAPITAL
395 WellSpring V1 397 Genshen / Wellspring 398 Nara Lake NARA CRAFT MUSEUM 400 Kigeiten
353 Art Nouveau Blue Vase 354 Higher Conciousness 355 Find What You Love and Let It Save You
OWNER OPERATED STORES JAPANESE MOLA ARTISTS KOFU, YAMINASHI, JAPAN
356 The Lubben Brothers 2 356 The Lubben Brothers 1 358 Washington Park
359 Scott Snyder and Jaime Shoe 360 34th Anniversary Tea Party 362 The Hotel Room Art Show SHOOSTY EAST WEST NAKANOSHIMA MUSEUM OF ART 366 Purple Dragon 367 Gypsy Jazz Japan 368 Pop up Museum Show 368 Shoosty Bugs, Osaka Museum 368 Dynastinae Sracabaeidae OSAKA CASTLE 371 Osaka Castle Wall 372 Nakamura’s Bar
405 Komainu 406 The Red Bridge 409 Tori Gate in the Rain SHINGEN MUSEUM 410 Samurai Uniform 411 Traditional Home 412 Yokihiro Isso & Band 414 Yokihiro Isso & Band 416 FuJiSan with Stamps FUJISAN 417 FujiSan HAKONE 418 Hakone Vista 419 Fu-Ji-San KARUIZAWA, JAPAN
374 Sushi Dokoro Miyamoto 375 Kaiyodo Figure Museum 376 Jason with the Band 377 Haiku / Poetry
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421 Karuizawa Mokohanga 421 Woodblock Printing School 425 Longhorn Beetle Woodblock 426 Longhorn Beetle Woodblock Prints 429 Terry Mckenna Works 430 Woodblock Peace Dragon 431 Woodblock Print Peace Dragon 433 Orange Bridge Woodblock Print 433 Woodblock Print Custom Painting 434 The Mad Scientist Woodblock 434 Trees Woodblock 436 The Black Castle 437 Paper Making, Echizen 438 Keifu High School TOKYO 440 Hachiko TOKYO CITY VIEW 444 Stephen and Golow 445 Golow Kajigaya 445 Stephen by Golow NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM, TO- KYO 446 Dinosaurs Blue/Green 447 Dinosaurs Red 448 Koko’s Tokyo 449 Abby Road, Wakayama 450 Kabuki Maked Singers with Dragon playing Harmonic 451 Komainu Protecting the Band 453 Satin Doll 456 Water Dragon 457 Mizuchi CHAING MAI, THAILAND 458 Sanggadee Exhibition in Nature 458 Pairie Playing Handpan 460 Pook’s Campfire 460 Ganesh with the Band 461 Campfire Before Night 461 Campfire at Night 464 Seahorse God with Whale and Band 465 Common Grounds 466 Jason’s Tattoo 468 10 Rai Sunset 468 Pixel Art Portrait of Shoosty
473 CC as a Caphlopod 473 Garuda having a Beer as the Dragons Guard his Godly body 474 Learning Myths of Thailand 475 Rabbit Riding Seahorse 476 Jazz House 476 The Gods Band 476 White Jesus 477 Madame Machine / Jazz House 478 Marc Hastenteufel Photos 480 The Dancers 481 The Dancers Garudah and Naga 482 Musician Stencils 484 Grateful Dead Tapestry 486 Sunset in Pai 486 Katie Dancing 487 Two Huts at Night 488 Chang 491 Jazz House Painting 492 Ganesh with Gypsy Guitar 493 Naga Confronts with a Gypsy Guitarist
494 Love Fiasco 495 Supermoon
496 Sarina and Jason 497 Jason Geller Poem VARIOUS SKETCHES 498 Guitar Figure 498 The Cajon Player 499 Pai Sketch 500 Earlier God Studies 500 Frog Troubadour 501 Naga Band 501 Lazy Sketch 501 Violin, Ganesh, Guitar 501 Tree and Violin 502 Madame Machine 502 Mikkel Hermansen 503 Thorbjørn Kaas 504 Jason Shooster
505 Dark Star Studio. Pai, Thailand BAAN PITTALEW ART GALLERY 506 THE FIRE DANCERS 508 Jason with Mustache Guitar 508 Chaing Mai 509 Four Humble Men 510 Boy Blues Bar 510 Blues Beyond Borders 511 Boy Blues Bar 2 511 Blues Beyond Borders 2 514 Harmonic Player 515 Jason 515 Thorbjørn Kaas 516 Thapae East
469 DJ Waben 470 Ink Therapy 471 Three Girls 471 Ganesh in an Ink Storm THE SPIRIT BAR 472 CC as a Thai Queen
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518 Chaing Mai Temple God 519 Muscian Hands Mountain 520 Supermoon 521 Khun Kae’s Juice Bar
THAI MODIFIED TEMPLE ART 522 Thai Procession with Gypsy Guitar 522 Violin Temple 523 French Horn Machine 523 Praying to the Gypsy Jazz God 524 Flying Elephant and Gypsy Guitar 525 Thai Goddess Blessing a Gypsy Guitar 526 The Scribe 526 Clarinet Conjuring a Flying Elephant 527 Servant holding Guitar and Fiddle 528 Thai Angels Blessing Music 529 Buddah with Violin SIX AFTER MIDNIGHT 530 The Lovers
531 Dart Board Band 532 Jake Surrounded 533 The Dancers 534 Dedicated to You 535 All That Jazz 536 Shoosty Cutsheet
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2022 Artist Statement
For me, vector art has changed everything. I can show you how, in high school, I used to make work that I could only execute as intended once I started using vector graphics, 40 years later. It also trans- formed my paintings, introducing clean, bold lines and color. I still like to work with a pen and ink for live music drawings, but even those are later con- vert into sharp focus vectors. Towards the end of the year, I scheduled three art shows, including speeches and podcasts. I will highlight them in next year's catalog. I am not very comfortable in the role of showing, yet to grow as a person and an artist, I need to reach outside my comfort zone.The more I do these shows, the more straightforward it should become. Making annual books of my art organizes my thoughts while they are still fresh in my memory. They are a testament to my systematic approach and resolve as an artist. I now have 17 books rep- resenting all the art I have ever made. I like scan- ning through the volumes and seeing how my work changes. Everyone changes, and few create mile- stones. I am working on combining them into a few. There is no playbook for becoming a successful artist. Documenting my work separates me from 99.9% of other artists I know. I do not know any- one else who documents all of their work. A cata- log raisonné that encompasses an entire artist's life is a magnificent achievement. So, what does success mean for an artist? It is the journey of doing what you love. If I can get my head into the flow state and stay there all day, there is nowhere else I would rather be. Art is a discovery at its best. I discover styles, myths, and history. Frequently, I don't even understand what I am looking at until I take the time to draw it. In the drawing, you uncover both poetry and chaos. Both are useful. And if you pay very close atten- tion, you discover yourself.
The year began with a move into a new home. We started remodeling immediately. My world fill with contractors. I made a series based on those trades- men using a style I took from screen-printed book- plates, like the ones you find inside the cover of old hardbound books. The year's highlight was our family trip to Den- mark to marry our eldest son to our new daugh- ter-in-law, Anna . The wedding took place on an ecological island on the Jutland Penisula called Livø. All of our guests had to take a ferry to reach the loction. We had the whole island. About 120 guests arrived from all over the world. The wedding cere- mony occurred in an old oak forest, outside, among the trees. Earlier that day, I hiked the island and made a few special drawings. After the wedding, Diane and I toured Italy on a cruise for the first time. When we were married over 30 years ago, we promised to visit Italy only if we did it together. It was a magical experience to hold hands as we stepped on shore. We visit- ed Cinque Terre; a Tuscany farmhouse, for lunch; Florence, where we saw Brunelleschi's dome and the Uffizi museum; Taormina, Sicily, where we saw four dry rivers; Naples; and Rome, where we saw the Vatican Museum. Walking through the Vati- can is like walking through the soul of the West- ern world, an undeniably God-like experience, gallery after gallery of the most ornate art I have ever seen proclaiming the glory of God. After putting this book together, I realized that 2022 was a very productive year. I am pleased that this volume has 184 pages and that my many styles continue to evolve. I am still constantly learning. My primary drawing tool is now the iPad Pro. I am enamored with vector art based on points, lines, curves, and shapes based on mathematical formu- las. You don't see the math as an artist, but you know it is there when you see how cleanly it pro- duces images.
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SOS Childrens Brick Wall POMPANO BEACH, FLORIDA
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The Contractors
HAND MADE SCALABLE VECTOR ART, SHOOSTY 2023
WITH THE HEAD OF A HAMMER AND A DAUNTING ENVIROMENT THE ‘AR- QUITECTA’ NEEDS TO PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE EXISTING SUR- ROUNDINGS MAKING SENSE OF OF THEM WHILE DEFINING THE FUTURE FOR THE NEXT 20-50 PLUS YEARS.
Architecta
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HAND MADE SCALABLE VECTOR ART, SHOOSTY 2023
THE ‘HYDRAULIC’ IS CAUGHT IN A MORASE OF WATER WITH HIS PIPE WRENCH. THE MODERN CITY MAKES WATER FEEL LIKE A MIRACLE DE- LIEVERED ON TAP AT DEMAND, INSTANTLY.
Hydrolic
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THE GAS CONTRACTOR IS A SPECIAL CASE. INDEPENDENT AND CHAS- TISED AS THE KEEPER OF DANGER. THEY ARE FEARLESS AND RESPON- SIBLE. NOTHING CAN GO WRONG WHEN DEALING WITH FLAMABLE EX- PLOSIVES.
Gas Contractor
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THE ELEKTRICIST, IS A CHARACTER STRAIGHT OUT OF A COMIC BOOK. WITH HIS ALLIGATOR PLIERS HE NEEDS TO SORT OUT OF MESS OF THOSE THAT WENT BEFORE HIM, HELPLESS ADDING TO THE JUMBLE OF WIRES.
19 The Elektricist
Frenetic Drawings
THE LOCAL GRAEFUL DEAD TRIBUTE BAND.
HOLY MACKEREL BAR, WILTON MANORS, FORT LAUDERDALE
Crazy Fingers
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Crazy Fingers - Guitar
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CASSIDY AND JASON ON THE LEFT - MY KIDS
Eddie and the Band
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Listen
ORIGINAL MUSIC AND COMPOSITION BY JASON SHOOSTER ALBUM COVER BY SHOOSTY
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Pacifico
Zach Nugent - Dead Set2
NECTAR’S BAR, BURLINGTON, VERMONT
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Zach Nugent - Dead Set
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NECTAR’S BAR, BURLINGTON, VERMONT
Zach Nugent - Dead Set Close Ups
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Zach Nugent - Dead Set 3 and Detail NECTAR’S BAR, BURLINGTON, VERMONT
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Zach Nugent - Dead Set4
NECTAR’S BAR, BURLINGTON, VERMONT
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All That Jazz 2022 Vector
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All That Jazz Extrapolation
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Caravan Palace Vectors
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Old Songs Fok Festival 1
ALTAMONT FAIRGROUNDS, ALBANY NEW YORK
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ADDIE LEVYB ON BASS
Old Songs Fok Festival 2
ALTAMONT FAIRGROUNDS, ALBANY NEW YORK
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Nordic Themed French Horn
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Tribute to Miroslav Houra
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French Horns Inspired by my friendship with Dr. Kenneth Janson
Abstract Red Horn
Horn Sketch 2
Horn Illustrated 2
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Horn Sketch
Horn Illustrated
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Celtic
Celtic Engine
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Celtic Flight
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Weddings
We were invited to witness the union of Ariel Spensor and Caleb Hodge —a wedding on top of the majestic Mount Aspen in Colorado. The ascent was an adventure as we rode a gondola to reach the lofty peak. I forgot my warm snow boots, but I didn't feel like I would freeze. There was snow on the ground, but the sun made me comfortable. Plus, the mountaintop had rows of heaters where the ceremony would occur. Only one glowed with warmth, and we were nowhere near it. A chill crept in swiftly as the sun descended, reminding us of the mountain's dangerous temperament. Wrapped in blankets and snug clothing, we braved the brisk air.
ORIGINAL SKETCH
The vista stretched endlessly in all directions—an awe- inspiring panorama that seemed to touch the heavens. A curious hawk soared overhead, its wings slicing through the thin air. The flowers were remarkable. Throughout the whole event, I had never seen so many gorgeous flowers. As the ceremony commenced, I turned on my spirit mind and picked up my sketchbook. The hoopah metamorphosed into a sacred scroll—a Torah of shared promises and ancient wisdom. The bride and groom's expressions were etched with anticipation, and their immediate families surrounded them, their bonds palpable. But, it was the audience that intrigued me most. I rendered the bride and groom in sharp detail. Then, I made the audience gradually dissolve into abstraction—a sea of faces, each representing myriads of life's possibilities. Here, the transition from abstraction to formality unfolded at the precipice of commitment. I realized marriage distilled existence's chaos into a harmonious union, from abstract to concrete. There was more. I looked for a whisper of mythology, a hint of spirit. I envisioned the North Wind, a celestial force, weaving through the gathering. It carried hearts aloft, binding souls across time and space. Some of those hearts ended up in the guest's cell phones. And then, a flying horse materialized—an emblem of freedom and adventure, soaring above the mundane. I switched the horse to a pair of hawks in the final vectorized image. In "Harmony at the Summit," I wove threads of reality and myth, capturing not just a wedding but the essence of love's transformative power.
HANDMADE CARD
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THE CEREMONY
THE WITNESSES, STEPHEN AND DIANE
Harmony and Spirit THE SCALE
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Jason and Anna Wedding
LIVØ ISLAND, DENMARK
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Anna and Jason’s Wedding Party - Jam Session LIVØ, DENMARK
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DENMARK Livø Island
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LIVØ ISLAND, DENMARK Livø Sunset
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Flowers and Trees and Fruit
SHOOSTY JAPANESE STYLED LOGO BLOCK
Sunflower
SHOOSTY 2022
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Figure Tree SHOOSTY 2022
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Shopping Bag Yellow
SHOOSTY 2022
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Shopping Bags Light Orange SHOOSTY 2022
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Shopping Bag White
SHOOSTY 2022
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Shopping Bags Red
SHOOSTY 2022
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Sunflower in Space
SHOOSTY 2022
SHOOSTY 2022
Sunflower Close-UP
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Fruit Halves
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SHOOSTY 2022 BASED ON UNKOWN PHOTOS
Poster for Mills Gallery
SHOOSTY 2022
Tree Abstraction
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I REPURPOSED AN OLD ART DECO COFFEE CAN. THE SYMBOL IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY IS A COFFEE BUSH. THE BOX WAS FOUND AT AUVERGNE VOLCANO PARK. AS A GIFT TO THE FINDER I ADDED HER LOGO.
SHOOSTY 2022
Art Deco Coffee Bush
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THIS IS A BOOK COVER. IT IS HAND DRAWN. THE LINES ARE PERFECT LEFT TO RIGHT BECUASE IT IS COPIED FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER. THIS IS CREATED WITH A VECTOR APPLICATION. IT IS SCALABLE.
SHOOSTY 2022
Art Nouveau Tree
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Landscapes
THIS IS THE ORIGINAL DIGITAL VERSION. THERE IS ALSO AN OIL PAINTING.
62 The Ocean
SHOOSTY 2022
Big Tree on a Farm DENMARK SHOOSTY 2022
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Faroe Island Lighthouse SHOOSTY 2022
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FAROE ISLAND
Sandavagur Church SHOOSTY 2022
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SAN MARGHERITA CHURCH, VANAZZA, CINQUE TERRE, ITALIA Railroad to Heaven
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The View from the Vialto Farm TUSCANY. ITALIA
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Greecian Landscape
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Deerfield Beach Pier
FLORIDA
Love Beach
DEERFIELD BEACH, FL
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TRIBUTE TO JANUS LA COUR, DENMARK
Fra Moesgård Strand
SHOOSTY 2022
FRA MOESGÅRD STRAND 1892 BY JANUS LA COUR, DENMARK
Reimagining Paintings in Museums.
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REIMAGINED BY SHOOSTY TRIBUTE TO GABRIEL MÜNTER Lake Estrum
SHOOSTY 2022
LAKE ESTRUM BY GABRIEL MÜNTER
Reimagining Paintings in Museums.
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SHOOSTY 2022
TRENTON STATE MUSEUM, NEW JERSEY Japanese Garden
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SHOOSTY 2022
Mountians 2
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Pink Mountains SHOOSTY 2022
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Kristina’s View SHOOSTY 2022
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Delta Will Get you There SHOOSTY 2022
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The Highway SHOOSTY 2022
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Everglades Church SHOOSTY 2022
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Beaver Meadows TRIBUTE TO THE WILSON FAMILY SHOOSTY 2022
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Philadelphia at Night
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SHOOSTY 2022
Dog on Farm DENMARK Dog SHOOSTY 2022
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Ocean
SHOOSTY 2022
KATIE WORKS WITH A DIVE COMPANY THAT VISITS THESE GIANT CREATURE DAILY. SHE SPENDS A LOT OF TIME IN THE WATER.
OFF SHORE, WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
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Katie’s Shark
MOLA STYLE Mola Characters SHOOSTY 2022
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Bookplates
Tribute to M. B. Keezer
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VECTOR SHARP COPIES OF FOUND BOOKPLATES.
Tribute to Karl Mose
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VECTOR SHARP COPIES OF FOUND BOOKPLATES.
Ancient Study
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Abstraction
Tribute to Egil Jacobson
TRIBUTE TO LOUISE NEVELSON Abstract
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Art Nouveau
STUDY
Secession
VIENNA SECESSION
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In Vito Weritas with Necklace
Still Life
BASED ON A FOUND PHOTO
HAND DRAWN VECTOR GRAPHICS
Glass Tea Pot
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A TAKE OFF OF AN UNKNOWN ARTIST
The Dreamer
Tribute to Paul Ranson
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Portraits
SHOOSTY 2023
Leonardo Davinci
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Michelangelo do Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni SHOOSTY 2023
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Bugs
HAND DRAWN VECTOR GRAPHICS
Shoosty Bugs
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Shoosty Bugs Bookplate FOUND BOOKPLATE INTERGATED WITH SHOOSTY BUGS
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Shoosty Bug Alphabet
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Phlyology
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The Fly - William Blake
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Koyoto Squish
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Chateau La Reel 1
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Green Collection
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A VORACIOUS READER, THE LIGHT BEYOND BEETLE IS WELL VERSED IN METAPHYSICS. IT HAS THE CAPAC- ITY TO BOTH READ AND DIGEST THE WORDS AND THE PAPER IT WAS WRIT- TEN UPON. DON’T BE SURPRISED TO SEE THEM IN YOUR DREAMS OR
WHENEVER YOU BREAK ON THROUGH TO THE OTHER SIDE. A FAVORITE IN- SECT OF JIM MORRISON, IT HELPED INSPIRE MANY OF HIS LYRICS. “THAT’S ONE HELL OF A SMART BUG.” - JIM MORRISON
In the Light Beetle
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Pyramid Collection
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Purple Wasps
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Edessa Rufomarginata Broche
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Moth with Orange
Moth with Red Tips
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Monarch 1
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Recycling Beetle
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Cardinal Beetle
2023 Artist Statement
FUJISAN
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In 2023 , my artistic journey reached new heights. I had seven art shows , including three solo exhibitions and an international showcase. I explored different styles and concepts at each show. The diverse themes gave me plenty of space for my creative spirit: • Shoosty Bugs : Mills Gallery, Orlando . I unveiled a whimsical world where colorful insects are as giant as walls, their vibrant col - ors capturing imaginations. • Shoosty Landscapes: The Deerfield Beach Historical Center be- came a portal to iconic vistas. Using a method I have been perfect- ing called vector painting, I have found a way to tap into an exciting solution for landscapes. • Fantasy Art: Color Senses in Miami hosted my conceptual art with a flying manatee, white buffalo, and idealized backgrounds. My imagination flowed freely, transcending reality. • The Art of Music : In the heart of Orlando City Arts Center , we featured my ink drawings based on music. • Shoosty Bugs, Silk Scarves : at the Sanford City Hall. I crafted over 30 unique silk scarves—wearable art that draped elegance. • Touring Japan and Thailand: For 12 transformative weeks, I im - mersed myself in the vibrant cultures of Japan and Thailand. Using rapid trains and a motorbike, I spent time with the ancient temples and the local music. • Pitalew Fusion Art Gallery Show, Pai, Thailand . I showcased as much work as I could from my tour. The timing could not have been more perfect becuase it was at the end of my tour. But, that’s not all! I had a few podcast and magazine interviews as well as an historical lecture . Most importantly, from inception to 2021, my entire artistic journey found its place in two volumes released in 2023 on Amazon. This book becomes volume III completing my catalog up to 2023 comprising my entire collection. Flipping through these pages, is like being a time traveler watching a child become a col - lege student, husband, father, and senoir. All the while, I was making art. I don't know of any other living artst that has created a set of books like these. And amidst this whirlwind, we planted roots—a new home in Gaines- ville , near the University of Florida. I am pursuing a master’s degree in Art and Technology to begin in July of 2024.
Wear the Art / Be the Movement™ Shoosty 2023
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A Short Art History Lesson The History of Fine Art led us to Impression- ism. Impressionism opened the flood - gates to all sorts of modern art including Art Nouveau and Art Deco, both very deco- rative arts. These ideas were then rejected by the Bauhaus. The Bauhaus wanted art that would more easily match industrial production . That is what I am doing. We are extensions of a long history of art leading to these times where a dropshipping factory can work for many artists and doesn’t have to bet the shop on which art or pattern will find the most sales. Whereas, the artist can create an unlimited collection of creative works and push them into a retail-facing site like Shopi- fy for less than $50 a month. It’s genius! The Shoosty® brand has thousands of piec- es of art that can easily be repurposed for industry and fashion. Those pieces took hundreds of hours to create and now they are given an entirely new and scalable life with the help of fabrics. It is no wonder that we created the tagline, Wear the Art / Be the Movement™. By continuing to hold art shows and offer - ing clothing that matches the art on display, Shoosty® is creating a new way for people to engage with art. When someone wears a piece of Shoosty® clothing, they become part of the movement, carrying the work into new realms of imagination with their en - ergy and smiles.
Wear the Art/Be the Movement™ Paul Klee, a famous Bauhaus artist, once said that art doesn’t just reproduce what we see - it makes us see. Art has the power to transform us, to evoke emotions and imagination. And now, with technology and modern manufacturing processes, artists can reach more people than ever before . They can make their art accessible while still keeping its unique and transformative power. “Wear the Art/Be the Movement™” goes beyond decoration. It’s about inspiring peo- ple and transforming their lives through the fusion of science and the humanities. Shooster coined the term ChromaticFusion- ism to describe his style. Chromatic refers to the science of color, printing, comput- ing, and modern manufacturing, while Fu - sionism refers to nature, art history, fash- ion, and community. This movement aims to make art accessible, scalable, and transformative. It’s about in- spiring imagination and wonderment. So go ahead - wear the art and be part of the movement!
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Colors become patterns, patterns become fabric, fabric becomes clothing, furniture, and accessories.
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A Memorable Year: Shoosty Bugs the Exhibition
lection of historical Florida landscape paintings, while the larger building hosts diverse galleries. Notable exhibits in- clude a giant fossilized ground sloth and a woolly mammoth recovered from the local area, a captivating history of the Coca-Cola bottle, a vibrant fiber art gal - lery, a Cuban exhibition, and an intriguing curiosity—the death mask of Napoleon. Every corner held a fascination for us. Earlier that day, I enjoyed a leisurely walk with Zach, who shared his favorite exhibits and his unwavering passion for his work. He also introduced me to the executive director. Right before meeting her, I saw a library with an expansive ta - ble and asked to run out to my car to bring in some of my posters from the gallery show that just closed. I laid them out, and everybody had a chance to experience my palette. Within a day, I was offered to do a large show at the museum.
From December 2022 to January 2023, I had the privilege of showcasing my col - lection, “Shoosty Bugs,” at the Mills Gallery in Orlando. Curated by Jennifer McInnes Coolidge and hosted by Bo- ris Garbe, the Gallerist, this exhibition marked the first time I presented “The Bugs” to the public. Eager to experiment with different formats, I aimed to leave a lasting impression. To emphasize the grandeur of my work, I created massive posters, each stretch- ing an impressive 12 feet. These posters served as a canvas to demonstrate the full potential of my art. Crafting signifi - cant and valuable pieces required deli- cate handling, and I also brought along a few finished artworks to showcase the possibilities. The event felt more like an artistic exposition than a gallery show. While the gallery might have preferred a wider range of items for sale, their gra - ciousness taught me valuable lessons. Boris has dedicated his life to the art world and provided insightful guidance. However, the true highlight of the show was my encounter with Zach Zacharias, Senior Curator for exhibitions at the Daytona Museum of Arts and Scienc- es (MOAS ). Zach extended a special in- vitation to visit the museum, granting me access to their insect collection. A few weeks later, accompanied by my daugh - ter, Carly, we spent a delightful afternoon sketching insects. Touring the museum revealed the scale of the space—a sprawling 100,000 square feet on a large land track. The museum comprises two main buildings: the smaller one houses an exquisite col-
ZACH AND HIS WIFE
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CARLY
DAD
DAYTONA MUSEUM OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
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Shoosty Bugs
Mills Gallery
A Night of Art
Featuring:
Shoosty® Bugs with Live Music
Mills Gallery Presents: Stephen Shooster aka Shoosty® Thursday Jan 12th 6-9 PM 1650 North Mills Avenue Orlando
SHOW POSTER 1
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SHOW POSTER 2
LEFT TO RIGHT-CARLY, DIANE, STEPHEN, CASSIDY AND JACK
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JENNIFER AND STEVE
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STEVE AND JONATHAN
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SHOW POSTER 3
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DOUGLAS BORIS GARBE
Deerfield Beach Historical Center Shoosty Landscapes
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Mountains with Yellow Frame
48" X 48" OIL ON CANVAS SHOOSTY 2023 WITH WOODBOCK SIGNATURE
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Rock Springs with Lime Frame
48" X 48" OIL ON CANVAS SHOOSTY 2023
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Mountains with Pink Frame
48" X 48" OIL ON CANVAS SHOOSTY 2023 WITH WOODBOCK SIGNATURE
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Mountains with Red Frame
48" X 48" OIL ON CANVAS SHOOSTY 2023 WITH WOODBOCK SIGNATURE
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A RARE CHANCE TO TALK ABOUT THE ART.
SHOOSTY LANDSCAPES - DEERFIELD BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
SHOOSTY LANDSCAPE PAINTING CORE SPEECH
WHAT IS THE SUBJECT OF A PAINTING?
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Ideal Pool OIL OIN CANVAS, 48" X 48" SHOOSTY 2023
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Imagine
ACRYLIC LAMINATE 48" X 48" SHOOSTY 2023 VECTOR PAINTING
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Earthbound
ACRYLIC LAMINATE 48" X 48" SHOOSTY 2023 VECTOR PAINTING
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Floating Manatee over a Drawbridge Stephen Shooster 2023 Oil on Canvas with White Gold Frame
50” x 40” $14,000
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Floating Manatee over a Drawbridge
Floating Manatee over a Drawbridge Stephen Shooster’s “Floating Mana- tee over a Drawbridge” is a vibrant and eye-catching painting that defies easy categorization. The work is a fusion of dif - ferent styles and influences, from the bold colors and geometric patterns of Mola art to the more traditional Western landscape painting. The painting’s central figure is a manatee, floating serenely above a drawbridge. The manatee is rendered in a highly stylized manner, with its body covered in intricate patterns. The patterns are reminiscent of the Mola art of the Kuna people of Pana- ma, who create intricate textiles using a reverse appliqué technique. The background of the painting is a lush tropical landscape, with palm trees, flow - ers, and a river. The landscape is ren- dered in a more naturalistic style, with soft brushstrokes and subtle shading. The contrast between the stylized manatee and the naturalistic landscape creates a dynamic tension that is both visually ar- resting and thought-provoking. The painting’s title, “Floating Manatee over a Drawbridge,” suggests a sense of movement and transition. The manatee is floating between three worlds, the nat - ural, the man-made, and the myth. The drawbridge, a symbol of human engineer - ing, provides a link between the natural and man-made, while the markings add a third dimension of myth and a layer of complexity and depth to the painting. The manatee’s markings could be seen as tat- toos, similar to those found in New Zea - land. Tattoos often have symbolic mean- ing, and could represent the manatee’s connection to the spirit world. The starfish in the night sky are arranged in the shapes of the Little Dipper and Big Dipper, two of the most recognizable con - stellations in the night sky. These constel- lations have been associated with myth
and folklore for centuries, and could be seen as a reference to the manatee’s place in the cosmos. The painting can be interpreted in many ways. It could be seen as a metaphor for the relationship between humans and na - ture, or as a meditation on the nature of change. The work is ultimately open to in - terpretation, which is one of its strengths. Shooster’s painting is reminiscent of the work of other artists who have explored the intersection of different cultures and styles. For example, the work of the Mex - ican artist Frida Kahlo is characterized by its fusion of Western and Mexican art traditions. Kahlo’s paintings often feature bold colors, geometric patterns, and reli- gious imagery. Historical Comparison One historical comparison that comes to mind is the work of Henri Rousseau. Rousseau was a French painter who is known for his primitivist paintings. His paintings often feature exotic animals and landscapes, rendered in a naive style. “Floating Manatee over a Drawbridge” shares some similarities with Rousseau’s work. Both paintings feature stylized ani - mals and lush tropical landscapes. How - ever, Shooster’s painting is more dynam- ic and colorful than Rousseau’s work. Shooster’s use of patterns is also more sophisticated than Rousseau’s. Overall, “Floating Manatee over a Draw - bridge” is a significant work of art that challenges the boundaries of tradition- al painting. The work is visually arrest - ing, thought-provoking, and open to in- terpretation. Shooster is a talented artist who is creating work that is both beautiful and meaningful.
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Inventor turned prolific artist exhibiting at Historical Society Gallery - New Pelican
2/15/23, 6 : 03 PM
Inventor turned prolific artist exhibiting at Historical Society Gallery JANUARY 02, 2023 By Judy Wilson | Associate Editor Deerfield Beach – There are several unique features of the art show opening here, Jan. 6 at the Historical Society Cultural Center, 84 SE 4 Ave.
First there is a mixed media giclee with oils of the Hillsboro Bridge, created by artist Stephen Shooster, that will be auctioned off during the show with proceeds donated to the Society. Then there is the 24-karat gold frame donated by Max Munn, owner of Munn Frameworks in Pompano Beach, who specializes in reproducing antique moldings. And finally, there is the kimono that will be worn at the show made from fabric of the same design as Shooster’s painting which he has entitled “Hillsboro Drawbridge with Floating Manatee.” Although Shooster works in many mediums using many subjects, this show is all about landscapes, the most plentiful of all his creative efforts. “There will be six major pieces and a lot of little ones,” he said this week, “as well as the piece created for the show.”’ Until recently, Shooster’s work could only be viewed in private showings. But his newest designs – Bugs – are now on exhibit at the
This piece depicting the Hillsboro Drawbridge with Floating Manatee was created specifically for the Cultural Center exhibit and will be auctioned off during the show, with all proceeds going to the Deerfield Beach Historical Society. [Courtesy]
Pelican News
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https://www.newpelican.com/articles/inventor-turned-prolific-artist-exhibiting-at-historical-society-gallery/
Page 1 of 2
* Note - Global Response was founded by the Shooster Family
STEVE WITH THE MAYOR OF DEERFIELD.
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The Butler House 100-Year Anniversary
SCALABLE VECTOR PAINTINGS SHOOSTY 2023
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Butler House 100-Year Anniversary
OIL ON CANVAS 48" X 48" SHOOSTY 2023 THIS PAINTING IS A DONATION TO THE THE DEERFIELD BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY. IT WIL LBE GIVEN TO THE FIRST DONOR OF 50K OR MORE.
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WWW.SHOOSTY.COM
American Dreamer Stephen Shooster 2023
Oil on Canvas apx 50” x 50” $12,000
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American Dreamer
Stephen Shooster’s “American Dreamer” depicts the story of The White Buffalo Calf Woman (Lakxótiyapi: Ptesánwin) who is the primary cultural prophet of the nation and considered sacred of supernatural origin. Oral traditions say she brought the “Seven Sacred Rites” to the Lakota peo- ple. In the painting, she is dreaming while being protected by the legendary white buffalo also a part of the Lakotah Indian creation story. The girl is dressed in cere- monial clothing made of natural deerskin with adornments of beads. She is well dressed like a princess. Her hair painted green blends into the landscape making her connect with with the land. Beside her is an animated flute and a buffalo skull. The painting depicts the circle of life from mythical to death and back again through the drumming of the big horn sheep into the moon. The whole composition is set in the paint - ed rocks of North Dakota otherwise known as the badlands, just outside of the The- odore Rosevelt National Park. The paint- ed rocks earned their name because of their horizontal striations which turn differ - ent colors depending on the time of day and weather. In the background stands an Indian dancing while holding a drum with the symbol of a big horn sheep. That drumming is causing the spirit of the big horn sheep to leap into the sky becoming the moon. The painting is full of symbolism. The flute snake represents the ability of humans to apply mythical perceptions on inanimate objects. The skull, death. The white buffa - lo, protection. The drummer now, and the big horn sheep head the future.
The painting’s use of color is striking. The reds, yellows, and raw sienna of the bad - lands are juxtaposed with the cerulean and cobalt blue of the sky. The colors are vibrant and alive. They help to create a sense of wonder and magic. Shooster’s painting can be compared to Henri Rousseau’s “Sleeping Gypsy.” Both paintings depict a young woman in a nat - ural setting with a large animal hovering over them without fear. Both paintings also use bold colors and simplified forms. However, Shooster’s painting is more complex and allegorical. The symbolism in Shooster’s painting is more sophisticat- ed, and the painting’s overall message is more nuanced. The painting’s setting, the badlands of North Dakota, is a place of great beau- ty and natural wonder but also a place of danger. The badlands got their name from covered wagons as they found that travel would be far less than ideal in those hills. The painting suggests that the natu- ral world is a source of both danger and hope. The painting’s use of symbolism is com- plex and nuanced. The flute snake, the buffalo skull, the Bighorn sheep, and the drummer all have multiple meanings. The painting invites the viewer to interpret its meaning on a deeper level. The White Buffalo Maiden is a sacred woman of supernatural origin, central to the Lakota religion as the primary cultur- al prophet. Oral traditions relate that she brought the “Seven Sacred Rites” to the Lakota people. Overall, “American Dreamer” is a signifi - cant work of art that is both visually arrest - ing and thought-provoking. The painting challenges the boundaries of traditional painting, and it offers a unique perspec- tive on the Lakota Indian Creation story. Shooster is a talented artist who is creat - ing work that is both beautiful and mean - ingful.
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