The Folk Art Of Cactus County #8

Here’s the latest folk art from Cactus County. Firstly a space painting. It’s called “Commander Cernan Ponders His Final Words As The Last Apollo Astronaut On The Moon” a big title for a small picture.

It’s only 13cm x 18cm but I plan on doing a larger version, this was just to see if the idea worked. It’s not meant to be technically accurate but I hope it captures the spirit of the thing. I rather like it. Cactus County is heavily involved with NASA and space flight via Carson’s Robotics but it’s all very hush hush and I’ve no idea what they actually do. They’re very unhappy with President Obama’s decision to cancel the Constellation Programme but are much happier with his health care plans. There are not many Republicans in Cactus County. Right, more pictures.

This is the same size as the moon painting but returns to the skulls theme again. This is “Cempasúchitl #1” the traditional Day of the Dead flower, or marigolds to you and me.

Here’s an even smaller picture, just 10cm x 10cm called “Cactus And Snake”. The idea with the very small pictures being that most people won’t want to fork out for a larger (and more expensive) one but might be prepared to pay a little amount for a small one. We’ll see how that works out.

Now, I’m quite pleased with these things, I call them “atheisticks, which is kind of self explanatory - sticks for atheists. Atheisticks are used by the people of Cactus County to celebrate their atheism. They hang them with ribbon off doors, lamps, in cars, everywhere really. Here’s one on a cupboard.

They can be decorated in any way, most often with symbols of rationalism, things like portraits of famous free thinkers, atheists, scientists, natural history and space themes etc. The atheisticks pictured here celebrate a secular Day of the Dead which is very popular in Cactus County.

I think it’s a great idea for people to celebrate their atheism and this seems like as good a way as any. I’d be chuffed if they took off as an idea to help spread atheism around the world. I’m thinking big as you can tell but before I get too carried away, these are the only ones at the moment. Well, you have to start somewhere.

Suggested listening: “The Fake Sound Of Mikabomb” by Mikabomb