Birds, Babes, & Bluesmen

Garde Rail Gallery presents Birds, Babes, and Bluesmen, introducing the fun, irreverent and refreshingly un-P.C. work of outsider artist Tom D. This show opens, First Thursday, May 6, 1999, from 6 until 9pm. There will be a second opening, Third Thursday, May 20, 6 until 9pm. Through May 29.

Tom D. (his surname is Duimstra) lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan and has the accent to prove it. Painting since the late 1970's, Tom's work depicts intriguing big-bossomed women, blues players, and animals, especially birds, in all sorts of situations and combinations. Working with acrylics, he applies his paint to found pieces of wood, and will often incorporate text, titles and anecdotes into his paintings and most recently, adding some collage to the mix.

Tom's a seasoned veteran in the outsider art world, exhibiting with Howard Finster and collaborating with up and coming artist, Donna Collins. Collins has made her way to the walls of celebrity collectors such as budding collector, Courtney Love. Duimstra has a celebrity cult following as well, which keeps him busy. " I can't say no, when people ask for my work ", admits the artist. The prolific nature he exhibits is not a means to an end however, it's what makes him happy.