Bill Traylor is widely considered one of the greatest Folk artists of all time. He is, most certainly, one of the most recognized and celebrated African American Folk artists in the world. His images can be likened to Egyptian hieroglyphs, wherein pictures tell stories and mean more than what they appear to be. What does the man in the top hat represent? Why are so many of his drawings pointing--and at what? Who are the fearsome black creatures with pointed teeth? There are depictions of men being hunted, hiding, and drinking. There are images of lookouts on roofs and people running. Does the huge black bird carrying people away represent Freedom? Does the huge black dog, leashed and unleashed--but led by the top hatted man--represent Slavery? Traylor's animals are whimsical and wonderful, his people are animated and intriguing. The artist is known to have created just over 1500 works of art, which he sold for fifty cents to $2 while sitting on a sidewalk in Alabama. Enjoy this sampling of his wonderful work.  He is telling stories and relaying information.  See if you can interpret some of them...

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