Local contemporary word mosaic artist Curtis Epperson transforms language into intricate visual art. His exhibit Intellectual Art for the Puzzled Mind is on display at Orlando Public Library and gives visitors an interactive experience. Rather than using paint or traditional illustration, Epperson creates images entirely from hand-drawn words and phrases, with each word intentionally relating to its subject. From a distance the words form a recognizable image, while up close the work becomes part word search, part puzzle, and part education experience.
Epperson said the idea began during a trip to Disney Springs, where a pirate skull decoration made him notice letter-like shapes in the teeth and consider creating a skull out of words. He cited Thomas Kinkade as an influence for developing a recognizable artistic identity. His work brings together art, education, and puzzles, and he never repeats a word or phrase within a piece.
His process starts with a reference image and research into the subject to collect accurate words, phrases, and facts. The most challenging part is deciding where each word belongs, often placing descriptive words into the matching feature such as an eye or hair. He then pencils in the words, draws each letter, adds color, and applies finishing touches. Among favorite pieces in the library display, he named the Eagle, Cougar, Red Panda, and Horse.
Press release issued by Orange County Library System:
https://ocls.org/ocls-blog/qa-with-artist-curtis-epperson-intellectual-art-for-the-puzzled-mind/
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