Background on Alan Moore:
“Born in Boston in March, 1939, creativity was second nature to me at an early age during W.W.II.
Drawing in pencil on stormy days looking out my 3rd floor window, I drew cars on the oblique perspective. I remember Trying again and again to capture the angles and lines correctly. It would be 30 years before I began to live the lifelong dream - starting out fresh in California in 1974.
Naturally drawn to the designs of the Navajo and other Native Americans, I began with carved jewelry and sculpture of that influence. This feeling pervaded my paintings and drawings in all mediums-watercolor, oil, graphite, etc. In Solano County where I first settled, a sculpture in ash wood with inlays of exotic woods was accepted in the Annual Fairfield Art Show in 1975. Thus began my professional career.
As I experimented more in my painting, an Asian Influence began to appear born of self-teaching and a gut somewhat sure of what was right for me. The influences of both Native American and Asian cultures are what embodies my style today. I strongly encourage new artists to teach themselves as much as is possible in order to preserve their own Identity and style.
Moving to Marin County in 1976 brought me closer to the arts, but it was not until 1991 that I showed and sold my works to great degree. I joined one of the groups that display regularly in city parks in San Francisco. The city is alive with art and culture, and is toured by both American and World visitors. This is a wonderful opportunity for a beginning Artist to meet a diverse art conscious public. I continue to show in this realm to the present - while simultaneously having the honor of being represented by California’s leading foremost fine art galleries.”
Alan Moore Credentials and Fine Art Associations:
Walnut Creek Fine Art Show
Oakland Art & Jazz Scituate Art Gallery
Scituate, Ma. Gay Head Gallery
Martha's Vinayard, Ma. Yountchi Rieger Gallery
S.F. Ca. Palo Alto Art and Wine
Menlo Park Art Fest
Mountain View Art & Wine
Fiesta de Artes Los Gatos, Ca.
Novato Art & Wine Novato, Ca.
Santa Barbara Rotary Fine Art Show 1998
Celebration of Fine Art Pier 32 S.F. Ca. (thru Nov. 1 1998)
Current active member San Francisco Society Fine Arts
1991-1995 Active member and Treasurer Artist Guild San Francisco
Pacifica Fog Festival Gift Show Boston, Ma.
Sonoma, Ca.Valley of the Moon Art Show
Winterfest Art Show Sausalito, Ca.
Menlo Park Arts 1997
The Piece Itself:
This original work by Alan Moore is the - epitome - of his most esteemed work - the combination of Native American/Abstractionism stylistic devices. Alan Moore masterfully employs a mixed medium composition to create a 3-Dimensional canvas of mystic Native American awe… recognizable traditional Native American tropes (bow and arrow, feathers, a “rawhide” like “fur covered” template) operate within a non-linear and abstractionist playing field. Symbolic metaphors aplenty in this original 1990 work by Alan Moore that is (not quite coincidentally) titled “Heartland.” While Moore features a 3-Dimensional hand cut, hand painted American flag prominently in the upper left quadrant, note the sharpened arrow (encased in traditionally native American patterning) pointing threateningly in directly of that flag. The statement there? Whose “Heartland” are we looking at? The land of the “people of the flag,” or the land of the “people of the arrow?”
Perhaps one of the most unique elements of this piece is the way Moore chose to display it. This parchment paper on rigid board mixed medium ensemble is quite literally “fastened” to the frame back. This was a stylistic choice by that of the artist - not an alteration made afterwards. Moore “attaches” his work to the frame back essentially by puncturing holes in the canvas, threading string through those holes, and then tying at the frame back. This is (by far) the most unique way I’ve ever seen in terms of mounting/framing a piece. In this way, even the framing of this work becomes a work of art in and of itself. You’ll note, too, that because of the way this piece is “adhered” to the frame back, the work does not set perfectly centered in the frame (it skews right). Note, too, that the piece is ever so off “kilter.” Again, all aspects of Alan Moore’s work are meant to convey meaning… so what is the meaning here? Why did Moore choose to mount this piece the way he did? Perhaps the message is as such: the “Heartland” - the United States of America - can never be quite “perfect” - no matter how beautiful it is - given what went into its creation.
This piece is hand signed (almost carved into the piece) “Heartland, Alan Moore, 9-90” at the bottom right corner. Visible too at the bottom right corner, Alan Moore’s stylistic “stamp.”
Dimensions/Specs:
Overall (with frame): 25.5” by 21.5”
Piece Itself: 20” by 16”
Condition:
I purchased this piece with my wife from that of Moore himself while living in San Fransisco, California. This piece itself looks - exactly - as it did on the day of its purchase… meaning, it was - tied - with holes in the actual work of art - to the back of the frame as you see now! Again, this was as intended. As far as the frame and display go, aside from a small nick here and there on the wooden frame, a the slight scuff on the display - this piece is in truly beautiful condition. Ready for display! While not to everyone’s taste, this abstractionist Native American inspired work of vintage art has a LOT to say - and what it has to say is - highly - unique… informing… and relevant especially in society of today.
Parting Notes:
~If you have any further questions, or would like to see any additional photos, please do not hesitate to reach out in the form of an email. I will get back to you promptly.