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The Haunted

©2011 Bill Werle
Acrylic 16 x 20

I grew up in Minnesota. A part of that childhood was deer hunting on my uncles property just south of Duluth. He had 160 acres of prime deer country and starting at 12 I went deer hunting up there with my dad.

The first year I endured sub-zero temps sleeping in the back of the station wagon with my cousin because there was no room to sleep all of us in the shed on the property. Getting up at 4am to trudge through miles (well it felt like it at that age!) of snow to the stand and then sit still for hours until your feet were blocks of ice and your fingers were useless stumps of wood. I would not trade those memories for nothing.

One year I was in a tree stand on the edge of a field. It was foggy as the sun rose. I just knew this was my year. With adolescent optimism for fuel, I knew that buck was going to stroll into the early morning sun filtering through the fog. I knew....

I dreamed of this buck for years afterward. Never did see that buck in all my years hunting up there. Saw plenty of deer in the off season of course but never during the season. Oh but he visited me in my dreams a lot. Taunting me then disappearing into the foggy woods of my dreams.

The Haunted

Big things have been happening for a new friend of mine. Doyle Wheeler of Ammo-Head Design has rolled out a brand new logo, a new website and was recently featured in the Spokesman Review Arts section in an article written by Jennifer Larue!

Doyle Wheeler and the art of scavenging

Doyle re-purposes used items and utilizing his amazing craftsmanship turns it into beautiful works of Art. Some examples of his works of art include pens such as the William Maltese Heirloom Fountain pen collection, spent bullet shell pens, wine barrel pens from local wineries like Latah Creek Winery, hydrographics and the list goes on. Where we see junk Doyle envisions something beautiful to be used again.

All of his work draws on his 15 years in the collision repair business and the associated attention to quality and detail he mastered in his work in that industry. Ironically it was a car crash and a debilitating injury from it that led him to becoming a full time artist and he hasn't looked back since.

You can find Doyle's work at Devtan Trading Company in NorthTown Mall, Brock's Gunsmithing, Latah Creek Winery and Townshend Cellars. Don't miss our upcoming event together at Mirabeau Park Hotel June 8th 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. It's the perfect blend of functional art and fine art inspired by our love of the great outdoors. We look forward to seeing you there!

Inner Peace

©2011 Bill Werle
Acrylic 16" x 20" on canvas

A solitary deer standing on the edge of the forest. So sublime, so peaceful.