Patterson started collecting barn wood and tobacco stakes in 2011. Barns and tobacco are two common sites in southern Maryland and in Virginia. Both are viewed by many as disappearing visual elements in the south. Both are made from common wood material that through its use contains meaning and holds history. This series of work is named after barns that were used for advertising. In 1960, there were over 22,000 barns with advertisements hand painted on one side. Mail Pouch refers to the West Virginia Mail Pouch chewing tobacco company that often advertised on the sides of barns. The colors used were black, red, yellow, and white, sometimes including blue. Patterson is still working on this series.
Constructions
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