A reluctant smile crosses the artist’s face. “My marriage to George Tradd was very brief. I think the beginning of the end was somewhere between the church and the reception and the end of the end wasn’t far behind. I’m not complaining. It was a very nice party. And it did leave me with two … Read More
You Are the Art. The Art Is You.
art and stories
Stories
My Brief Marriage to Wentworth Tradd
A Portrait of the Artist
Wentworth Tradd is a sock puppet on the hand of fate. Wentworth Tradd is the national sport of the Kingdom of the Blind. Wentworth Tradd’s life is more like yours than your life itself. Wentworth Tradd is chicken fighting from the shoulders of John James Audubon- and he’s ready to dunk you … Read More
Wentworth Tradd’s Roots
WENTWORTH TRADD'S mother was from an old South Carolina family. His father was an actor in B movies. "I was actually born in Los Angeles, but Mama and I moved home before I was old enough to talk. My first word was 'grits' We ate a lot of them in those days and I still do, but all of my life has … Read More
On Birds, Fish, and the Bible
WENTWORTH TRADD smiles distractedly and fingers a silver cross the size of a half dollar as he talks. "Our Lord used fish in His teachings and of course, in his miracle of the loaves and fishes. And the Bible is filled with references to birds: 'They shall mount up like Eagles, with wings of great … Read More
What Would Earl Do?
WENTWORTH TRADD has built a 12 story tower in the woods, its stainless steel and glass skin glaring down at unsuspecting visitors like an alien spaceship. "Once I licensed my process to the Department of Defense, I had all of the money I wanted. First thing I did was build this place. The bottom … Read More
“Made UP? Made UP?”
Wentworth Tradd is indignant. A small green lizard pauses halfway up one of the white porch columns as if to listen to him rant. “Why would people say my name is made up? There’s a lawyer up in Columbia named Thornwell Forrest Sowell, III. His wife is this total babe and people say he is a really … Read More
About Wentworth Tradd
Imagine someone completely overwhelmed with the sudden realization that he can paint pictures and you have some idea of Wentworth Tradd’s fascination with art. Imagine someone coming to that realization at the age when other people are becoming grandparents and you have an even better idea. Now, … Read More
WT on the Phone
Wentworth Tradd is on the phone. “Wadi, I need you to get me some better distressed plywood. This last batch wasn’t distressed enough. Heck, it wasn’t even really mildly upset. What happened to the formula with, you know, the one with the cow manure? Now that was some great distressing.” He … Read More
Wentworth Tradd
Wentworth Tradd was born in South Carolina. He has had many jobs, but painting is the one that suits him best. “You don’t have to get up too early and you can do other things at the same time, like drinking and talking, as long as you pay attention to which is your drink and which is your brush … Read More