Artist Walter Anderson’s iconic prints and drawings of the Gulf Coast are ubiquitous in the homes of Mississippians. With his new book and film, Anthony Thaxton hopes to introduce the late genius to a national audience.
Thaxton collaborated with chef and television host Robert St. John on “Walter Anderson: The Extraordinary Life and Art of the Islander,” a 276-page coffee table book encompassing the artist’s life and work. The authors will be stopping in Columbus on their book tour this month.
Their one-hour documentary of the same name premiered on Mississippi Public Broadcasting last month and can be viewed online. The book includes access to the film and its soundtrack, composed by Thaxton’s son Bryant. Both the book and the film showcase lesser-known artwork and stories shared by Anderson’s spouse and four children.
Anderson, who died in 1965, has left an indelible legacy despite living an intensely private life. His masterpiece, the colorful and immersive Little Room mural, was not discovered until after his death; it is now preserved at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. He spent long stretches camping alone on Horn Island; he often biked long distances, as far as New York to Mississippi; and he even walked across China.
“The more I learned about Walter Anderson in making this film and writing this book, the more intrigued I became,” Thaxton told the Dispatch. “The man, the artist, is fascinating.”
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.
What drew you to Walter Anderson’s art?
Anderson was always an artistic hero of mine. I’d loved his work, not only the vibrant and skillful watercolors, but all of it. The block prints are amazing. The ink drawings are wonderful. Chuck Jones, the creator of Bugs Bunny, called Walter Anderson “the greatest line drawer ever.” His carvings are exquisite.
He truly was a genius, and his vast oeuvre gave me permission as an artist to try numerous styles and techniques and mediums. His example expressed to me that I could try it all as an artist.
Not only that, his subject matter was close to my heart. I grew up on the coast and worked on shrimping boats; Anderson’s subject matter spoke directly to me.
How did you and Robert St. John come up with the idea for this book and documentary?
Robert and I filmed an episode of our series “Palate to Palette” with Wyatt Waters at the museum. While there, Walter’s youngest son John Anderson took us into the Little Room and shared stories with us. Robert and I were actually moved to tears, and talked afterward that THIS was the project we should do for a documentary film.
The book grew out of the filmmaking process as a desire to include much art that had never before been seen and interviews we had no room for in the film but wanted to share.
How involved was the Anderson family in this project?
The Anderson family were wonderful collaborators, especially John Anderson, who is featured heavily in the film and wrote the forward to our book. John opened the family vault and archives with us, giving total access to whatever we requested.
The film and book are both, at their core, a celebration of the Anderson family. The projects are so intimate, so touching. I think folks will really come away from the film and the book with a new appreciation for Walter Anderson and his family who’ve carried on the legacy.
What is the most interesting thing you discovered about Walter Anderson during this process?
I think learning more objectivity about his mental illness was the biggest takeaway I discovered. After getting a severe case of malaria, Anderson slipped into a coma and almost died. That and a case of undulant fever caused a three-year severe bout with mental illness.
After that point, Anderson got better to a degree and lived a long productive life creating thousands of works of art.
Anderson was truly different, but I think some of the mental aspects have been overblown through the years. The “crazy artist” label is hard to shake, but for those reading the book and seeing the film, I think they, too, might have a new point of view afterwards.
You lived in Columbus while attending the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science. What are your favorite memories from that time?
Two folks who had the biggest impact on the direction of my life were my teachers Emma Richardson and Jack Carter. My first real productions were done in Mr. Carter’s creative media course, and Mrs. Richardson introduced me to a love of Mississippi through writing courses.
I can’t emphasize enough the role these two wonderful educators and people had on my journey. I give both of them credit for anything I’ve been able to accomplish.
Emily Liner is the owner of Friendly City Books, an independent bookstore and press in Columbus.
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