East Texas is like a story book where many tales spin around the beautiful Caddo Lake.
Some people enjoy this destination for canoeing and fishing, where artists like Joe Griffin capture the forever changing landscape by pressing the shutter.
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Joe at his new gallery not far from the lake in Gray.
The Caddo Lake Art Gallery and Souvenirs is right off Hwy 49. This would be heading east from Marion County, Texas towards the Louisiana border in what used to be, Caddo Lake General Store.
About Joe Griffin
Joe's story begins in a small town of New Mexico. At the age of 19, the camera drew his interest and he's been taking photographs ever since.
As a collector of many cameras he began this journey using traditional film. He also learned to develop and set up on site developing locations to produce his own images.
In the 80's, opportunity brought him East to Arkansas, working in the oil fields. When the boom fizzled, he ventured to East Texas where he opened a bar and in the 90's became the Mayor of Uncertain. This little community is nestled on the shores of Caddo Lake.
Continuing with his photography he discovered graphic art and worked at a print shop as a graphic artist and later established Griffin Graphics.
Like many artists, on the side he participated in a variety of events to promote his craft. This avenue involves additional travel and work that takes away from creating. So, Joe decided to open his own gallery in what many would call the middle of nowhere.
But if you meet Joe, you will clearly understand that he is in the middle of somewhere great. Like many of us in the countryside we see what is beyond the trees and his gallery offers a glimpse into these mystical surroundings.
Today he uses digital photography then prints and frames all of his own work.
Setting in the Tree Nest
This piece is one of Joe's many photographs available in his new gallery. This lake is filled with Cypress trees which is a favorite attraction for the Great Blue Heron and Snowy Egrets.
These birds are often found hunting and nesting around the area and some evenings you can catch them flocking in the evening up the bayou.
This image beautifully captures a sense of stillness among the trailing moss these birds call home.
Gallery & Souvenirs
The gallery opens the door to many forms of creativity beyond photography. I'm referring to the gallery sign that Joe produced; I love it because it just feels like this area.
I also discovered his gift using pen and ink. First he captured the mushroom image then he sketched by duplicating the concept onto canvas.
This piece is amazing and after our conversation I hope to have encouraged him to do more. Pen and ink is one of my favorites, a beautiful medium that is precise.
In addition to his photography he offers souvenirs that speak of Caddo. The "Swamp Daddy T- shirt" came home with us and Robert wears it well with a smile.
Beautiful paintings from Heather Burris are present and the gallery is welcoming additional artists for anyone interested. Contact Joe Griffin at 903-742-9363
Sometimes the best adventure is the one traveled down a back road where new stories begin. Business hours are Thursday - Saturday 11 am - 4 pm or call Joe Griffin at 903-742-9363.
Encouraging Goodness,
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