Artwork copyright Mel McCuddin. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Walking the Walk, 1996

Mel McCuddin
(American, born 1933, died 2022)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Spokane-based painter Mel McCuddin created the painting "Walking the Walk' to express ideas about personal space and territory. The composition and rooster figure developed for the artist spontaneously, but speaks to "the establishment and defense by gangs of young people, of what is perceived by them to be their own territory or 'turf'."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Mount Vernon School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Spokane, Eastern Washington-based artist Mel McCuddin (1933-2022) created expressive, figurative paintings. In his own words: “I begin a painting with no idea in mind, and at a certain point in the process of putting paint on the canvas, an idea will suggest itself. Many of these ideas change and many are rejected until one seems strong enough to accept. My paintings are essentially a record of the evolution of an idea... What I’ve been after for a long time is something that you feel more than see, paintings with a strong presence.”

McCuddin was born and raised on a dairy farm on Spokane’s North Side. He loved art as a child and made art all through high school. He worked as a truck driver for dairies, took art classes when he could, and painted at night until retirement allowed him to create art full time.