Cotton at a book signing in Love Valley.
Preserving the Past through the Written Word
A couple of weeks ago I shared about Cotton Ketchie’s expertise as an artist and photographer in blog post Favorite #83. Although I’ve known him for only a few months, he’s so warm and friendly, writing about him is like writing about an old friend.
Cotton has always loved to draw, but it wasn’t until 1975 while taking lessons through Mitchell Community College at the War Memorial Center in Mooresville, NC, that his work as an artist began to mature. Encouraged by his instructor, the late Don Chapman, and fellow art students to give watercolors a try, Cotton discovered not only a love for the art form, but a talent. After much practice and a growing fan base, Cotton eventually opened the Landmark Galleries on N. Main St. in Mooresville. Always taking photos for his sketches, he didn’t become a professional photographer until everything went digital.
There’s no doubt being talented as an artist and photographer would be enough for most people, but Cotton’s talent doesn’t stop there. Also gifted as an author, writer and musician, before Cotton took up painting, unknown to many, he used to write songs. Some of those songs have been sung in years past at local churches.
As an author, Cotton has published two autobiographies and two novels. Based loosely on a fictional artist from Mooresville, his latest novel centers around the town known to many as the Cowboy Capital of NC, Love Valley. By contrast, his autobiographies are steeped in truth and honesty of what it was like to grow up as a country boy in rural NC, during the middle of the 20th century. Born in 1944 and named after his dad, Millard Vincent Ketchie, by the time Cotton was three, he already had a “cotton top,” so thus his nickname. Preferring Cotton to the given name of “Millard,” Cotton said, “That name was too much of a burden for any little boy to carry.”
North Carolina is lucky to have a talented man like Cotton who cares about leaving a legacy behind of preserving landmarks and everyday events through photographs, art and the written word. Knowing he’s blessed, Cotton sprinkles references to his faith throughout his work, including a reference to one of his favorite poets, Robert Frost, and his poem, “Birches.” About climbing trees, the end of the poem especially speaks to Cotton’s heart reminding him even on bad days or when having to make difficult decisions, that God is in control. A willing vessel, just like the canvas he paints on and the blank page he writes on, Cotton knows he’s still a work in progress.
To learn more about about Cotton Ketchie and his many talents, check out the Salisbury Post hyperlinks above.
Congratulations, Cotton Ketchie! This makes twice I’ve chosen you as my favorite person of the week. Chosen several weeks ago as my favorite for preserving landmarks through art and photography, this week it’s for preserving the past through the written word.
Do you know someone in your community who cares about preserving the past? If so, leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
