Why Was I Worried

Acrylics on gallery wrapped canvas 18" X 36" artist Ricco DiStefano The Shadow Men Series "I just love these pieces. They result from layers of color and shape being worked andreworked with no goal in mind, except to catch a spirit. I chose to make the beings more of a feeling or reflection of a mood. To me, they all have very distinct personalities, and are as complete as any detailed illustration could ever be. These paintings were born from my respect for, and the desire to honor my ancestors. Ibelieve they are watching over me. Like to name just a few as an example, Martin LutherEssick and his son, Michael Essick whom both served in the Civil War on the side of theNorth. Michael, known as the Honest Lawyer, was instrumental in helping to free slavesthrough his involvement in the Underground Railroad before the war. His father, asenator from Illinois, was an active member of the Black Republicans, a group thatchampioned equal rights for African Americans. I feel that in some way, th