“LOVE” in Montrose by Wiley Robertson
About three years ago while walking the dog through a weird alley in Montrose I came upon a small plank of wood with “LOVE” painted colorfully on it. I picked it up and hung it on my wall.
Then my friends and I started noticing “LOVE” paintings on 2 x 4s nailed high upon utility poles around inner-city neighborhoods. Friends would tell me about a new sighting and vice versa. I was fascinated; and wondered who was doing it. I asked a few hipsters who was responsible—one actually answered, “I thought it was you!”
Three weeks back I saw a “LOVE” mural—I swerved off the road for a closer look. I was especially enthusiastic to see that it was signed “Wiley”. And after a bit of Google research I found him. Seems the elusive artist has come somewhat out of the shadows. And since he does have a website and a blog, TroysArt is not necessarily blowing his cover! The artist responsible for spreading “LOVE” is Wiley Robertson.
I had to meet him.
“LOVE” billboard on N. Durham, Houston, by Wiley Robertson
So I made an appointment to drop by his studio. As I traversed his trending, yet un-regentrified, NoDo neighborhood I saw “LOVE” and “AMOUR” signs with increasing frequency—I started to get really excited.
Not the nimble-framed individual I imagined would be climbing utility poles in the wee hours of the morning, the artist is sturdily built, a good-looking gentle giant with a voracious impulse to create, and to share what he creates. His front gallery was covered with “LOVE”, displayed in rows and ranging in price from $20 to $40.
Aside from the 2 x 4 “LOVE” paintings, Wiley does amazingly complex cityscapes, portraits, and other sign style words. According to his website, “his imagery matches the diversity found in the mediums used.” The paintings are colorful, imaginative, and affordable. He is confident with his craft and loves showing his work. I took home a few of his works; most of them “LOVE”. (One of the paintings is actually misspelled “LVOE” but it’s almost impossible to tell unless you know.)
Painting on board by Wiley Robertson
I asked Wiley how he selects his points for installation: “Mostly what’s easiest for me to get up high,” he answered, “so they’re harder to steal.” He also likes hanging them near his home so he can enjoy them.
As for that very first painting I found in the alley, I passed it on to a friend as a gift. I guess I wanted to also share the love…
Well-written and telling. Sharp.
I “LOVE” it,, him and…you.