PAUL HUMPHREY

Vermont

Paul Humphrey (1931-1999) was born in and remained in Vermont for the entirety of his life, yet it wasn't until later in life that he began to create art.

Humphrey's story isn't unusual in 20th century America; he worked as a house painter and taxi driver, yet was no longer able to work after his health deteriorated in 1990. After suffering a stroke two years later, he spent the remainder of his life in a wheelchair. At 57, he started to create art.

Unquestionably, Humphrey threw himself into his artmaking after leaving the workforce - hundreds of his "Sleeping Beauty" drawings were created in the last years of his life. These works, predominantly of women with their eyes closed, were thought to be an homage to his daughter, or so he told the people around him. After his death, it was discovered that Humphrey had no family - and no children - adding an element of mystery and discovery to his oeuvre.

Besides a dedication to his subjects, Humphrey developed his own process of creation that both obscures and humanizes the figures therein. Sourcing images from magazines, Humphrey would photocopy new elements onto existing pieces, using tape and drawing materials to close each figure's eyes or to add a decorative element like a necklace or pillow. Reusing works over and over lends ghostly traces of older pieces, such as names and the artist's signature - P.H. - that reappear in multiple places on many works. Finally, pencil and marker were used to individualize and finalize each unique piece.