Hello, my name is Isadore Darrell Hall. I am a thirty-year-old artist, currently living in Aurora, Colorado. I was born on June 6, 1971, in Columbus, Georgia. Shortly thereafter, my family moved to Phenix City, Alabama. At the tender age of five, I developed a passion for painting and drawing. It allowed me to release the moaning and groaning of my inner soul, of which words could not adequately express.

My formal training as an artist is very limited. I received three years of basic instruction at Chavala High School, Seale, Alabama and one year of similar instruction at Alabama State University, Montgomery, Alabama. After attending college for one year, I decided to enlist in the United States Army, where I successfully completed five years of service.

In 1997, while residing in Denver, Colorado, I met and married the woman of my dreams, Jacqueline Hall. We currently have four beautiful children ranging in ages one to seven years.

Artist's Statement

During the late 1990's, I began to receive a heightened awareness of my African roots. After careful examination, I began to look deep within myself. Thus far, I have realized that I had been living a lie. Afraid to the reproach of my peers, I submersed my God given talent. Now I have come to appreciate my gift, as well as the journey that brought me to this juncture. My work encompasses a broad spectrum of emotions, ranging from joy to pain. To achieve this desired affect, my medium of choice is currently ebony graphite pencil, on illustration board. Below is brief explanation of the pieces I am submitting for review.

"The Overseer"
This piece of work captures an African tribal leader who has reached the end of his journey. Before crossing over, he reminisces over the peaks and valleys of his life experiences, and concludes that the true overseer is the one who sits on high and looks down low.




"Faces Like Flint"
This piece of work tells of a young man called to lead other young men to the Promised Land, when he himself is untrained, and has no one to lead him. He wrestles with confusion, but nevertheless his face must be like flint, for others are dependent upon him.




"Church Bus"
This piece represents a lighter side of African American culture. The arrival and departure of the church bus gave the opportunity to laugh, talk, and reflect on events of the previous week.




"Inside Out"
This piece tells the story of a young boy, wanting to be accepted. He constantly finds himself on the outside looking in, often looked upon as a stranger and not a guest.




"Free/Bond"
This piece depicts the struggle of an African American man after the Emancipation Proclamation. Once it was signed, slavery was abolished physically; however, mentally the shackles remained on the untrained mind.