These ladies are on view at the Acadiana Center for the Arts in the Our Point in Space exhibition — now through August 9, 2025, in the Main Gallery.
Longing for Ethel
Oil on canvas, 40″ x 56″
I referenced an old black-and-white family photograph from my wife’s collection as source material for this one. I believe it was taken near Marksville, Louisiana, in the early 1940s. The melancholy nature of the rural image struck me immediately.
I hadn’t realized until recently that Cajun country reached that far north — but these were undoubtedly French-speaking women.
Who is Ethel? Why are they longing for her? Where has she gone, and why are they outdoors? And what about that old Ford Model B pickup in the background?
I could answer these questions for you… but I’ve chosen to let the mystery be.