|
 Chad Slagle, The Singing Bowyer, is a local man whose
livelihood
involves writing and singing music about his love of mountains, hunting
and his Appalachian roots. Read about George's influence on his life.
There were many legendary figures that frequented the sporting
goods store that I grew up in—from famed archery expert Dr. Reverend
Stacy Groscup, to trapping and outdoor writer
Warren “Jack” Ryan. But, without a doubt, one of the most influential
figures for me as a child was artist and author George Bird Evans.
I was doodling in a sketchbook one day when George first walked into my
father’s store. As he talked in length with my father about hunting dogs,
I noticed him watching me out of the corner of his eye. Finally, he
asked, “What are you drawing there son”? I
slowly slid the sketchbook in his direction. He seemed excited about what
I had done, and even commented on my use of shading and composition. My
father interjected and said, “George is an artist, too”. “He writes books
and illustrates them”. The conversation continued and I soon learned that
George made a living telling stories and drawing pictures. I was stunned.
Up to that point, most of the adult men I came into contact with were
coal miners, carpenters, and the like. The idea that someone could live
in my small town and make a living doing such things was almost
unfathomable to me.
As the years passed, George continued to encourage and inspire me. He
gave me a copy of his book The Upland Shooting Life, and for the first
time I felt as though someone was able to put into words what I felt when
I took to the field. His philosophy on the outdoors was different than
the hook-and-bullet magazines that I was reading at the time. There was a
respect, a wonder, and a humor in his words unlike anything that I had
ever read before. A seed was planted, and there was no turning back.
George once told my father that the only difference between raising a
good dog and a good kid is where they sleep at night. Those words were
the basis of a song I wrote called Bloodlines. And, I guess if I really
think about it, his words and philosophy have been a basis for much of my
work, and ultimately, my life. - Chad
K. Slagle
Editor's
Note: For more about Chad
check out his website.
http://www.thesingingbowyer.com/
|
