In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with local mural artist Brad Goodell whose beautiful work can be seen on many walls in the region including Fenceline Cider in Mancos, Colorado as well as on the side of the Mancos Common Press building. There are also additional murals in Cortez across form the Farmer’s Market, and by the Twin Rocks Trading Post in Bluff, Utah. Currently he is working on a four part mural on the north side of The Smiley Building in downtown Durango at 1309 East 3rd Avenue. The funding for the mural was granted by the city to Charles Shaw owner of The Smiley Building who was a pipe fitter in his early career which is one of the industries highlighted in the murals. Brad’s work is recognizable and is done in the Work Progress Administration (WPA) style from the 1930s also influenced by the murals of Thomas Hart Benton and Diego Rivera especially in Detroit highlighting the industrial worker. Each of Brad’s murals takes 2-3 months to complete and is exciting to watch as it takes shape under his paintbrush. Brad studied art at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and the Colorado Institute of Art in Denver. He began his art career as a commercial illustrator for which he has won many awards and been recognized by the New York Society of Illustrators, then moved to Southwest Colorado in 2002 which allowed him to shift away from illustration and focus on other artistic endeavors in addition to his large murals including linoleum block printing and glass engraving for which he has created a successful business together with his wife. We are so lucky to have one of his stunning murals in Durango inspired by the landscapes along with the rich heritage of builders, creators and craftsmen of The Four Corners region. You can see more of his work on his website at www.bradgoodell.net and on Instagram and Facebook @bradgoodell