James Abbott News Clippings

There used to be a very interesting artist around this area named James Abbott who delighted in creating historical murals throughout eastern Grays Harbor County, Washington in the 1990s. Much of his work remains to this day, although the ravages of time are already starting to show on his handiwork. Such is the condition of outdoor painting.

I started taking photos of his work with my flip cellphone around 2010-2013 and some of his largest installations since that time have been painted over or the building has been destroyed.

Art is subjective, and some have called his work "downright spooky" or "creepy," while others have described his art as "fascinating" and "splendid."

Personally, I enjoyed watching him in the act of creating his work more than viewing the result of his labors. He wore a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and sported a stereotypical artist's goatee, while making his act of painting a public performance. It brought to mind Bob Clampett's Beany and Cecil character, Go Man Van Gogh. He seemed to totally enjoy the attention as he painted and looked like he was having fun.

I think I read Mr. Abbott's obituary within the last decade.

Exactly what the TBTG acronym meant after his signature, I can't say for sure, except that I recall it was Christian in nature. Probably "Thanks Be To God."

ShuJack's Bar & Grill, Elma, Washington

This southern facing mural is the only instance I can find where someone has taken the trouble to carefully restore an Abbott piece. Nice work! Information about the restoration date and artist is apparently on the picture, but I have trouble making it out since I'd have to stand in traffic to read it.

Photo taken Aug. 16, 2013.

Downtown Elma, Washington

Downtown Elma, facing north. Photos taken Aug. 16, 2013

Bruce's garage, Elma, Washington

This east facing work is attached to what used to be Bruce Kingery's garage in Elma.

Entitled "Cycle of a Forest" and painted on a giant saw blade, this is yet another James Abbott work of public art that has basically vanished. Actually I am just sort of guessing he created this, but I think part of his signature can still be seen at the bottom, or at least I could read it back on Aug. 16, 2013 when I took this photo.

Police Station, Elma, Washington

Facing north. Photos taken Aug. 14, 2013

Bayview Building Materials, Elma, Washington

This old time street scene was in the supply yard of Bayview, partially obscured by equipment, and fenced off when I took this photo Aug. 14, 2013. Facing west.

Since that time Bayview has expanded and this mural no longer exists.

Fire Station, Elma, Washington

I believe I took these photos at the Elma Fire Station on Aug. 14, 2013. This is another mural painted on waferboard, which seems to hold up well against the elements and gives the work a rustic texture.