John Doyle: Local artist's angels have nothing to hide

'Artist John Carroll Doyle believes in angels; he had to," says Angela Stump of the John Carroll Doyle Gallery.

After having overcome a series of difficult life tribulations, such as surviving drug and alcohol addiction, major heart surgery, sexual abuse, agoraphobia, dyslexia, etc., the artist turned to spirituality to help him through during troubled times.

More than 20 years ago, Doyle started painting his version of angels.

One of his first angel paintings, completed in the early 1990s, is a full-length rendition of a tall, nude angel walking toward the viewer with open arms to comfort and protect. The painting was titled "The Red Angel."

"The artist chose bright red because he felt that the devil always gets the best colors, and it's time for the spiritual side to show off," explains Stump.

"The painting measures 8 feet tall and in the early 1990s was on display in the window of a King Street antique store owned by Danny Petterson, who was brave enough to hang such a painting. Since Doyle figures angels are above shame and have nothing to hide, his angels almost always appear nude. As it seems, not all people see things that way, as several ugly notes of condemnation were stuck to the door of Mr. Petterson's antique shop door."

Even though the artist is aware that there are those who feel some controversy about nudity, he is in no way trying to offend. On the contrary, Doyle says, "This is about angels as representatives of truth and vulnerability and not hiding behind a cloak of denial."

For the French Quarter Art Walk on March 5, the artist will introduce the newest angel, who is shown encircled in a flowing golden ribbon symbolic of her loving aura, several charm bracelets, one with a golden heart, red cowgirl boots, a warm smile and not much else. The painting measures 5 feet by 4 feet and is titled "Love Conquers All."

Visit the gallery at 125 Church St., to online at www.johncdoyle.com or phone 577-7344.

The Big Doomo at Plum Elements

Plum Elements will host The Big Doomo (pronounced doe-moe, it is informal for thanks in Japanese) tonight to say thank you to the patrons, customers, friends and vendors for nearly three and half years of business.

Plum Elements, a supporter of the Jazz Artists of Charleston, has arranged for jazz vocalist Leah Suarez & Friends to perform at the farewell fete from 6-9 p.m. at the Lower King Street boutique and gallery.

Besides cool jazz, bubbles and nibbles, those attending will find special, incredible sales tonight ONLY.

Charleston's home for artful living, Plum Elements is located at 161 1/2 King Street, Plum Elements is open from 10ish a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 7 p.m. on Thursday.

For more information: 727-3747 or info@plumelements.com. Visit www.plumelements.com.