Bringing together wood and canvas

For A.B. Word and Barrie Lynn Bryant, their art is more than just a creative outpouring; it's a true partnership. It's also an interesting collaboration, combining painting with woodworking.

The two will have been together for 25 years in October, and though the majority of those years have seen them in Wyoming, Bryant actually started in photography, and Word in graphite portraits, though both worked in Little Rock, Arkansas. Word explained it came to a point when they grew tired of the area, and around the same time - September 1994 - a friend was shooting pictures in Jackson, and described the area. Of particular interest to them was the cooler temperatures and the fact there was only four people per square mile.

A month later, they moved to Hot Springs County, and have been living in Kirby the past 23 years. Both pointed out there were not many people to take professional pictures of, and so Word focused more on drawing and painting. She suggested Bryant look into making wood frames for her pieces.

Bryant, who spent some time at the counseling center as a youth advocate, learned of someone selling a table saw for $25, so he picked it up. The initial work began very simply, Bryant said, and at the time Word's art was more a fantasy style and it was suggested she do some western pieces, so Native Americans started becoming more of a subject in her work.

The two were also travelling to art shows in California and along the east coast, picking up several awards, and even attended fantasy conventions and Comic-Con.

In 1999, Bryant started studying picture framing history as well as gilding – the art of applying gold leaf to objects. They continued their travel to art shows for the next 15 years, each year seeing them travel to Florida and the east coast for about five to six months.

In April 2015, Word developed an illness due to allergic reaction to mold. Doctors told her if she were to return to the south again she would likely die.The pair still continues to do shows, and will have their work featured at the Flying Eagle Gallery during the next couple weeks. When the gallery first opened, Bryant said, it featured some of their prints. It's only fitting, then, that they show their work again for the gallery's re-opening in its new location.

Word explained she now paints in "imaginative realism," using a live model and placing him or her in a surreal setting. Soft pastels, charcoal and pencil are her mediums. Bryant, who continues his framing, waits until Word's done with her art before making a frame for it. In this way, both are original, with frames custom made for the pieces they surround.

At Merglenn Studios in Kirby, the two have hosted apprenticeships, and welcome anyone who wants to learn. Bryant also teaches gold leaf work at the West Coast Art and Frame Expo in Las Vegas in January.

The gallery is also open by appointment by calling 864-2697. Visit merglennstudios.com for more information and to see examples of their work.