Doing business as Bill Ford Interiors, Inc. in Paducah, Bill Ford is involved in many of the city's cultural activities and has begun a new project called From Paducah With Love. The art book collects original pen and ink drawings by Ford with articles from the community about reflections and memories of the city. On Sounds Good, Kate Lochte asks him more about the project, the gallery reception and how his signature bowties make an appearance.
Bill Ford came to Paducah every summer as a child to visit his grandmother and says he has many fond memories from a young age. When he moved here about 25 years ago, he was surprised to learn that many of the buildings he grew up with had been torn down, abandoned or moved. His new book, From Paducah With Love aims to capture the city's landmarks as they look now and reflections from the community.
Original pen and ink renderings by Ford include the Buddenbaum House, Metropolitan Hotel, Irvin Cobb Hotel, Maiden Alley Cinema, Columbia Theatre, the Alben Barkley home, Grand Lodge on 5th, Yeiser Art Center, Carson Center, several churches and more. Articles include reflections and memories from the community, along with photographs of each contributor. He describes the book as "fuzzy, comfortable and warm."
The book releases May 14, 2016. Original artwork will be shown at the Ruth Baggett Gallery, which will also host an opening reception and will be selling the book exclusively for one month. Ford plans on releasing bookmarks and "outtake" prints that organizations can use for fundraisers.
He says "love" is one of the most important words in our language right now. He wants the people of Paducah to be a part of this book and hopes they love it as much as he does.
Paducah artist and interior decorator Bill Ford plans to select landmark buildings to sketch in Murray and Mayfield after finishing his work on From Paducah With Love. Volume two, From Paducah With Love Again is also in the works. Contact him with ideas and suggestions at bfordint@bellsouth.net.
