Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 27, 1995 TAG: 9506020022
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: TORONTO LENGTH: Short
A body of work created by Charles over 20 years was recently unveiled to critical acclaim at the Toronto Zoo's African Pavilion.
As the artist played in the background, visiting art enthusiasts said they would gladly hang a Charles in their living room - if they could only afford one. The paintings sell for $320 to $585, framed.
Charles' keeper, Vanessa Phelan, said he has been painting since he was young, but his art didn't take off until he was introduced to the color black in 1991.
``He is a knuckle-worker,'' she said. ``He uses the back of his knuckles to paint and an authentic Charles will have either a footprint or handprint in it.''
- Associated Press
by CNB