Artist and former WWL talk show host Garland Robinette’s Juju Zodiac series will be on display through December 19 at Sotre on Magazine Street.
The work is a fascinating blend of astrology and Cajun Juju dolls, which Robinette says were inspired by his upbringing.
“I was raised Cajun and my mother would say ‘mon, cher, you did good juju,’ which meant you did something good...so good luck is gonna come back,” smiled Robinette.
“So these are good luck amulets. But we took that and applied it to astrology, where people for their birthday’s could get something a little bit different than what you see with astrology.”
Robinette’s is a storied life with fascinating twists and turns, from a Vietnam veteran honored with a Purple Heart...to a janitor with a rich voice at a tiny radio station in small town Louisiana... to award winning anchor & reporter at WWL-TV...to PR executive for Freeport McMoran... to partner in an international crisis management company....to celebrated talk show host on WWL Radio...to portrait artist.
And yes, his clients include a Who’s Who in New Orleans, including Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson, jazz clarinetist Pete Fountain & actress Allison Williams. Oh, and yes, even a Pope! (John Paul II) Garland’s portraits are bountiful & beautiful, but the Juju dolls have stolen his heart and imagination.
“I always told my wife (Nancy Rhett) there’s something else in me, artistically, that wants to come out. And, I said it feels like it harkens back to my childhood.”
A post shared by Juju Doll Art (@jujudollart) on Nov 30, 2019 at 1:35pm PST
The originals of Robinette’s Juju zodiac series sold out in minutes, before most guests arrived at the first day of his art showing, but prints will be available soon. Check out Garland’s artwork & other prints HERE.