It was a crayon and a stick finger. Not a normal stick figure, but a stick figure, nonetheless.
That’s how it started – at least that’s what her mother insists – and since, Mindi Yarbrough Langford’s abilities have evolved worthy of gallery shows and sales, commissions for public and private murals, and a full-time gig as a graphic artist with Wheeling-based Beyond Marketing.
Oh, and has she told you, yet? Ya know, about … the garage?
Yes, THE garage. Most importantly, HER garage. And the best part about the space is that real garage work took place there through the years, and now her version of garage work is the new product. And it’s hers, and that makes it mean even more and it doesn’t really matter why. It’s just a fact, and who cares why? Perhaps there will be a show there sometime for her fans to attend and curiosity, we all know, wins so very often.
At least that’s part of a dream that also includes surviving as an artist without the traditional hint of starvation, but until that’s even pragmatic, Langford will see her visions and find her canvases of sorts on which to splatter ever-so-wonderfully an imagination that wishes us to follow.
So, where to next?
What are the top three reasons for creating your ‘Garage Gallery’?
Garage gallery top 3 reasons:
1. As a lifelong artist, it’s always been a dream. My goal is to eventually open an art lounge gallery in the future. I love the motto “Do what you can with what you have.” I had the space and a vision to start small.
2. I was tired of painting in basements, kitchens and spare bedrooms. I wanted more room and freedom to paint in a dedicated studio space that could get a little messy.
3. I wanted a space where I could meet with clients or possible buyers. It is set up as a little store with my stickers, journals, colorings books and such. Originally, I thought I could host classes, however, the space is just too small and without a restroom, water supply or air conditioning. So, it’s not an option.
Currently, you can call to schedule a private viewing to visit the garage studio and gallery at 614.588.5605.
How did you discover you could draw?
I had to ask my mom!
It is something so innate and natural in me that I never had that moment. She said I’ve always had crayons in my hand from the age of two. She used to give me markers and watercolors even in my high chair! She said I never played with dolls or regular toys; I was only obsessed with coloring and drawing.
She explained she realized when I used to draw stick figures, but they weren’t normal stick figures. She said I drew abnormally detailed stick figures. Like when she was pregnant with my sister, I was 4, and I drew a stick-figure-deer pregnant with a baby stick-figure deer in the mother’s belly.
Or the times I would make up outlandish detailed stories behind my drawings in 3rd grade or the time I drew a scene on one side of the paper, turned it around and drew a different perspective of the same scene on the back. She was like, “Who does that? What kid does that?”
Why is Halloween your favorite holiday?
I think that originates in my creative childhood as well. I remember always making homemade costumes with my mom and siblings. Trick or treating in the dark, all the fun we had together! I grew up in a country glen in the 1980s with not really any technology, unless you count an Atari. So, I was outside a lot!
I just always have been fascinated with nature and especially how the magical autumn season is. As I came to learn about different times and cultures’ harvest celebrations and my own ancestral background, I gained a deeper appreciation and connection. I think Halloween is a time of remembrance, gratitude, baking and cooking, and abundance.
I was also born in September, so I am sure that contributes to how alive I feel during this time of year. Plus, the pumpkins, the leaves, the golden sun, the chilly weather! And for the record, I am Team Apple (over pumpkin spice)!
Do you believe the Wheeling area is growing as an arts community?
Yes. I think more artists are connecting, networking and working together to build a creative community in the whole valley not just Wheeling. I think we’re forming and building the kinds of projects and opportunities for ourselves. We are fighting to stay in Wheeling, and fighting to prove the value and importance of art in communities.
I am struggling. I am deciding how I can make it work and stay in Wheeling and not move to a bigger city that embraces creatives more. I am so excited to see all the artsy and creative events happening. I especially would love to see more art and music combine. I would love to do some live performance painting while musicians are playing!
What do you think is the weirdest thing sitting on the bottom on the Ohio River? (please explain)
So, in 1838 when the Grave Creek Mound was first excavated, they found giant, ancient skeletons of the mound builders with other treasures and artifacts. There was the purest copper and jewelry, skeletons with a huge skulls, and strange tablets with symbols.
They loaded everything on a barge and were heading up to Pittsburgh for study and examination. On the way, there was a terrible rain storm and the barge sank, including all the artifacts.
Just kidding, I made all that up. There’s probably just our junk down there. Who knows what washes down from the creeks and runs, though?
