Alfred “Big Al” Taplet

Big Al Taplet first began painting old pieces of slate to advertise his Jackson Square shoe shine stand in New Orleans. Big Al would hang his signs on the fence and in the trees surrounding his stand to attract customers. His bold, colorful graphic signs with humorous sayings began to attract folk art collectors as well as the intended shoe shine customers. Big Al Taplet, along with his lighthearted creations, is listed in “Comtemporary American Folk Art, A Collector’s Guide” Rosenak and “Self-Taught, Outsider and Folk Art”, Betty-Carol Sellen.

Big Al is currently doing well and living in Texas - the following pieces are being offered on his behalf and will come from him to the buyer.

Click on any image below to enlarge:

“Big Al's Professional Shoe Shines”
35 1/2" x 12"


This is Alfred's original shoe shine sign (paint on wood)- he hung it on Jackson Square each day when he "set up shop". It is pre-Katrina, very weathered, has a great look - also a great history !

$550

“Ben There Done That”
7 1/2" x 12"


This piece was done after Katrina-hence the sentiment !

$200

 

 

Reverse Side

“Two Sided Fish”
35" x 12"
paint on wood
two sided

Dated 2003

This piece was salvaged from New Orleans after Katrina

SOLD

 

“No Money No Eggs”
12" x 12"
paint on slate

2007 - newer piece with lacquer on top

shinier and clearer colors than some of his older pieces

$260

“The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways”

16" x 12"

paint on slate - dated 2005

Pre - Katrina piece

$260

“Purr Feet ”
two sided
paint on tin, no date, pre-Katrina
House of Blues tribute on reverse

$600

“No Money No Eggs"
12" x 12"
paint on slate
Newer piece with lacquer over paint

$260

"No Runny No Eggs"
14" x 10"
paint on slate
Dated 2004 this is a piece slavaged from his home in New Orleans after Katrina. The chipped right corner is storm damage.

$260

"Big Al's Boots"
16" x 12"
paint on slate
This is a pre-Katrina piece although it is

not dated

$260

"If You Touch This Art"
15 1/2" x 11 1/2"
paint on slate
Dated 2002

$260

“Walkin To New Orleans”
16" x 10"
paint on slate
This is a pre - Katrina piece - it is unsigned, but Big Al will sign it on the front or back for the buyer

$260

“For Your Valentine”
16" x 12"
paint on slate

an old pre-Katrina piece not dated

$260

“Oh Lord... ”
17" x 13"
paint on corrugated tin

Dated 2001

Double sided

$500

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