THE FUNKY CHICKEN MAN....Everybody in Columbia, S.C. knows that name. Ernest operates an outdoor, mobile art gallery around town. Never setting up in the same place, people just ask around “Have you seen Ernest Lee Today?”. Usually somebody has! Once you find him, you’ll know it is his truck, artwork and see him painting on the spot!!
The Funky Chickens that Ernest creates are symbolic of the Gamecocks of South Carolina. Each chicken has that Gamecock attitude.
Ernest describes his artwork..”I do it from my heart, not from pictures.” He paints on board, which is often warped and not perfect and cuts are usually rough! That’s a true sign of original folk art.
Ernest began painting when he was 12 years old and has aquired collectors from all over. He also does Tall Palms symbolic of the Carolinas and does other animal art. He’s lately ventured out in people, movie and music icons.
A “Funky Chicken” is a MUST HAVE for any serious folk art collector!
"Be what you are.
Don't be what you ain't.
Because if you be what you ain't
then you ain't what you are."
-- Ernest Lee
