If you were a kid in the 80s, chances are you also witnessed your Grandma getting a little too excited by televangelists. Those larger-than-life, comical religious figures of mega churches live on your TV screen, promising miracles galore, letting you “praise God” from the comfort of your living room… and of course, reminding everyone to send in their tithes to keep the show on the air!
So it was no surprise that when Rough House Pictures released The Righteous Gemstones, my brother Mike, already a couple episodes in, told me, “You have to watch this show!” I hadn’t even heard of it yet, but as he described the over-the-top “holy rollers” and their absurd antics, I knew I was in for a wild ride.
As soon as I started watching the show, I was hooked and began tuning in every week. My husband and I would sarcastically announce, “It’s time for church!” every Sunday evening when the show aired. I was captivated by the comical “behind-the-scenes” lives of those running a megachurch, their greed, theatrics, and absurd charm all rolled into one chaotic spectacle. Watching it all unfold reminded me why, as an adult, I’ve taken a more spiritual path over Grandma’s traditional, organized religion.
But there was one character I couldn’t get enough of and every week hoped he would make an appearance, and that was Uncle Baby Billy Freeman, brilliantly played by Walton Goggins. His outrageous antics, sheer audacity, and hilarious one liners reminded me why I never got good vibes about Grandma’s TV miracle workers.
The first time I recall seeing Walton was as Officer Naish in House of 1000 Corpses, where his demise became a silent, chilling, and unforgettable moment that will forever go down in horror movie history. Every role I’ve seen him in since has been incredible and no matter what character he’s given, he knows the assignment. I mean, just look at Venus Van Dam in Sons of Anarchy! And here’s a funny one: while rewatching all of Beverly Hills 90210 to get my Brenda Walsh/Shannen Doherty fix, I had the mind-blown moment of realizing I was 44 years old when I discovered Walton had a small role on the show. Needless to say, Walton’s range, charisma, and sheer presence make him endlessly fascinating to watch and made it impossible not to add him to my art bucket list. I had hoped to finish this piece before the last episode aired but life got in the way and although the show is no longer on I wasn’t going to let that stop me from completing my vision. So here it is…
I call this piece “Voila! No More COVID!” a line Baby Billy uses to sell viewers on his smooth coconut elixir that is blessed by God and ready to heal all your ailments. Just like your Grandma used to love. This split face portrait of Walton and his televangelist alter ego was created using pencil, chalk pastels, and colored pencil.
For my art collectors who wish they could’ve been a contestant on Baby Billy Bible Bonkers, I have made-to-order* prints and wearable art t-shirts listed in my Etsy shop. Apply coupon code MISBEHAVIN at check out and get 10% slashed off your order!
These items will also be available for purchase in my Latchet shop (once they are imported) for those who prefer to use that platform to make your online purchase.
Giclee and canvas prints are currently in production for my art collectors to see in person and purchase at a discounted price* at Closet Collectibles (in Crete, IL.) when I do my next art drop!
New to my work? Be sure to check out the other portraits I have masterminded on the Spitting Image page of my portfolio website!
Stay Strange & Magical!
LDG Nicole
*Read more about my “never mass produced” creative process and in store discounted art prices here