Local artist Richard Martin, better known as "Blue," has been commissioned to create a special piece of art for the Pea River Historical Society in downtown Enterprise.
Martin's pieces don't use paint or canvas. He doesn't even use a paintbrush.
Using the power of the sun and a magnifying glass, Martin etches pieces of art onto plaques of wood.
He's done several pieces throughout town on a number of different types of woods and different subjects.
But perhaps no subject is as dear to the citizens of Enterprise than Martin's latest etching of the Boll Weevil Monument.
Doug Bradley, of the Pea River Historical Society, said the pieces were commissioned from Martin to honor the monument and the history behind it.
"Collecting items of history of people and places of our county and surrounding counties is what we do and being so close to the main attraction within our town, we were looking for something to accompany the monument that's there in the square," Bradley said. "We will be the only local merchant with these."
The pieces that are available at the Pea River Historical Society are each numbered and come with a certificate of authentication.
Each of the pieces are original and done by hand.
Martin began focusing his talent of creating designs on wooden plaques after completing the Christian Mission's New Life Recovery Program.
The talent is something he originally developed when he was young as a member of the Merchant Marines for 13 years.
"You're 200 miles offshore and you get a piece of driftwood and you've got nothing else to do on the boat. I just had a magnifying glass and started doodling with it," he said.
After recovering from 50 years of alcoholism, Martin said his art is something he's been putting his heart and soul into and staying very busy working on burning logos, Bible verses and even wedding invitations.
But it's his newest creation that represents the city he's made his home.
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