Wharf Rat

Description

Wharf Rat

Multilayer Linoleum Relief Print Over Screen Printed Collage

11"x8.5"

Wharf Rat is an attempt to depict the context of the song, also titled "Wharf Rat", as well as the experience of a Grateful Dead concert. So many factors contribute to the emotional and sometimes spiritual experience of live shows. The lyrics of Dead songs are often subjective, leaving room for listeners to attach their own meanings to the song.

In this case, "Wharf Rat" tells the story of a conversation between the narrator (sung by Jerry Garcia) and a character named August West. Both men are hard on their luck, perhaps West a little more so than the narrator. West asks the narrator for spare change, to which he replies "I got no dime but I got some time to hear [your] story". West goes on to describe his hard life, including struggles with alcoholism and spending time in jail for another man's crime. Because of his bad luck and reputation, he lost the love of his life, although he is still trying to convince himself that she has been true to him.

This song stood out to me, not just because it is one of my favorite Dead tunes sonically, but the character of the narrator fits Jerry so well, and I see West as an alternate reality of what he could have become. Garcia's life, for a while, resembled that of West's, barely getting by, sleeping in cars and crashing on couches. It also fits into the Dead's theme of outlaws and misfits, telling the stories of people living on the fringe of society much like the Dead themselves.

By collaging together elements from the narrative of the song with other symbols and signifiers of live Dead shows such as the crowd or the leaves pattern which was based on an element of the Live Dead record cover, I'm trying to piece together this context visually. As someone who never got to experience an actual live Dead show, this is my attempt at understanding that experience from a place of admiration and respect.

Other Projects by James Cousens III