Bolton’s images seem familiar and comforting at first glance, but can become strange and disturbing when considered more closely. In their original context – early children’s books and grade school science texts -- these images served as visual tools to educate young minds about acceptable morals and beliefs. By altering and recombining fragments of these images, however, Bolton suggests new meanings in which an undercurrent of uncertainty or apprehension subverts the initial flash of familiarity and comfort. Bolton demonstrates the power such illustrations have in shaping our view of the world as children, followed by the disillusionment that occurs when these images fail us as adults.

Bolton’s images are digitally drawn and then printed in collaboration with a local banner firm. To assert that his work belongs within the realm of the culture of the copy, with seemingly little evidence of the artist’s hand, Bolton adds a halftone dot pattern over his images, imitating the photo-mechanical printing techniques of his source material.

Bolton received a B.F.A. from the University of North Texas in 1978 and an M.F.A. from The Ohio State University in 1982. He has taught as a visiting artist at several universities and art institutions, including four years at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Before coming to Cranbrook in 2002, he was Professor of Art and Printmaking Coordinator at the University of Delaware. Twice-Told Tales is the artist’s first solo museum exhibition in Michigan.