Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion: Behind the Illustrations

     I guess it must have been ten or eleven years ago, the first time I saw Sarah Lee Guthrie and her husband, Johnny Irion, perform. They were newly-weds and playing alongside Sarah's Dad, Arlo Guthrie. They seemed slightly nervous, and it was obvious that Sarah Lee was fairly new to performing in front of a crowd, but they had an undeniable, charming chemistry together.  They had both recorded separate solo albums, which were respectable, enjoyable efforts on both accounts. However, when they played as a duet, as a team, there was a certain modicum of magic to the music... an ethereal balance.
     Sarah Lee, being the daughter of Arlo and granddaughter of Woody Guthrie had tough shoes to fill from the start. Some second or third generation musicians can be too easily dismissed without a proper chance. But with Sarah Lee, that isn't the case. It's impossible to dislike her. She plays with a sensitive truth and directness that pulls the listener in, soothes them, and leaves them feeling like they've rediscovered an old friend. Plus, she's breathtakingly beautiful, with warm, glowing eyes and a smile that is contagious. Johnny is the ultra-talented cool guy, expert guitar picker, that never seems bothered by anything, but always understands the truth of the matter and lays it out in eloquent terms. Their talents and virtues are perfect compliments to one another. So ten years later, after meeting them both a few times, I decided to try to capture some of their respective aesthetic qualities and personality traits in an illustration:

Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

     I was pleased with the result, and afterward Johnny sent me a message saying he and Sarah Lee were very happy with the illustration as well. My only regret is that, at that point they had become parents, which was a huge part of their personas, lives and art. I think I could have included some aspect of their parenthood in order to make it a more true representation. Perhaps I'll do so in a second piece.

     Anyhow, after the two solo albums, they released three albums together- Exploration (2008), Folk Song (2009), and Bright Examples (2011) - all of them wonderful and expertly produced. Johnny also released another solo album, Ex Tempore, in 2007 that showcased his great songwriting skills. They've toured widely and are widely appreciated.

     What I admire most about Sarah Lee and Johnny, and all of the Guthries for that matter, is their sense of tradition, their genuine caring for one another. Arlo was supposed to play a show at the Guthrie Center one night, but had fallen and gotten hurt earlier that day, and was unable to perform. I expected them to apologize and send everyone packing. Rather than cancel the show, however, not only Sarah Lee and Johnny, but Arlo's other kids and grand kids as well, stepped up on virtually no notice to play a stellar show in his place. It was delightful and inspiring. My mother and Janet, my fiancee, were there with me that night. I'm glad we were all able to share that experience together.

Read more about Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion here: http://sarahleeandjohnny.com/