When T. L. Solien embarks on a journey, he travels through epic topics of American literature, history, and culture. This nationally recognized artist, based in northern Minnesota and Madison, Wisconsin, has recently addressed Melville's classic novel Moby-Dick and the Oregon Trail in his painting series and mixed media art. Whether imagining the nomadic life of Ahab's widow or contemplating the restlessness that settled the American West, Solien employs inventive combinations of collage, paint, paper, and canvas to explore American myths.

Solien's artistic sources...