History tells us the story of tenacious men, women,
and children who traveled to Texas to make a home
in the wilderness. They made history. Russell Cush-
man, a local artist and world traveler residing in Na-
vasota, has been persistent in retelling the history
of Texas and the Southwest. For over thirty years,
Russell has been showcasing his Texas heritage, in-
cluding Texas landscapes, monumental sculptures,
Western art, and murals.
natural to him; in fact, it was a learned behavior.
Once he discovered art, his family's determination
and commitment to perfection along with their en-
couragement helped him gain perseverance until he
created his first "masterpiece."
Texas One Art Piece at a
Time
been born, he declared, "and
more importantly, to have been
raised in Texas, the greatest
state in these wonderful United
States; my art is a way to express
that gratitude and pass it on to
others." He embraces Western
art because he has a passion and
love for history and appreciates
his ancestors' part in the past.
He recalls his first drawings of
"cowboys and Indians and the
battles of the Alamo and San
Jacinto."
art provided instrumental metaphors for his mes-
sage. He emphasizes that few people would really
want to live during the Texas pioneers' time or with-
stand what they endured, but he proclaims, "The
American pioneer spirit has always fascinated me, as
it so perfectly typifies the larger theme of Man ver-
sus Nature, a drama which still evokes an emotional
response."
courage that still inspire him to this day, and his
art ensures no one will forget. One of Russell's
beloved art pieces is the diorama of the Battle of
Galveston, displayed at Houston Baptist University.
His grandmother recited this battle to him and his
brothers frequently, "one in which her grandfather,
rant helped lead
Confederate troops
to rescue the is-
land from Union
occupation during
the Civil War," he
proudly recounted.
Cushman's hope is
that people "find
the simple inspira-
tion to devote them-
selves to something,
to strive to make a
difference, wher-
ever they are, in the
world around them,
with the unique
gifts God has given
them."