An exhibition at Orlando Public Library invites visitors to look at art from a different perspective, with images made entirely from hand-drawn words and phrases. Intellectual Art for the Puzzled Mind, featuring the work of artist Curtis Epperson, is on display through January 2027.
Epperson’s detailed word mosaics combine visual art, education and puzzle-solving. From a distance, individual words form recognizable images. Up close, the words reveal layers of information connected to each subject, encouraging visitors to search for hidden details and discover facts embedded within the artwork.
How Curtis Epperson Creates Word Art
Epperson builds each piece by carefully selecting and arranging words and phrases that relate to the subject. Rather than relying on traditional painting or illustration, he uses the words themselves to create the shapes, details and overall composition.
His process begins with a reference image, followed by research to gather relevant facts and language. He then determines where each word belongs, matching its meaning to the corresponding part of the image. Words describing an animal’s eyes, for example, may be placed directly within the eye area.
One of the defining rules of his technique is that he does not repeat a word or phrase within a single piece. This gives viewers new details to discover as they examine the artwork, turning each image into an interactive visual experience.
Epperson’s approach brings together three elements: art, education and puzzles. The finished work is designed to be visually engaging while rewarding closer inspection with additional information and discoveries.
The Disney Springs Moment That Inspired His Style
The idea for Epperson’s distinctive technique began during a visit to Disney Springs. While looking at a decorative pirate skull, he noticed that the teeth appeared to form letters. His imagination connected those shapes into the word “Jack,” prompting him to wonder whether he could create an entire skull out of words.
That observation became the starting point for his word-based artwork and helped establish the creative approach he continues to develop.
Epperson has also drawn inspiration from artist Thomas Kinkade, particularly his ability to create a recognizable artistic identity. Epperson aspires to develop a style distinctive enough that viewers can identify his work by its visual approach, not simply by the subject of an individual piece.
Wildlife, History and Pop Culture in the Exhibition
The exhibition features subjects drawn from wildlife, pop culture, history and classic art. Works include images of an eagle, cougar, red panda and horse, demonstrating how Epperson’s word-based technique can be applied to a range of subjects.
Each piece presents a different combination of visual details and written information, encouraging visitors to spend time exploring the artwork rather than simply viewing it from a distance.
Exhibition Dates and Location
Intellectual Art for the Puzzled Mind is on display at Orlando Public Library through January 2027. The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to experience art that combines recognizable imagery with hidden words, educational details, and visual puzzles.
For more information, visit the Orange County Library System’s artist Q&A.
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