Inspired by a Joni Mitchell song called “Coyote”, Markus Pierson explores the motif of the coyote in paintings, drawings, mixed-media sculpture, hand-pulled serigraphs, and found object assemblage. “I want the coyotes to whisper in their ears wild, irresponsible notions about self-determination and destiny,” he says. “I want them to grab people by the scruffs of their necks, to inspire them, to change their lives.” Channeling the rugged individualism, fearlessness, and solitude of the coyote’s life, Pierson’s often-humorous images juxtapose anthropomorphic coyotes amidst vast rural landscapes with semi-autobiographical inspirational text. Later in his career, Pierson has incorporated political subtexts in his ever-evolving coyote series.