Inspired by Joni Mitchell's song “Coyote”, over the years, Markus Pierson has explored the motif of the coyote (among many other subjects) in paintings, drawings, mixed-media sculpture, hand-pulled serigraphs, and found object assemblage. “I want the coyotes - and my work in general - to whisper in people's ears wild irresponsible notions about self-determination and destiny,” he says. “I want to grab people by the scruffs of their necks, to inspire them, to change their lives.” Channeling rugged individualism, fearlessness, and solitude, Pierson’s often humorous images juxtapose anthropomorphic coyotes as well as non coyote subject matter amidst vast rural landscapes with semi-autobiographical and exceptionally inspirational text.