Self-Taught Artist Thornton Dial

Thornton Dial
Souls Grown Deep Foundation

Seasoned, 2004
Dial takes on Abstract Expressionism. After seeing a exhibition of work by the abstract painter Joan Mitchell, he produced this work in reply. Strips of painted metal stand in for the famously flamboyant AbEx brushstroke. By suggesting a field of flames, the work also connects to the idea of life's trials and the "seasoning" they produce.

Get the Latest Photos from Time.com
Get TIME photos and pictures of the week delivered directly to your inbox.