To figure out William Booneย’s art, just talk to him. The local artist behind ย“A Manย’s House Is His Coffinย” isnย’t interested in the abstract. ย“[Sometimes people] try to conceptualize art to where it takes a huge explanation,ย” Boone says. ย“I make art for myself, my friends and people who donย’t read a lot of art criticism.ย” His paintings and drawings, which he says are mostly re-creations of photos heย’s taken of friends and pets, have this punk rock, DIY quality. Sure, all art is essentially do-it-yourself, but Boone seems to establish it as a genre with his sincere, simple approach. Thereย’s no pretension involved in Booneย’s work ย— heย’s just drawing his life. While that might seem to be too literal, it is nonetheless honest.

ย“This is a scene from Cops,ย” he says, pointing to a black-and-white drawing of a man pointing a gun to another manย’s face with watercolor painted trees in the background. Another work, St. Peter, is inspired by the crucifixion of the saint. A guy wearing a shirt, pants and socks hangs upside down (like Peter) sans cross.

Another painting of a friend smoking a cigarette is on a wooden panel propped up by a cinder block. Boone says the piece is reminiscent of the launch ramps he used to build as a teen that would get marked on with spray paint or markers. ย“Somebody could have this in their garage for 15 years [and not even remember it],ย” he says. ย“Like relics of youth.ย” See what else represents Booneย’s past and present at the opening today from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Regular viewing hours are noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Domy, 1709 Westheimer. Through January 18, 2008. For information, call 713-523-3669 or visit www.domystore.com. Free.

Dec. 14-Jan. 18, 2007

This article appears in Dec 13-19, 2007.