REACHING FOR A
STAR
I was giddy as my
wife and I drove to the Forest
Lawn Museum at the top of the hill in Glendale, CA. I didn't realize
how much of a fan I was until that moment as we approached the chapel
where they were honoring my favorite living artist -- Drew
Struzan, the movie poster illustrator of Star Wars, Raider's, Harry
Potter and more. I've been following his career for years. Reading his
books, downloading his posters, scrutinizing every stroke and watching
his videos. Drew was the typical back room artist who perfected his
style in silence. People took advantage of him in his early years. He
and his wife (his high school sweetheart) definitely lived below the poverty
line. He said
they only had enough money to eat a few days in the week. And if the choice
was between food and paint, paint was the obvious choice. I never dreamed
I would stand an arm's length away from this humble man. I was about to
shake his hand but one of his handlers put a chasm between me and the
man. A giant in pop art stature, yet he stood a mere 5' 6". We were
so disappointed when we didn't win 2 posters he raffled out. The lines
for his autograph snaked past the hallway. To come so far and to be honored
by millions is such an inspiration to me. I've drawn maybe a thousand
faces in my lifetime ... drawn for Motorola, drawn for San Antonio Winery,
fairs, church events ... I know people keep my artwork. One of these days
will my work be worth something? Most of my original drawings are stashed
away in the garage and I told my wife she can sell them when I become
rich and famous if she ever needs the money. Ahh, the dreams of an artist.
Many artists will never amount to much but a few, like Drew, who worked
hard at their craft, God will bless with stardom.
"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit."
--- 1 Corinthians 12:4
|
Wisdom
from Don of Kelowna, B.C.
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure.
Thanks
to this week's winners:
Tom of Pasadena, Don of Kelowna, Mike, Adurey and Charlie of New
York, Debbie of Moreno Valley, Naomi of N Hollywood and Jody of
Silver Lake.
|
Comments
Anonymous
Fri, 05/23/2014 - 12:39
Permalink
3 Year Old Mateo
OMGOSH, this kid is hysterical!!! this kid is going to grow up to be a lawyer.
Can you imagine what this kid will be like when he grows up????
Audrey of New York.
Anonymous
Fri, 05/23/2014 - 12:47
Permalink
Watched all the videos
Very, Very Good TGIF. I thought wow 9 videos, how am I going to watch them all? Then started at the bottom and worked my way up.
Thank you, Have a Great Weekend,
Debbie of Moreno Valley
RaoulTGIF
Fri, 05/23/2014 - 13:19
Permalink
Not alone
You actually watched all of them?! Wow! You have time in your hands!!!!
Well, I know a few people who do this every Friday. You’re not alone.
-- Raoul
Anonymous
Fri, 05/23/2014 - 13:07
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Tickled by Siamese Joke
Every once in awhile a joke really tickles me, and this week it is those Siamese twins. I don't know if you have had Siamese twins in TGIF before. A challenge for you. How to dress them? I love it!
Also the '50s--I do remember many of those items and people. I am starting to think, watching old tv and movies : "You people wouldn't be in this trouble if you had a cell phone! Or an iPad.". Like in "Hawaii 5-0", the officers are always looking for a drugstore so they can use a pay phone. Things were sure different back then. Its fun to go back and remember.
So thank you for the nostalgia and for those great twins. Have a good week!
-- Laura of Pasadena, CA
Anonymous
Fri, 05/23/2014 - 13:08
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Modern Art Curator
Great group, I know the Curator of the Santa Barbara Museum and into abstract and modern art and I am trying my best to understand it. I enjoyed the museum at Forest Lawn and the beauty of the surroundings. Keep up the good Art and I appreciate your talent immensely.
--- Tom of Pasadena
RaoulTGIF
Fri, 05/30/2014 - 20:07
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About Mod Art
I’ve never been to the Sta Barbara museum. The next time I go up State, I should drop by. Yes, abstract art is very subjective. And their value is dictated more by critics than actual derived pleasure of the viewer. I believe a piece of artwork is successful if it’s something a person can look at and enjoy every day. Some pieces are after shock value and once the novelty wears off, it just occupies space.
I know someone who collects hundreds of contemporary artwork. His house has run out of walls to hang his paintings. Do I like them? They're OK I guess but not worth buying for real money. Does he like them? Maybe, but he buys them mostly as an investment. That isn’t art. That’s business.
But that’s just me.
TGIF!
Raoul
Anonymous
Fri, 05/23/2014 - 13:10
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50's Trip
Enjoyed the 50's trip down memory lane. My friends and I were college graduates of '54.
Thank you Raoul.
--- Dette of Mindanao, Philippines
Anonymous
Fri, 05/23/2014 - 13:12
Permalink
Indecisive?
Hey man,
Being indecisive but now not sure? I used to proud, but now … I’m perfect.
--- Garie of Makati, Philippines
RaoulTGIF
Fri, 05/23/2014 - 13:18
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Rascal
Haaa! Garie, you little rascal!
Good to hear from you!
--- Raoul
Anonymous
Fri, 05/23/2014 - 13:13
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A Fan
Hi Raoul,
You are a blessed artist. If I know of an event to attend or place to go to that exhibits your artistic creations I definitely be there see you masterpieces.
Peace and God bless.
--- Ida of New Jersey
RaoulTGIF
Fri, 05/23/2014 - 13:17
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Motorola Caricatures
Wow! What a compliment.
You made my heart full.
One day I might just do that. BTW, it was sister who got me to do the artwork for Motorola. It was for a convention in Manila and I had to draw the faces of all the regional heads. Must have been over 30 caricatures and I had to do that in a week’s time. They had a gallery of all the pictures for the delegates and the fun was guessing who they were --- it was a smash hit. Many have placed my caricatures in their desks and offices. But that was years ago.
--- Raoul