So I’m working on a book, and staring at the original portrait of a nude black woman with three faces. It’s a fascinating piece…by jazz aritist Miles Davis. And while I glance around the library with its rolling ladder,vaulted ceiling and wet bar, I see an original self portrait of Vicent Price, a cartoon characture by Paul McCartney, a shark head by Peter Benchly ( who wrote Jaws), an original drawing of a rabbit’s head signed by Jimmy Stewart and Harvey. I see an original political cartoon of Kennedy and Johnson by (now) famous author John Updike.. In the hallway outside the office are four limited editions of Tony Bennet water colors.
On the wall in the living room hangs a self portrait of Janice Joplin, a rabbit by Grace Slick, and an original oil by Phylis Diller. There’s a Mallard duck by Gary Bergof (Radar from Mash) and a waterscape by Charles Bronson. (fabulous). I can see a painting by disco queen Donna Summer, and a print by Rolling Stones guitar player Ron Wood. There’s a print by John Lennon and seven original sketches by Jimmy Cagney, the actor. (He was an art major in college.) Behind me is a self portrait ( very elaborate) of Zero Mostel, the actor who played in the movie The Producers. And on the far wall is a portrait of a green frog, signed by Jim Henson.
I’ve left some out. I’ll wander around the house tonight and figure out which ones I’ve missed, but I have to tell you, I enjoy these works of art more than anything else that I own. ( Well, maybe my guitars come first.) But the point is this. I believe that people who create, create in many different formats, and whether it be painting, singing, song writing, cooking, craftng or a host of other
endeavors, creative people create. And often they are very talented in their second career.
I love my collection of Twice Gifted artists. If you’re ever in Lima, Ohio, call me and I’ll take you through the house.
DB
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Party at Don’s place!!!!
Zz
by Zorro
on November 17th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
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I’ve had the good fortune to see Don’s collection. It’s definitely worth a trip to Lima!
by Judy
on November 18th, 2008 at 7:13 am
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Very cool, Don. Question . . . how do you find these works of art? Are there dealers who specialize in celebrity art? (Not that I’m buying any, I’m just nosey!)
by Casey
on November 18th, 2008 at 8:00 am
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Casey;
No. You luck into someone who is hosting one of these celebrities at their gallery…or you find them on ebay. I’ve got several galleries that keep an eye out…and, we tap into Tony Bennett’s website where he has them for sale.
Frank Sinatra and Red Skelton painted clowns. I’m trying to get one of each. And there are some other’s I’d love to have.
It’s been a fun hobby and there are unique storys about each one. Cagney did some very good cartoon likenesses of Ward Bond and Henry Fonda when they were shooting the movie Mr. Roberts. The two guys are holding large fish, with lipstick and eyelashes. My guess is that they were in the South Pacific and they were fooling around with possibly some natives. Anyway, I don’t think that Cagney ever thought anyone would see the paintings.
by Don
on November 18th, 2008 at 11:50 am
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I worked in an art gallery in Cambridge, MA back in 94. We had Anthony Quinn ( Zorba The Greek) stop in with his paintings and sculptures. He sold a lot of stuff. Wish I’d bought some, because after he died, it went through the roof.
(And I really did work there, Zorro.)
by Orroz
on November 18th, 2008 at 11:54 am
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MmmmHmmmm. I believe you.
Zz
by Zorro
on November 18th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
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I saw the notice about your blog on MMA - I’m new to blogging, though I have a web site. While you seem to need a more recent update, I like the way you’ve put this together, including your pix. Hope to meet you at a conference some time. M. E. Kemp, author: DEATH OF A BAWDY BELLE; DEATH OF A DUTCH UNCLE, (Hilliard & Harrs,) “A Merry Slay Ride” in DYING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND (Wolfmont Press.)
