I realize I’m a few days late on this, but nevertheless, the world has lost an intellectual and verbal pioneer — comedian George Carlin died at the age of 71. Any major news web site will have a much better biography of Carlin than I could write, but it’s not a biography I’m interested in.

There are two specific occasions I can recall in my childhood, where I understood that what I was hearing was naughty, seemed to piss-off adults, and was completely socially relevant.

Now I can’t claim that I knew what social relevance was when I was a lad of ten, but I knew that there was truth involved, and that it made some people uncomfortable — which, in my mind, made it important. I was not alive for suffrage, the height of the Civil Rights movement, or the protest against the Vietnam War. In a lot of ways, I’m from a generation without a cause, identity or historical relevance — although the environment may become our lasting legacy.

One of the only movements I can look back on, and feel as if I saw it evolve, was the free speech of artists and performers. While Carlin was not of my generation, he helped establish the legal groundwork, which artists of my generation greatly benefited from. You will be missed, and thank you Mr. Carlin for being an inspiration and provocateur.

What were my awakening moments, you ask? George Carlin’s monologue, Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television, and EAZY-E’s album, Eazy-Duz-It. Some things, you can never forget.


AP Photo/E. Pablo Kosmicki

Labels: George Carlin, In Memory Of

Antioch College, the independent liberal arts institution, founded in 1852, will close its doors following graduation this Saturday. Antioch was committed to activism, and sought equality for all — during the 1960s; Antioch was immersed in the anti-Vietnam War and Black Power movements, and invited Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to give the 1965 commencement speech.

Antioch was certainly not an inexpensive school, but even the hefty tuition could not overcome the college’s lack of financial support. I genuinely feel for the students and faculty that committed years of their lives to an institution they believed in, and are now only left with memories, and an uncertain future. It seems like the world is a slightly better place because of Antioch, which is why this closing is such a shame.

“Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.” – Horace Mann, Antioch College founder

Labels: Antioch College, In Memory Of

It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of Kevin DuBrow, lead singer of the 80’s metal band Quiet Riot. I hope Kevin keeps rockin’ that big gig in the sky. DuBrow was 52.

Farewell Kevin You Will be Missed!

Quiet Riot: Cum On Feel The Noize

Labels: In Memory Of, Kevin DuBrow, Quiet Riot

I wanted to recognize the passing of Charley Harper, one of the preeminent Mid-Century Modernist designers. Harper’s work was a fantastic mix of minimalism, whimsy and technical skill; he gained international fame for his depictions of birds, nature and an assortment of various insects and animals.

I am certainly thankful I was able to attend the opening of Graphic Content several months ago at the Contemporary Arts Center Cincinnati. It was a great exhibition that featured the fascinating and truly engaging work of Charley Harper, and in retrospect, was a worthy tribute to an immensely talented designer.

Todd Oldham recently completed a 440-page hardcover book containing Charley’s life’s work, the book is due to be released any day, and can be purchased for $200. There are also a small number of limited edition signed books, which also include a Harper print; these can be purchased for $400.

Charley Harper will certainly be missed.

Charley Harper Prints

A short video on Harper, as he shows how to draw a cardinal (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Charley Harper An Illustrated Life by Todd Oldham

Labels: artist, Charley Harper, fine art, illustration, In Memory Of

The world lost a great man today, my grandfather passed away at age 90. He was humble, witty, creative, and one of my favorite people on this planet. He fought in World War II, grew up during the Great Depression, and understood the importance of education by helping to send my sister, cousins and I to college (who have now become a pharmacist, engineer, librarian, artist and teacher). He had a positive influence on my life, and I am a better person because of him.

Below is a photograph from his high school days, and my corresponding painting.

I'll start posting again next week, or whenever I feel up to it. Right now, words escape me...

Labels: In Memory Of, Tom Davie