It started with an old photo taken by my father - a 95 year old Korean War Veteran, of me as a child sporting peace at the bow of a boat belonging to my grandfather, a legendary Norfolk policeman, known for his fearlessness and honesty, when corruption and poverty were widespread. While dad’s photo was already promoting peace as the cover photo of my “Peace begets Peace” FB Group started during the pandemic, this campaign continues a family legacy (both parents served in the military) of service. Thank you for your support and service.
Norfolk
Letter to Bruce Springsteen Published /
#ClarenceClemons and I are from the same area - #Norfolk. The art I did in my hometown promoting #BornintheUSA as a display artist in which I painted a 6” x 6” reproduction of that hung on a #recordstore for thousands to see, earned me 2 platinumalbums, uncommon for a display artist to receive in #1984. One‘s a key piece in my #1980s Exhibit at ART’S UP Gallery , which starts with a memorial drawing I did in #1980 for Lennon from the #Beatles who inspired #Springsteen to pursue music. Norfolk is a very #patriotic region, boasting the largest #navy base in the world. Both parents served - dad is a #KoreanWarVet in his #90s. In my letter I requested that Bruce bring hisvguitar and strum a tune to bring the exhibit to life. Being Born in the USA, I dream big. #nfk #theboss #BruceSpringsteen #usa #military #NOB #supportthetroops #usnavy #usarmy #usairforce #seals #coastguard #oceana #cityofvirginiabeach #mayor #bobbydyer #tidewater #hamptonroads #patriotism #dreambig #americanflag #instagoid #yelp #norfolkva #eighties #artwork #fm99
“Curse of Witchduck” Book Surfaces at Pretlow Library /
It all started as a postage stamp sized portrait of local “Witch of Pungo” as she appeared in my comic strip featuring her old “ducking” grounds at Witch Duck Point. I figured if I couldn’t sell them, I’d give them away at Cool and Eclectic as a weekly give-a-way where winners were drawn from dropped off entry forms. It went okay, until a portrait of the “Witch of Pungo” was featured in the strip. Then some mischievous magic happened - the original portrait vanished from the Witchduck printshop. Apparently the first and only time an original went missing there. Then something eerie happened - the compensation check for his loss was dated - get this - the same day that the “Witch of Pungo” received a rare award in court, apparently, her only win in over a dozen cases. I featured the “Vanished Portrait” of the “Witch of Pungo” on the cover of my book, “ Curse of Witchduck” which was picked up by the Slover Library and the Pretlow Library where I was invited to give a book talk soon. I then submitted a large hand-painted version of the portrait to sit at the entrance of the library facing theChesapeake Bay. I’m now organizing a trip from the ducking spot to the library on a boat.
Artchilles Takes the Leap /
Driven to the Edge, I took the Leap...into the Deep, Dark, Unknown. Page 3 of the Journey od Artchilles.
Bra-Ha-Ha Exclusive Comic Strip Limited Edition Signed by Artchilles /
Participating in Benefits and Fundraisers is a passion begun years ago. From participating in the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's benefit at the Cultural Center of Chicago, where 3 of my works were chosen for exhibition by James Rondeau, (now Director @ the Art Institute of Chicago) to participating in a National Arthritis Telethon Foundation spot (for National TV - it was filmed but bumped by guitarist Les Paul), to doing the calligraphy for the Honor Boards for a TV station.
I created this Exclusive Strip for the upcoming Bra-Ha-Ha event being held at MacArthur Mall in Norfolk. Naturally, owing to the out of the box thinking my strip epitomizes, it is funky cool. A full page story in the Virginian-Pilot gives the background. I will create 10-20 Limited Edition Signed Numbered Prints fpr the event. Keep eyes open for upcoming takes on life in my hometow strip called "Artchilles." Thank you.