Moving On (2012.2)
Article Transcript
HEY... All you young guys and gals— this article is aimed at you, but first let me say something to the older gentlemen and ladies who have done so much throughout the years to make this organization work. I have really been privileged to gain so much from you folks who gave me good guidance through the seven conventions I was able to attend. Now just as you treated me as an equal partner in this business of caricaturing, I hope you will also continue to provide good sensible suggestions to those younger members of ISCA.
I recently looked through all my memorabilia from the conventions and counted up —would you believe this?—I found 102 drawings of me by other caricaturists! Most of the drawings were done at the conventions where the policy was “I draw you - You draw me.” A few people, such as my friend Eve, drew me three or four times convention- after-convention. But the majority were just individuals that I drew and they drew me. Now, you certainly are invited to read the rest of this article, but I am targeting those young people who have such potential. So… HEY… you youngsters, tune in right now. It’s your turn. I guess it was at a convention around 1999 when I first met Antwan. His abilities were outstanding, in my opinion. He reminded me of other young men I know, such as Henry, a fellow who was just out of high school when he attended a community college series of lessons in cartooning and caricaturing that I taught. He’s a grandpa now, and it has been a joy to see his development and enthusiasm for drawing. I want to make it clear that I learned as much or more than students in the class. So it was with Antwan. I watched him draw and picked up some good ideas. Be sure to understand that people of your generation have so much to offer. I would like to offer you an idea to ponder and act upon. It’s nothing earth-shaking, but I believe that it’s really valuable. As you continue to grow as a caricature artist, look for people that you can rely on in various ways. One of these persons could be an auto mechanic. Most likely, he will not be ready to fix your car in trade for a drawing. Even so, build up that relationship. The time may come when you won’t be able to do all the things you can do now “under the hood.” Opportunities may be found to use your drawing skills in ways that this auto mechanic would appreciate. When you can’t handle the inner workings of your vehicle, your good friend will be there to help you along. He may not give you a discount on tires, but his advice will be of real value to you. I’m sure there are plenty of such relationships that you can establish. The important thing is that you find a long-term friend with whom you can work together in a fair-and-square partnership. In addition, as you get older, you will have some pals who will enjoy your drawings - It is just plain fun! Here are a few drawings that I’ve done during the early part of 2012: my barber, my ear doctor, my neighbor across the street who has been so helpful, the woman who was a great caregiver when my wife had surgery, and not to be forgotten, my eye doctor who gathered his staff for a Christmas holiday picture. Some of these people are longtime associates and others are new friends. The drawings I did of them showed everybody how much these people were important to me and they provided a few chuckles (although not $$$), but that doesn’t matter. What really counts the most is the special friendship that they and my wife and I really treasure.
Lee is a retired elementary school teacher, college instructor, and adult education leader. He continues to pursue his interest in writing and drawing even as he faces challenges living with Parkinson’s disease. Have a question or idea for Lee’s next column? Email him at LandL1937@comcast.net.
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