The Comix Files: Dennis Baldwin

Indianapolis artist Dennis Baldwin published a series of loose art pieces issued in a folder and entitled Level. I think I contributed to a couple issues in 1985, maybe Level 7 and Level 8. I'm too lazy to dig into my boxes to find out. Dennis corresponded with graphics rather than text.

Favorite Movie Quotes: Der Himmel über Berlin = Wings of Desire

"What is wrong with peace that its inspiration doesn't endure"

Ani DiFranco Sings Bacharach

Wishin' and Hopin'

My Little Grass Shack in Kealakekua

 

1934. Cover art by D.G.

The photo insert was printed and interchanged with the portraits of several different musicians. This one has Ted Fio Rio.

The Comix Files: Shelly Brewer

Shelly Brewer of Lawrence, Kansas sent me a message in this home crafted envelope in 1993.

I've Got You Under My Skin

Appears to be an airbrushed cover illo. Copyright 1936 but this copy was published in 1945.

Dionne Warwick Sings Bacharach

Wishin' and Hopin'

The Comix Files: Wayne Alan Brenner

Broadside sent in January, 1996

The Sad Sweet End of the Day

From 1906. The calligraphy of the series title dominates, while the actual content title is underlined in a list. But the Jazz Age awaits.

My Best Friend's Wedding title sequence and Bacharach

Wishin' and Hopin'

The Comix Files: Eric Bradner

Eric Bradner of Sacramento sent me a letter in 1995 that consisted of one sentence-- requesting a catalog. But it was the exterior of this abbreviated missive that really grabbed my attention. 

What's the Use o' Feelin' Blue?

A simple and elegant line drawing and a nice image of the era by W.R. Cameron on the cover of this 1926 piece.

Dusty Springfield Sings Bacharach

Wishin' and Hopin'

Morty Comix # 2695

Morty Comix # 2695 was slipped into a stack of paper napkins at an Italian restaurant in Olympia, Washington.

Del Rio West

Yesterday I was conversing with one of my professional colleagues and discovered she was from Ann Arbor, Michigan. I asked her if she knew of the Del Rio and her face lit up. Apparently the Del Rio is long gone, but fondly remembered by many. This morning she sent me a link to a fun article by John Tebeau, who provides a cartoonists-eye view of the Del Rio. Here's the LINK.

So how do I know about the Del Rio even though I have never been to Ann Arbor? The son of the owner was one of my roomies during my student years at The Evergreen State College and in those days a group of us set up a drinking area called Del Rio West. I snapped the photo below in January, 1975:

Meeting Doodle

Favorite Movie Quotes: Kotch

"I'm curious about the frequent use here of the word 'womb' which is fundamentally a poetic expression, as in 'fruit of the womb' meaning children, of course. And 'the womb of time,' whatever that means, and so on. I find it interesting that doctors prefer this term to the more precise scientific designation: 'uterus.'"

The Comic Files: Robin Bougie

A 1993 self-portrait from Robin Bougie of Minds Eye Comics, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Carolina Moon

Sydney Leff illustrated this cover, published in 1929. But another homegrown artist "enhanced" this piece by drawing horns on pioneer crooner Gene Austin.

Roberta Mazzoni Sings Bacharach

This Empty Place

Phone photo 3187

The Horror! The Horror!

The Comix Files: Ben Bost

A terrific letter in the form of an original art cartoon from Ben Bost, of Grand Coulee, Washington in 1993. Aside from a dab of whiteout, this entire thing appears to be the product of freehand drawing with no pencils! I'm guessing Mort Walker was a major influence for this impressive cartoonist.

I see Ben has the same luck with cats that I do.

Larry's Rebels Sing Bacharach

This Empty Place

Lovin' Dad

Published in 1921, this is another rare example of sheet music from Washington State. The cover was illustrated by Porter M. Griffith (1889-1969) and, quite frankly, this image doesn't really work in terms of creating a warm, loving portrait. In fact, it is a bit dark and creepy. The cat is a nice touch, though. I'm figuring those are pipe makin's on the side table?

When I was in high school I had a nodding acquaintance with a fellow in my class named Pete Blecha, who went on to become a figure in the Pacific Northwest music universe. Pete contributed a wonderful essay on the Morrison Music Company on HistoryLink. Here's a LINK.

The back cover lists other works from Morrison.