Milton Glaser

I first became aware of Milton Glaser in the early 80's, when he was a judge of an art show for the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans. Mary Strasser helped with my entry which was an assemblage sculpture. A department store manikin torso, painted pearl white, wearing a tie. I sewed faux pearls on the tie to spell the words "Well Hung".

I recently watched "Milton Glaser, To Inform and Delight", a documentary that I obtained from Net-flicks. Glaser is the originator of the "I Heart NY" icon. Which has seeped into our culture in a gazillion permutations. An icon which permeates our culture so deeply that it seems surprising that one man started it all.

He is the artist of the psychedelic hair Dylan album cover, and many other familiar images.

Here are some quotes from Glaser that come from the documentary:

"I do not want to be encapsulated in a style."

"(Art) History is not the enemy. You can use anything as raw material to make anything."

"...not about the differences in (cultural art styles) but their commonalities. Whatever we learn goes into the next project. I do not see them as separate things but as a continuum. "

"Artists provide that gift to the culture so the people have something in common."

"I believe in the intersection between religion and belief and making art and building community. Even tho it has not coalesced into hard belief. I think you have to hold your beliefs lightly."

Watching the documentary, I was impressed and inspired by Glaser's balance of idealism and practicality. His wonderful personality shined through the film. He was both modest and owned his huge contribution to humanity.

Check it out, "Milton Glaser, To Inform and Delight".

John Belushi Bacchus

John Belushi Bacchus

I was lying in a hammock, under the grape arbor, when John Belushi appeared before my wondering eyes. Belushi announced that he, before his death, was the human incarnation of the GrecoRoman God Bacchus. In his inimitable humorous manner John explained that he had resided in human form on earth to liberate people from the oppressive restraints of the powerful. "I symbolize all that is dangerous and unexpected, that which escapes reason", he said. "I am the protector of those who do not belong to conventional society. I have supported liberation in many guises since prehistoric times. In the fifteenth century I incarnated as the painter, Carravagio. In that life, I was notorious for brawling, and I was criticized for using a beautiful, famous prostitute, Madelena Antoguetti, as a model for The Virgin Mary."

Belushi continued, "As Carravagio I painted a picture of Bacchus or Dionysus, would you, Janet, please repaint that picture for me using my Belushi face?" I protested that I was not competent to repaint his masterpiece. "I am sure to butcher your awesome painting, I am just not as talented as you were." John/Carravagio, agreed that since he was the greatest painter of all time, he did not expect me to attain his degree of perfection, but that he would settle for my poor efforts.

So here is my modest attempt to do as he requested. I sincerely apologize to Carravagio for this desecration, but how could I resist the charming request of John Belushi?

Charles Neville, New Orleans Fabulous

Charles Neville, New Orleans Fabulous

Aaron Neville, The Golden Voice of New Orleans

Aaron Neville, The Golden Voice of New Orleans

Fats Domino with his Guardian Angel

Fats with his Guardian Angel

Dr. John

Dr. John
The New Orleans music experience is tops

Barbie Tee Vee Head

Barbie Bug Eyes Flowers

Barbie Bug Eyes

Barbie Tee Vee Head

Barbie was born in 1959. She sprang fully developed from the shoulder of Venus. Tragically, her poor little feet were deformed, she could not stand on her own. Fortunately, her perky smile was pasted on. She immediately sashayed her firm little butt into every American girl's toy box. She took her place, and Betsy Wetsy was demoted to the bottom of the box. American girls dressed and redressed Bauble in faux chic prom dresses. Little did Barbie know that she was preparing the way for medical practitioners to be lucratively employed in the "female low self esteem industry". In 2009 she was awarded "Shopping Motivator of the Year". Her contributions to the economy are only now being recognized as the breast augmentation industry is flourishing. She is responsible for 32D percent of the Gross National Product. In addition, her unrelenting perkiness sells a gazillion antidepressants each year. I created these lovely pictures of Barbie to celebrate her place as a top ranking icon.