Dear Mr. Rockwell,
I really miss you -especially at Christmas. I always looked forward to what you’d come up with for the cover of Saturday Evening Post. The holidays were one of your favorite subjects. History calls you the artist that focused on the ‘everyday man.’
I really miss you -especially at Christmas. I always looked forward to what you’d come up with for the cover of Saturday Evening Post. The holidays were one of your favorite subjects. History calls you the artist that focused on the ‘everyday man.’
As I was growing up, I used to collect the covers of Post. I’d study your illustration and stylization of characters. There was so much humor, but what really made you stand out was your daring. There was an edge to absurd when dealing with social issues.
For instance your painting about civil rights and forced integration of the schools: A little girl walks to her first day of school surrounded by Federal Marshals to protect her. A tomato splatters on the wall behind her. You entitled it ’The problem we all live with.’ That was such a powerful work.
As my education unfolded, I was introduced to so many artist, but your lesson plan always stayed close to the core of my art. You see, you gave me the understanding that art isn’t just pretty picture. Whether intentional of not, it has an underlying message. It doesn’t have to be a major revelation or even a social commentary. It can be a simple observation on the beauty of our world. But, -when it does say something that touches the heart, there‘s nothing better. In truth, that message is the artist’s signature.
I did the painting of 'Santa with a cell phone' as last years Christmas Card. It was also a tribute to you. The subject of today’s ‘cell phone mentality and connecting to the disconnection’ is just the sort of thing you’d jump on with a fury. 
You made us laugh, cry and examine our hearts. Where ever you are, Mr. Rockwell, thank you and Merry Christmas.
Vikki
The Red Chair Gallery
In the late 80’s I did a television show that did a tribute to Norman Rockwell. My artwork, style and proficiency as an artist had to be examined and approved by the Norman Rockwell Society before I could do the project. When my producer told me they had actually chosen me amongst several artist to emulate Norman’s style for the show- it was one of the greatest honors I ever received.
Do you remember Norman Rockwell or are you familiar with his work?
My Painting ‘Santa with cell phone’ is 12”x16” acrylic on unstretched canvas. I reserve all copyrights to my art, (No business or resale allowed.)
Please visit The Red Chair Gallery.
(All works shown are taken from Norman Rockwell online collections for public display ) Norman Rockwell: 1894-1978
20 comments:
Hi Vikki!
Happy Thanksgiving! I'm really happy to hear about that last part of your entry... being approved by the Norman Rockwell Society. What an awesome compliment!
I never realized before, but now I see hints of his influence in your style. It's not an imitation though, you've expanded on what works for you and made it your own! :)
Also thought I'd mention that I was amazed during our family Thanksgiving at the number of people constantly using cell phones. Since I work online all day, I try to disconnect from technology as much as possible afterward, but everybody else was intermittently glued to their little screens. I've realized cell phones aren't just "phones" anymore! They're like little doorways to the Internet... people and information. Amazing, yet distracts from what's right in front of you. ;)
~Michael
Hi Michael,
Thanks. I grew up during Norman’s fame with Post Magazine in the late 50’s and 60’s. He was amazing. What I loved about him was his simple and direct means of getting his point across. That’s something I still try to do with my own work.
And I know exactly what you mean about the cell phone. There's an etiquette or common courtesy that hasn’t really been well defined and certainly not adhered to as of yet. I imagine it will come with time.
Vikki
how did I get so lucky to run across you in the blogging world?? You are always an inspiration. I love Norman Rockwell too, and your rendition was absolutely believable... and wow, what an honor to represent his art in your television special.
You have done a beautiful tribute to Mr. Rockwell's work. You've captured his spirit and eye with your "Santa with a cell phone". My favorite cover of his was "The Doctor's Office". I, too, grew up with his covers on the Saturday Evening Post. He defined the period's idealist image, I think.
Hi Odd Chick,
Thank you. What a nice thing to say. You are a delightful ‘online find’ also. I enjoy your blog immensely.
The show was actually the anniversary (I think 35th...1983 or 84?) of Candid Camera. They were showing the parallel between Alan Funt’s TV show and the work of Norman Rockwell, both which focused on everyday people. It was actually a tribute to both.
I took still frames of the people at the start of each scene and turned them into a Rockwell like painting.
Vikki
Hi Douglas,
You got it. I based the two characters on the Doctor’s Office. Of course the Doctor became a big fat Santa and the little girl with her doll became a little boy with his Christmas list. I had thought about putting an electric guitar, gameboy and a couple iPods in his bag- but feared that might be a little over the top.
And yes-Rockwell was an idealist- as I think most artist are.
Thanks for visiting.
Vikki
Oh how well I remember Norman Rockwell. I'll tell you something Vikki, now that I am 57. I've had all sorts of exotic/complex things and been to lots of exotic/complex places, and tasted all sorts of exotic/complex foods. However, as I age, I appreciate the purity of simplicity. A steak with nothing but salt and pepper. Sashimi without any soy sauce or wasabi. Nora Jones' "Don't Know Why I Didn't Come." Miles Davis' "My Funny Valentine." Norman Rockwell's "Self-Portrait." That was the absolute best in my mind. Thanks for reviving his memory and my appreciation of him.
Hi Logisitician,
I can completely identify. I guess it takes 50 years to understand that.
And yes- I dare anyone to look at Rockwell's work and 'not smile.'
He actually put himself in a lot of his work. If you look at the middle long rectangular painting I show (It's called 'Home'- the crowd welcoming a young man) Rockwell's the man with a pipe on screen right.
He was apparently quite the character.
Vikki
I purposedly avoided commenting on your work because of the fact that it was much fresher and newer, which still occupied a significant space in my brain. I kept focusing on the cellphone, and not the rest of the picture. Consequently, I had to come at it later and with a fresh mind.
Once I was able to look at the image holistically, I could appreciate its simplicity in Rockwellian terms. Quite frankly, that takes effort in a modern, technological world. Nice job. Interestingly, I like the close-up more.
Hi Logisitician,
Well thanks for coming back to check it out for a second time. Trying to really see and appreciate something online is always limited. That's why I usually try to do several close ups.
Vikki
By the way, the little girl's black legs are almost... haunting. Maybe it is a little too close.
WOW!!! What a great honor and compliment that is!!! Congratulations !!!
The painting is so beautiful!!! I can see the child a little bit upset that Santa is not paying attention to him because he's talking on his cell! haha!! I can sure relate to that sometimes!
Hi Logisitician-
I hope I understand? Do you mean to close emotionally? I think that was Rockwell's intent- and why he made her so dark skinned. She had to really stand out in the image to drive his meaning home.
I love those little skinny black legs, myself.
Vikki
Hi Manuela,
Thanks. I can relate to that little guy every day! I have so many friends that are literally addicted to their cell phones.
Vikki
I remember Norman Rockwell so well. We always had the Saturday Evening Post in my house and I loved his work.
I also remember an artist who did work for the National Lampoon, mimicking the style of Norman Rockwell's work, by the name of Mara McAfee. She was also an actress who appeared in a number of movies and on television.
She was good - but I like yours better.
Hi Lou,
And thank you so much. I don't remember McFee but I'll look her up.
There's a antique shop not far from my house. They have a whole collection of Norman's Post covers. $$$$$$$$. Seeing them is a flash from my childhood.
Vikki
Hi Vikki,
Not having lived here during his time, I still had the chance to admire Norman Rockwell's works when I visited some antique stores down south in Fort Collins, Colorado. Even at first glance, I already liked his artworks. I looked at all the Evening Posts they had there. They depict the everyday happenings in America.
About your painting, I completely love your depiction of a modern Santa Clause. The little boy's pouting facial expression is priceless. Annoyance, impatience, and a feeling of being ignored all show in his face and in his body. Poor thing. So inconsiderate of Santa, letting the boy wait while he's having a jolly conversation with someone over his cell phone. But, I suppose Santa is acting just like everyone else in these modern times, eh? I hope I'm not that way in public, though. LOL.
Yup, you've captured a Rockwellian image of life in America. Congratulations to you for having your artwork approved by the Norman Rockwell Society. That is a prestigious honor.
Have a great week,
Tasha
Hi Tasha,
And thanks for your comment. I think the public just fell in love with his ideas and focus on their everyday lives. His real rize to fame happened in the 40's (I wasn't born yet either) but he continued to do the Post covers until it's the last publication in the 60's. He died in 1978.
He was truly a master illustrator.
vikki
I love Rockwell. I have a couple large coffee table books with hundreds of his works in them. I always loved the faces and expressions he painted. each picture seem to tell a thousand stories.
I had always thought your art favored Rockwell.
Hi Eric,
And thanks for the comparison. Rockwell was always one of my favorite artist. Each of his illustrations is a story in themselves. That's a nice way of putting it.
Vikki
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