Sad to hear that George Carlin passed away today. I can't say I was a huge fan, being more of a Bob Newhart man myself, but I certainly liked his odd, cerebral musings throughout his many televised appearances . Seems to me, I first became aware of him on shows like "Flip Wilson" at the beginning of the 70's. He'd already made a name for himself on TV appearing on "The Ed Sullivan Show", and on these early TV guest spots he had to keep his act clean. A few years later, my friends and I chortled over his bluer material that could be found on his comedy albums, but I must admit, I preferred his odd takes on various subjects more than his infamous "Seven Things You Can't Say on TV". I'm hardly a prude, but shock value humour just gets tedious I think. I don't really follow contemporary comics for that reason.
I'd almost forgotten about this caricature I'd done of George Carlin, as it must date back to around 1979 or so. I recall the circumstances were that he was appearing in concert in my hometown of Ottawa. My friend, Bryan Stoller, also about 19 or 20 at the time, somehow had finagled a chance to interview George for something or other, being quite the enterprising type, and he asked me if I could draw a caricature that he could present to him. I agreed, provided he get a second one I inked up autographed for me. So, though I can't claim to have met George Carlin personally, I did get a signed caricature as a keepsake. Looking back at the art itself, it sure is an unpolished piece. I think my inking has improved a lot in the many years since.
So long, George - I hope you were able to take all your stuff with you...
(PS: I dedicate this post to George Carlin fan, Trevor)
I love George Carlin, He wasn't your average surface-scraping comedian,
ReplyDeleteHe was a satirist, in his best skits, he used his gift for humor to challenge our prejudice and show us absurdities about our society.
His arguments were extremely well crafted, his pacing was tight, and his punchline was always in place.
something cartoons used to be great at.
I'll miss George Carlin. However, as much as I love his work and humor, I felt some of his material became very bitter towards the end.
ReplyDeleteJust posted my thoughts on Carlin
ReplyDeleteGeorge was one of all time favorite comedians. Your drawing still holds up!
ReplyDeleteI bet he's smiling down on us now. I'll pray to him the next time I have an operation on my crotch or want to get with the cute readhead with the eyepatch and clubfoot. :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's kind of disrespectful to the man, even if you believe in a heaven, to say he's anywhere looking to us. "First of all," echoes George's voice, "there IS no 'up there'". Looking down, looking up. Considering the nature of George's material, I would say simply that he's dead.
ReplyDeleteHe didn't pass away, he didn't move on, didn't get lost nor is he in a better place. He's dead.
Because that's the way he would've wanted it.
I also want to thank Pete for dedicating the post to me! I feel so special!
Can I post your caricature on my blog, Pete?
- trevor.
Permission granted, Trevor.
ReplyDelete