About this project
This book - Eric Dolphy: His Life and Art is a project I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’ve always had a fascination with the great jazz multi-instrumentalist/composer Eric Dolphy, I think because I identify with him in many ways. Not that I consider myself an artist of his level, but because of his approach to his music, his facility with his instruments and his humility, which has a zen-like quality to it.
My plan is to self-publish a 74-page book, a sort of interpretive biography. I’ve been researching Dolphy’s life for some time, and I’ve read everything about him I’ve been able to get my hands on. I’d like to tell his story the way I see him—a musical prince. I chose to draw the novel in a style reminiscent of the great album covers from 40's and 50's. Artists like David Stone Martin and Ben Shahn were an inspiration.
I want to work on the book for the next few months. My focus is to self-publish by the end of the year. My initial plan is to publish 1000 copies to sell through Amazon.com as well as all available online booksellers, and interested school systems and public organizations, as it will have educational value.
The money I'm raising will allow me to produce, print, and distribute my book.
Thanks in advance for your support!
FAQ
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on July 16, 2011.
Pledge $5 or more Pledge $5 or more
My humble thanks, and the happy knowledge you’ve just helped out a really nice guy. Plus, your name will be in the printed book in the acknowledgments.
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
A free copy of my graphic novel, signed. Plus, your name will be in the printed book in the acknowledgments.
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
Two free copies of the book, signed, and your name will be in the printed book in the " Special acknowledgments" because you were an amazing human being to help me get this thing printed.
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
All the Two free copies of the book, signed, and your name will be in the printed book in the "Special acknowledgments" section. PLUS: An ultra-cool limited edition T-Shirt of Eric Dolphy designed and illustrated by moi.
Pledge $200 or more Pledge $200 or more
All of the above, plus a signed snappy little sketch of Eric Dolphy (approximately 4X6), and a signed copy of the Jazz Appreciation Month painting that I created for the Smithsonian. PLUS, A cool postcard (5' X 7') with a boss drawing of Eric Dolphy signed by me. Suitable as an ultra-funky bookmark or mail it to friends and let 'em know what it's like in Coolsvile.
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
All of the above, plus an original FRAMED WATERCOLOR PAINTING of Eric Dolphy. The painting will be approximately 11x17 inches.
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
You will get an "Extra Special Thanks" credit in the my graphic novel right under the main credits, two copies of the book And an original framed watercolor painting of ANY JAZZ MUSICIAN OF YOUR CHOOSING. The painting will be approximately 22x28 inches. You will get an "Extra Special Thanks" credit in the my graphic novel right under the main credits, two copies of the book And an original framed watercolor painting of ANY JAZZ MUSICIAN OF YOUR CHOOSING. The painting will be approximately 22x28 inches.
Project By
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I am a New York based art director. I make my living in advertising. But I am also nearly fanatical about music and comics.
After attending the High School for Art and Design in New York, like many young artists, I started dreaming of becoming a cartoonist at Marvel Comics.
I realized early on drawing superheroes was not really going to be my thing. I pursued this early dream, and even achieved it on some level, but soon realized I wasn’t built for it. I began my career like many young artists, dreaming of becoming a cartoonist at Marvel Comics.
After attending the High School for Art and Design in New York, I realized early on drawing superheroes was not really going to be my thing.
So I went on to pursue a career in painting and illustration. My inspiration at this time were cats like Howard Pyle, Frank Frazetta, Jack Kirby, Burton Silverman, NC Wyeth, LeRoy Neiman, Ernesto Garcia Cabral, David Stone Martin as well as great painters like Diego Rivera, Picasso, Edward Hopper and Jean Michel-Basquiat, among many, many others.
I began publishing my watercolor paintings first for greeting cards (Ethnographics, American Greetings and then newspapers and magazines. A lifelong music geek, I placed a special concentration on jazz, which reflected my lifelong love of the music.
In the late nineties, I managed to forge a career in design and in 1997 became Art Manager at Churchill Downs, home of The Kentucky Derby and in 2001, began the position of Creative Art Director at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Handpicked for the position by Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, I designed the marketing and promotional graphics for the opening of the celebrated “House of Swing” -- a new facility specifically designed for jazz music, Frederick P. Rose Hall at Columbus Circle.
In other activities, I occasionally co-host a radio show called Niteshift on WBAI in New York and write frequently about music for several sites, most prominently AllAboutJazz.com.
I’ve also had the privilege to design and illustrate several jazz CD covers for great musicians like Christian McBride, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Duke Ellington, Pucho Sanchez, The Drummonds, The Jazz Crusaders, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Neal and The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
I live in New York where I continue to write, paint and draw.
