An era in Passing...
My most recent painting, myself at age four and a Boeing 314. Yes it is a fantasy fueled by my love of all things flying from a very early age.
As I passed through the Obit's page in my local newspaper this AM a notice from a national wire service caught my eye. Knight Ridder had announced one of the giants in the arena of aviation lore, Robert L. Scott, had died on Monday, February 27th. He was 97. He authored many books in his lifetime but one that affected me greatly was his book, "God is my Co-Pilot". Along with books by Ernie Gann of note were, "Fate is The Hunter" and "The High and the Mighty", all had helped mold my interest in flying airplanes for a living. It was a great career. I owe them. Robert L. Scott had a good long life, godspeed Robert.
The American Society of Aviation Artists (ASAA) is celebrating it's twentieth anniversary this year as an art organization. Artist Members and Associates of the Society will gather at the Edwards AFB facility nearby Lancaster, California, for a week of celebration. The festivities associated with their annual Forum begin June 24th. If you want to see some great aviation art and meet up with a some of the artists by all means plan on attending. Information can be obtained at their website. www.asaa-avart.org
ASAA is the recipient this year of the National Aviation Wall of Fame, Milton Caniff "Spirit of Flight" Award. It will be presented by The National Aviation Hall of Fame at this years Forum.
The passing of one of our pioneers that could and did share his love of aviation through his written word, only stands to remind us that those of us that are able, should continue to embrace and enlighten those that stumble on our own love of flying. And... we should encourage the art in any form or media.
I have a personal concern that the ASAA after a generation of it's own life may not survive another(I want to believe this isn't true). It's Founders, all artists that have greatly inspired me are gaining in years, as am I. It is my opinion that their contribution has not been properly recognized in the art world. Why is that? Lack of proper exposure? I want someone to help me understand why this "great art" has not gotten beyond being a commercial tool. Is 'aviation' itself still in it's infancy when compared to it's maritime counterpart? Was aviation's romantic period to short? When I think of the time factor, time spent on a ship crossing the Atlantic, my guess is there was more time for reflection and absorbtion of the experience. Compare that with what we do now, spending five to eight hours getting to London sealed in a long narrow tube.
The aviation enthusiasts that fly around in their Piper Cubs are having all the fun. All food for thought.
As I passed through the Obit's page in my local newspaper this AM a notice from a national wire service caught my eye. Knight Ridder had announced one of the giants in the arena of aviation lore, Robert L. Scott, had died on Monday, February 27th. He was 97. He authored many books in his lifetime but one that affected me greatly was his book, "God is my Co-Pilot". Along with books by Ernie Gann of note were, "Fate is The Hunter" and "The High and the Mighty", all had helped mold my interest in flying airplanes for a living. It was a great career. I owe them. Robert L. Scott had a good long life, godspeed Robert.
The American Society of Aviation Artists (ASAA) is celebrating it's twentieth anniversary this year as an art organization. Artist Members and Associates of the Society will gather at the Edwards AFB facility nearby Lancaster, California, for a week of celebration. The festivities associated with their annual Forum begin June 24th. If you want to see some great aviation art and meet up with a some of the artists by all means plan on attending. Information can be obtained at their website. www.asaa-avart.org
ASAA is the recipient this year of the National Aviation Wall of Fame, Milton Caniff "Spirit of Flight" Award. It will be presented by The National Aviation Hall of Fame at this years Forum.
The passing of one of our pioneers that could and did share his love of aviation through his written word, only stands to remind us that those of us that are able, should continue to embrace and enlighten those that stumble on our own love of flying. And... we should encourage the art in any form or media.
I have a personal concern that the ASAA after a generation of it's own life may not survive another(I want to believe this isn't true). It's Founders, all artists that have greatly inspired me are gaining in years, as am I. It is my opinion that their contribution has not been properly recognized in the art world. Why is that? Lack of proper exposure? I want someone to help me understand why this "great art" has not gotten beyond being a commercial tool. Is 'aviation' itself still in it's infancy when compared to it's maritime counterpart? Was aviation's romantic period to short? When I think of the time factor, time spent on a ship crossing the Atlantic, my guess is there was more time for reflection and absorbtion of the experience. Compare that with what we do now, spending five to eight hours getting to London sealed in a long narrow tube.
The aviation enthusiasts that fly around in their Piper Cubs are having all the fun. All food for thought.
posted by OutThere at 8:40 AM
3 Comments:
Pasteldoc,
Thank you for your comments... I think you are on to a realistic argument. Until someone is courageous enough to make an approach to the elite neighborhoods of what is called acceptable art in the hopes of gaining an exhibit in the primetime art world, aviation art will continue to languish in the suburbs of aviations throwaways.
WallFly,
I love your handle and very appropriate.
I'm thinking a discussion on the fine art method might be in order. Most people and some artists have a belief that Fine art is better than Commercial art. Nothing could be further from the truth. Having the gift to be good in either category is one and the same... I believe.
Diane, Thanks, I think you have a great subject to discuss and I totally agree with you.
Ron
PS. I'm on my way out of town at the moment and we can get into it when I get back(16th)
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