FRANK

I remember walking from my parent’s house to the liquor store in town, It was only a couple of miles, but for a kid, it seemed like half way across the country. But the anticipation of buying the latest Creepy or Eerie magazine made the journey feel like an Atlantic crossing. If it had a Frazetta cover, I bought it. If not, it was an awfully long way home. His stuff hit you in the gut. There was no abstracting the impact. He created a world that was both frightening and enticing. And seductive. Definitely, seductive. Many years later, when statues began showing up of Frank’s work, I felt envy, jealousy and resentment. Why? I’d made no effort whatsoever to pursue the possibility. I was like the guy writing a song in his basement and being pissed off because he wasn’t nominated for a Grammy. I know, the irrational crap of a basement dweller, minus the basement. But, as luck would have it, sometime later, my friend, Arnie Fenner, presented me with the opportunity to do a Frazetta. It was Ghoul Queen. As far as I know, its the most linear rendition of Frazetta woman out there. A pen and ink, watercolor drawing that was clearly rendered, almost like a blueprint. As with most things, I was oblivious to the risk. I began the statue with enthusiasm and confidence and within a very short time found myself sinking into regret and doubt. I mean, what the hell? I knew Frank’s work! I grew up with him! I entered his world! Stymied, after hours of being smartly dressed in my hair shirt, I saw what I hadn’t been able to see before. Frank was a great designer… or more to the point, a great re-designer. He recreated humankind to conform to his image. A Frazetta woman could not and does not exist outside the world he created. But in that world, she’s very real. And to make sense of her three-dimensionally, I had to blind myself to my world and see Frank’s. He, inadvertently, taught me how to see. I never got to meet Frank. I had the chance but, selfishly, I wanted him to be the Frank of my imagination, and so passed on the opportunity. Honestly, I’m glad did and regret that didn’t. None the less, I knew him. And I’m eternally grateful for that relationship. Rest in peace, dear friend. Rest in peace.