Thirty-one years ago today John Lennon was tragically murdered in New York City after recently returning from a nearly four-year hiatus from music. I just finished up my portrait of the musician inspired my his music, his politics, his poetry and passion. The portrait will be featured today at Rock Star Martyr, where there will be an article about Lennon by Joebot as our collaborative series continues today memorializing the dearly departed legends of popular music. The year is almost over and our series brought to a close so I'll be looking for a gallery setting to display these works next year as we polish things up and prepare to format the entire series into a book format!
 |
| inks on bristol / 2011 |
Can you tell what imagery is influenced by which songs and facets of John's life?
Here are some process pictures from my initial sketch and a few of my favorite tracks which have touched me from the man himself...
Love It!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It took a very long time but John is worth it!
ReplyDeleteDid he do anything usefull ?
ReplyDeleteMy God, it there any thread you guys won't troll?
ReplyDeleteI think championing for World Peace for over 10 years is a good start... need we say more?
Very amazing artwork!
ReplyDeleteI totally love this artwork done on JOHN LENNON,I still can't believe that fool killed him? I am still angry about that! DEB In Oregon.
ReplyDeleteIt's the strength of the message of John's life work which endures and spreads the energy of peace across those whose ears it touches.
ReplyDeleteYou asked how Lennon affected me...
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a little girl we were under dictatorship. One day my father was at the dentist and "Power to the people" was played at the radio. He said: "Power to the people? How did they let it pass?"
I didn't understood everything at that time but I knew something was going on.
When I grew up Lennon was one of many who talked what many people were thinking, there was a counter-culture and even thou we were under dictatorship it was in the air.
I remember when I heard that Lennon was shot dead.
For two hours I walked at the streets and couldn't think properly... i was totally numb and didn't know what to think.
Power to the People!
Great post!
Thank you so much for the wonderful and insightful comment Ana!
DeleteWhen the Beatles "invaded" I was a teenager thinking who are those british fools singing I wanna hold your hand. I followed their music and heard it become an incredible instrument for my generation moving forward and questioning our world. When John Lennon died I cried and kept thinking why didn't you just let him have peace, if no where else at least in his own doorway..just Imagine if he had lived.
ReplyDeleteHis voice carries us even further but I as well can't help but imagine...
Deletedon't know why you have national flags on the picture. i think John Lennon would have hated such nationalist symbols.
ReplyDeleteAnti-Anonymous, I feel that John probably made his best efforts to exclude any form of "hate" from his vocabulary and actions. The flags are included because John was (and is) a champion for the working class which build both countries he called home.
DeleteLove the art work. Love your love for Lennon even more.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reciprocation!
DeleteJohn Lennon isn't dead, he's only sleeping, and dreaming of number nine. Happiness is not a warm gun, bang, bang, shoot, shoot. And the Walrus was Paul, Paul isn't dead either. Some epic brush strokes on these pages, I sense some budding talent, and I hope you pass the audition.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joe!
DeleteAt the time I was pretty sure he was a loser junkie that blew the music world away whenever he cared. For that I respected him. When the PEACE campaign was underway it was all a bit silly but there was nothing anyone could do to stop it so he, at least, did what he could.
ReplyDeleteYes: POWER TO THE PEOPLE and Yer Mother as well-
A bit cynical there John. I can't help but wonder if such common disdain for lofty ideals is what dooms us as a race to being the lapdogs of our masters. Some more than others like Yer Mother.
Delete