Artist Memoirees©2008 stevens

The 60's 

When I was in High School,I complained about back pain.

President Kennedy had a Physical Fitness Plan, and the gym

instructors bought into it, big time.

"Lift those weights, We're gonna beat those Russians." was their mantra.

I tried to lift the bar bells, but the pain just intensified. 

My parents were smart enough to realize that, I wasn't going 

through "growing pains". They, immediately sent me to an orthopedic doctor.

The diagnosis was a herniated disc.

The prescription was back rest, lots of back rest.

So, I stayed home on the couch, and drew pictures.

I also built model cars. I built lots of model cars!

I found the art of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, through

 building his model cars.

Below is half of his  ad for Airbrushed T-Shirts, & Sweatshirts

 I believe from 1962, or so.

I wrote to Ed Roth's widow, Ilene, to get approval to display the above ad, 

she replied with a  nice e-mail, along with her approval, and a compliment on my web site. 

I told her how as a child I was sick, and copied the art 

of Ed"Big Daddy" Roth

to learn cartooning.

I also mentioned that I built model cars, and, loved his Beatnick Bandit.

I redesigned his Beatnick Bandit Model car

by putting the engine under glass, (Totally impractical) and, moving the drivers seat to where the engine was.

I sprayed the car with gold flake paint, and second coat of candy apple red paint . I upholstered the seat , and entered it in a model car contest where I won 2nd prize. She got a kick out of the story.

 If you are interested in the art and automobiles of Ed "Big Daddy"Roth , go see their web site:

ratfink@manti.com

and enjoy !!

  

As I mentioned , I was in and out of school with back problems . 

The unusual prescribed devices to aid my herniated disc,

 such as a Girdle shaped back brace and my body cast, made me

an easy target for the cruel kids to toy with.

I was tall, lanky, and incredibly uncoordinated carrying a full body cast beneath my clothes .

I had two things on my side,

1)  Art, ie, My ability to draw cars, with funny creatures driving  them,

2) the  school" Greasers". who loved their cars !

You see, I would charge them  a quarter for a cartoon of  their car.

 I would make money,  and they would befriend me,

and  no one would mess with me, because,

 I was Their Artist. 

The system worked.

Thank You Ed "Big Daddy" Roth" !