JOHN

If you didn't know him you can't imagine what he was like; and if you did know him you can't explain him. Either way, the great spirit which temporarily took the form of John Dorman has seen fit to depart this life, presumably for a realm more suited to his capacity. John had an utterly unique personality which manifested itself in the most amazing actions, words and art. One of these days I'll try to capture in words some of the numberless escapades he sprang upon a world that was never prepared for him. For now, just the cold hard fact of the hole he's left in the fabric of reality. I've known a lot of amazing people but he was the most amazing. You really have to hand it to the mother of the universe for creating a guy like that.

THE AMUSEMENT PARK FROM CONGRESS OF THE ANIMALS

Lamisters Frank and Quacky enjoy a respite from dull care.

THE CORRIDOR OF POWER

Carson Mell sent me this beautiful photograph of Brand Park Art and Music Library in Glendale, which was two blocks from the house I lived in during my teens. In those days spent every available moment swooning around this intensely romantic building in a state of otherworldly fervor. This was the original carriage entrance; the boarding alcove is to the left. If this picture extended about ten feet to the right it would show the semispiral alcove where I used to stand, wedged between the walls and almost comatose with ecstasy. I was chased away from there more than once. People must have thought I was crazy. Thanks for the blast, Carson.

REALITY DOES INDEED DIFFER DRASTICALLY

After the Gage demo. Note that the nib in the holder is not the brass-plated one (below) but a finer raw steel model, held in place with scrap paper and wood.

FOOTAGE OF THE NIB

For hard-core enthusiasts only!

WILL IT DRAW?

Those of you who give a golly-gosh-darn about the Giant Nib will perhaps be interested to know that it will make its maiden voyage before the hungry eyes of an audience at Gage Academy of Art in Seattle on January 9. Free pen-and-ink drawing supplies for visitors will be on hand.