Public Taverns provide a place where noise and activity occupies a murky space alongside one's solitary, concentrated activity. Once inside, you find yourself in the throes of mini-dramas, laughter and the yells and shouts of lively patrons. You can oftentimes find a subtler space to claim, tucked up along the old-fashioned hand-worked mahogany of a smooth bar, or at a table in a corner, if you have staked it out with cool resolve and a little luck, far from the front door.
I love taverns, especially the old ones that reserve the dark, cozy nooks where ample light falls down to the drinking surface, with the illumination dropping off enough to leave one's face in darkness, insuring you can draw on napkins and not be spotted, and interrupted.
Rosie's Tavern
In Chicago, there is the Rainbow Club, The Northside, and Danny's, but one of my favorite among the old houses was O'Rourke's, one of the best on North Avenue. This welcoming space attracted writers and artists; among them many distinguished people carried the title of "regular." All were spinners of tales and local gossip, with occasional news of the day. In the slower times, when Roger Ebert, or Henry Hanson was not around to enthrall us, I drew on napkins, while the bartender drew more pints.....
napkin drawing of concept for a Father's Day card
"What cha drawing?"
There's a question I learned to only accept with the prospect of a drink or two in trade. The barter system is important for artists; certainly it is important for the younger ones who's resources are modest ...........they only have their time, and the hard-won moments in small, cold studios, bolstered by what little ambiance they catch in the friendly, warm, public houses.
Most patrons stay away from a person who is scribbling on napkins. The bartenders, on the other hand, usually make it their business to know the customer's business. Generally, they understand value-for-value. As time went on, the employees were supplying me with paper. I made it a point to reward everyone, so collections of my sketches grew.......in the possession of other people.
The Lucca Grill
Drawing in taverns has brought me a great deal of joy, and it has helped bring some of my best ideas into production over the years. It is a pleasurable activity, and the setting is one that has always left the unconscious mind unfettered, waving smoothly along with black lines against the soft min-blanket of paper......the character of the lines, and the meaning of each theme swirling ...........more extravagantly with every exultation, and every affable scheme to imbibe.............
napkin concept drawing for Transmutation of Ideas, 1984
polaroid of the back of Transmutation of Ideas
The Transmutation of Ideas, 1985 aluminum, kinetic 7, 1/2 ft high
napkin concept drawing for Head of Mithra, 1983
Head of Mithra, 1985, aluminum, kinetic, life size
polaroid of studio drawings inspired by napkin images, litho stone on right
I just wanted to say this is an activity I have always done, and still do, whether imbibing or not. This piece is not meant in any way to encourage, or discourage the consumption of alcohol.
O'Rourke's was formerly located on North Avenue, a few blocks East of Sedgwick. It was a gathering place for many artists, writers, working folks and other professionals until it's move to Halsted Street in the 90's. It lay just across the street from Steppenwolf Theater.......the character had changed a great deal, with few regulars showing up. It eventually closed.
Great post Gary! I love the drawings. I always loved doing that too --- in fact I think we even did it a few times together at the Northside. I don't do it much now, and miss it. We don't really have taverns in Switzerland, more like small restaurants/cafes. It ain't the same.
By the way, Shark. What are we going to call Gary? The KinetoShark?
You can still find that setting in smaller cities. I can think of some in Springfield, IL. Oddly enough... if you go to small, small, small town taverns and draw you will most likely piss someone off. Or maybe it is just my sweet disposition?