Vermont Cartoonist Laureate: The Flowery Ed Koren

Ed Koren is now the State of Vermont's Cartoonist Laureate, an honor he has been awarded for the coming three years. That still leaves forty-nine states with no Cartoonist Laureate, an appalling oversight on their parts. It seems only right that the United States should also consider appointing a national Cartoonist Laureate. Given the spirit of camaraderie that reigns inside the Beltway, it should be easy to select a suitable candidate.

Back in 1992, Mr. Koren created an uplifting, color drawing on New Yorker stationery for political cartoonist Draper Hill (1935-2009), apparently as a get-well note. The drawing was sold by DuMouchelles of Detroit in the year of Hill's death, and now has been sold again by Royal Books of Baltimore.

Edward Koren, Drawing on New Yorker letterhead dated 15 May 1992.
Inscribed "For Draper [Hill]~Please accept these friends to speed
you back to your accustomed self./Ed Koren"

http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/edward-koren-amer.,-1935-,-mixed-media-on-paper,-2455-c-c7eaa81f5e

Edward Koren, Drawing on New Yorker letterhead dated 15 May 1992.
Inscribed "For Draper [Hill]~Please accept these friends to speed
you back to your accustomed self./Ed Koren"

http://www.royalbooks.com/pages/books/131811/ed-koren/original-drawing-by-ed-koren-inscribed-to-cartoonist-draper-hill

Note:  Read my other posts about Vermont Cartoonist Laureate Edward Koren here.

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Vermont Cartoonist Laureate: The Bookish Ed Koren

Today the New Yorker's Edward Koren will be appointed Vermont's second Cartoonist Laureate for a three year term. He succeeds the state's first Cartoonist Laureate James Kochalka. Good move, Vermont.

http://www.cartoonstudies.org/

Reader and contributor David from Manhattan recognized Ed Koren's gifts even before the State of Vermont did. Here he provides Attempted Bloggery with a splendid collection of scans of original drawings made by Mr. Koren in various cartoon books over the years.

We lead off with an unusual 1997 inscription to the family of poet Gregory Orr:

Edward Koren, Country drawing inscribed "Summer 1997/Brookfield/For the Orrs/Risha-Greg-Eliza-Sophie/From the Korens/Curtis-Ben-Ed-Katmandu" in Quality Time: Parenting, Progeny, and Pets. New York: Villard Books, 1995.

Bookseller Image.
Quality Time: Parenting, Progeny, and Pets. New York: Villard Books, 1995. 

Bookseller Image 

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=10680374015&searchurl=amp%2525253bsgnd%3Don%26amp%3Bamp%2525253bx%3D-926%26amp%3Bamp%2525253by%3D- 

Here's an outstanding drawing in "Well, There's Your Problem" (1980):

Edward Koren, Drawing inscribed "For Bob Hemminger from Edward Koren" in "Well, There's Your Problem."  New York:  Pantheon, 1980.

Last, we have four wonderful copies of Caution:  Small Ensembles (1983):

Edward Koren, Drawing inscribed "For Joy Weiner/From Ed Koren" in Caution:  Small Ensembles.  New York:  Pantheon, 1983.

Edward Koren, Drawing of a photographer at the New Yorker.
Inscribed "For Elise/My best/Ed Koren" in Caution:  Small Ensembles.  New York:  Pantheon, 1983.

Sabele and Richard Gray were married in 1984. What could bode better for the marriage than this beautiful Koren drawing in a copy of Caution: Small Ensembles (1983)? Unfortunately, findings of the State of New York Division of Tax Appeals regarding personal income taxes for the years 1984 through 1987 and 1992 through 1994 did not go in their favor, and Richard's incarceration (for an unrelated civil contempt charge) was found to be insufficient excuse for his not appearing in tax court, as may be seen here. The couple was divorced in 2003, with a post-judgment stipulation dating to 2005. Litigation regarding Richard's unauthorized exercise of minor children's stock voting rights may be seen here and further Superior Court action regarding child support continued through 2011. The drawing has proved more resilient than the marriage and cannot be faulted for any of this.

Edward Koren, Drawing inscribed "For Sabele [Foster]and Richard [E. Gray]/June 1984/Congratulations--/Edward Koren" in Caution:  Small Ensembles. New York:  Pantheon, 1983.

Edward Koren, Drawing inscribed "For Sarah /Avec amitié/Ed" in Caution:  Small Ensembles.  New York:  Pantheon, 1983.

Note:  See more posts about Vermont Cartoonist Laureate Edward Koren here.

Other fine examples of signed books with original drawings may be seen here.

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Edward Koren Mousing Around

Cartoonist Edward Koren made this full-page original drawing of a mouse in a copy of The New Yorker Cartoon Album 1975-1985. Tomorrow the long-time New Yorker cartoonist is to be appointed the State of Vermont's new Cartoonist Laureate. Vermont is the only state with a Cartoonist Laureate; Alaska had one a few years back, but hasn't kept up the appointment. The idea, when you first hear it, seems so obvious it's brilliant. Even more obviously brilliant is the choice of Ed Koren. They really know how to govern up in Vermont.

Edward Koren
Drawing of a mouse inscribed "For/Sherry Seymour,/Best/Ed. Koren"
in The New Yorker Cartoon Album 1975-1985

The New Yorker Cartoon Album 1975-1985

Cartoons by Jean-Jacques Sempé, George Booth, Donald Reilly, and Edward Koren.
The New Yorker Cartoon Album 1975-1985

Edward Koren
Drawing of a mouse inscribed "For/Sherry Seymour,/Best/Ed. Koren"
in The New Yorker Cartoon Album 1975-1985

Note:  I have more posts about cartoonist Edward Koren here.

Other examples of signed books with original drawings may be seen here.

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Edward Koren's Invasive Friend

This friendly yet invasive critter occupies only a 4" x 4" square of paper and not, thank goodness, your yard. It was donated last year by artist Edward Koren to  a silent auction benefiting the Morrill Homestead in Vermont. The auction consisted entirely of such painted "Minis for Morrill." On Thursday, Mr. Koren will become Vermont's new Cartoonist Laureate.

Edward Koren, Invasive Friend

http://www.morrillhomestead.org/news-events2013-programs-and-events/gallery-in-the-garden/

Note:  More posts about cartoonist Edward Koren may be enjoyed here.

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Ed Koren at Bookstock

In the summer of 2012, long-time Attempted Bloggery reader and contributor David from Manhattan made the considerable drive up to Woodstock, Vermont. He went in order to see New Yorker cartoonist Edward Koren give a presentation at Bookstock. Lucky for us, David snapped a photograph of Mr. Koren during his slideshow. Projected on the screen you can make out a classic New Yorker cartoon by James Thurber. I would love to have heard what Mr. Koren had to say about it.

David also had the foresight to bring along two wonderful cartoon collections that are now sadly out of print. He obtained from the artist an original drawing in each of these books. David has graciously agreed to share all this here. I am especially pleased to present it now, during the week that Mr. Koren is to be appointed Vermont's new Cartoonist Laureate.

Edward Koren at Bookstock on July 28, 2012.
Projected on the wall is James Thurber's famous barking seal cartoon.
Photo by David from Manhattan.

Here is the classic Thurber cartoon that Mr. Koren showed during his slideshow presentation:

James Thurber, "All right, have it your way--you heard a seal bark!"
The New Yorker, January 30, 1932, page 11

James Thurber, "All right, have it your way--you heard a seal bark!"
The New Yorker, January 30, 1932, page 11

David was fortunate to be able to obtain two souvenir drawings from the cartoonist:

Edward Koren. A creature holds up a sign saying "For David."
Inscribed "Best--Ed Koren/Woodstock, Vt. 7/28/12"
in Do You Want to Talk About It? (1976)

Edward Koren. Drawing of the drive up to Vermont.
Inscribed "For David/With appreciation/of your drive north/--July 28, 2012 Ed Koren"
in "Well, There's Your Problem" (1980)

Note:  That's not all! Additional posts about Edward Koren may be found on this very blog here.

Other examples of signed books with original drawings may be seen here.

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Koren Quartet

This illustration of a rock band by Edward Koren was published in TV Guide. The original artwork was offered for sale at Illustration House on December 6, 2008.

Edward Koren, Illustration for TV Guide
Illustration House, December 8, 2008

Illustration House, December 8, 2008

http://www.illustrationhouse.com/current/a38/a38pages/a38_097.html

June 22, 2014 Update: This illustration came up for sale again in 2014 at Heritage where it did not find a buyer.

Edward Koren, Illustration for TV Guide
Heritage Auctions, May 7, 2014

Edward Koren, Illustration for TV Guide
Heritage Auctions, May 7, 2014

Edward Koren's signature

http://fineart.ha.com/itm/illustration-art/ed-koren-american-b-1935-band-of-four-on-stage-original-tv-guide-cartoon-illustration-mixed-med/a/5165-78452.s#1124111241922

October 19, 2014 Update:  Sold!

Heritage Auctions, October 18, 2014

http://fineart.ha.com/itm/mainstream-illustration/ed-koren-american-b-1935-band-of-four-on-stage-original-tv-guide-interior-illustrationmixed-media-on-paper7-x/a/5185-72579.s

Note:  As often happens with drawings from TV Guide, I do not know the publication history for this illustration. In addition, I do not have the hammer price from Illustration House, and you know how I love to publish sale prices. So, while I hate to keep harping on the same things, I ask that if you can help me out with either of the above, please do.

More posts about Edward Koren may be found on this blog right here.

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George Price: Before the Rope Broke

This original artwork by cartoonist George Price does not appear to be a stand-alone gag cartoon, but more likely a story illustration. I hope you have enjoyed my recent survey of George Price's original artwork and I promise to continue it at some point in the future, but for now I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave you hanging....

George Price, "_he weighed 280 lbs and the rope broke."

Title:  "_he weighed 280 lbs and the rope broke."

George Price's signature

http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/george-price-american-ny-1901-1995-529-c-zr7py9sn4j

Note:  My series of blog posts on cartoonist George Price may be seen here. With many of his pieces, like this one, I have insufficient publication history and don't even know the auction sale price. As always, I am grateful to anyone who can help out. Auction houses lose interest in a piece once the hammer goes down, but I think it may still be possible to discover a lot of publishing information after the fact. Auction sales prices tend to retreat behind pay walls, but if someone has free and clear access to the information, I'd love to include it here.

As I indicated above, I will be returning to the topic of George Price and his art in the future. I like to use auction house sales because they obtain high-quality images of the original artwork on those rare occasions when it comes to market. I'm just as happy, though, to hear from collectors who have original art that they would like to share here.

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My Entry in the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #415

Here is my entry for the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #415 for February 10, 2014. The cartoon is by Jack Ziegler. The caption is all mine.

Well, okay, it's not really mine. My daughter said this verbatim to my wife when they were lying on the couch watching the Olympics. All I did was transcribe it and pair it with the cartoon, which my daughter hadn't even seen. I thought it worked better here than any of my own ideas because it had an element of surprise.

"I just can't get comfy with you."

These are the captions I came up with on my own albeit when I was trying too hard:

"The Boy Wonder took my wheels to Vegas."
"Could you run upstairs and check for the Bat-Signal?"
"At rush hour, it's the quickest way to the Bat Cave."
"Did you know you've got the build of a Boy Wonder?"

February 24, 2014 Update: The Finalists

March 10, 2014: Winning Caption

Note:  Well, I thought my previous entry in Contest #414 was pretty timely and it even packed a little bit of a punch, but now Chris Christie isn't returning my phone calls.

Older blog posts about Jack Ziegler are here. You could do worse.

Here is another post about the Dark Knight.

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George Price: Off to Georgette's Laundromat

Bookseller James Cummins offers a second piece of original cartoon art by George Price. It is from the collection of publisher James H. Heineman and is priced at $2,000. It was published in the New Yorker in 1985. I defy anyone to make sense of that picture taped to the wall.

George Price, "I'll be at Georgette's Laundromat and Bar-and-Grill."
Original artwork for the New Yorker, January 21, 1985, page 37

http://www.jamescumminsbookseller.com/pages/books/24031/new-yorker-magazine-art-george-price/new-yorker-cartoon-original-ink-and-colored-wash-drawing-signed-geo-price-and-captioned-in-the

George Price, "I'll be at Georgette's Laundromat and Bar-and-Grill."
The New Yorker, January 21, 1985, page 37

George Price, "I'll be at Georgette's Laundromat and Bar-and-Grill."
The New Yorker, January 21, 1985, page 37

Note:  More posts about George Price are on view here.

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George Price: Signed at Your Own Risk

A signed cartoon collection by George Price is currently offered on eBay for $75. It's not cheap; my recent survey of auction prices for the artist has his finished drawings selling for as little as $70 or as much as $7,500, quite a range. Also, a signed copy of this book with a small drawing is selling for about ten times this price, which is pretty steep. So while your money may be better spent going after one of Price's less expensive published original drawings at auction, signed copies aren't all that common, and this would be a a very good copy to own.

I'd love to comment on the accompanying letter by the self-proclaimed Chief of the (fictitious) Association of George Price Aficionados, but I'm afraid I can't quite make it out. Dated July 27, 1979, it seems to be presenting a Mr. Monroe with a signed copy of  the book.  "Our records reveal you are the proud possessor of an autographed book of George Price." There's clearly an inside joke here.

George Price, Browse at Your Own Risk, New York:  Simon & Schuster, 1977

George Price's signature
in Browse at Your Own Risk, New York:  Simon & Schuster, 1977

Who wrote this letter from the "Association of George Price Aficionados?"

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Browse-at-Your-Own-Risk-Signed-by-George-Price-1st-Printing-Scarce-/260536100616?pt=Antiquarian_Collectible&hash=item3ca9296708

Note:  More posts about George Price may be seen here.

There are more signed books on this blog here.

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