Inspired by my favorite Christmas movie and fond memories of my childhood growing up in Oil City, Pennsylvania, I created this holiday scene in oil. Set in the 1940’s, the action takes place at dusk just as the street lamps are coming on. The leg lamp (…it’s a major award!) takes center stage in the picture window of Ralpie’s house where he is positioned at the mailbox, overjoyed that his long awaited decoder ring from “Little Orphan Annie” sponsor Ovaltine had finally arrived. His little brother, Randy, is coming up the sidewalk bundled up in his snow suit as though he is about to go deep sea scuba diving. Grover Dill and Scut Farkas are up to their typical bullying selves and have successfully managed to “triple dog dare” Flick into adhering is tongue to the frozen lamp post. I chose to design the whole scene on Sixth Street, Oil City, around the house in which I grew up, the one to the right of “A Christmas Story” house. You might notice the black smoke bellowing from the chimney of the coal furnace that Ralphie’s Dad battled every winter. Long Alley was the hill which the neighborhood kids used to see who had the fastest Flexible Flyer. One could always go to Snyder’s corner store (Evelyn, Joe and Harold) and invest in a hunk of wax to polish up the runners of your sled. I illuminated the sky and placed the sunset behind the Saint Joseph’s steeples and also made sure that the water tank on Hogback Hill was visible. As a final touch I painted the old Lincoln Schoolhouse at the end of Sixth Street. I hope the image sparks a few cherished memories of your own and that you have enjoyed viewing my creation. As I worked on it, I definitely had many great memories come flooding back to me.
May God Bless you and Merry Christmas to you and your family,
During Ben Roethlisberger's rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers he was informed by the NFL that he could no longer write the letters PFJ on his shoes or face a fine. According to Ben, the letters stand for "Play For Jesus" and that he had written them on his shoes through his college days and wanted to continue that tradition into the NFL. Ben continued to write the "PFJ" on shoes but in a place where the cameras could not discover it. This is the motivation behind the concept of my Big Ben Godsend banner that I hang at home games I attend. It is based on Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam" panel on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Art Rooney, the Chief, rides along side God whispering in his ear that the Steelers need a good quarterback.
I wish Ben and the Steelers the best in the upcoming season and look forward to cheering them on.
I have now opened a physical gallery in Seneca, Pa. It is located in the old Cranberry High School and is open by appointment. Call and stop by to see my originals in person. I will also be conducting drawing and painting classes starting this fall.
I look forward to your call...
814-657-1270
Main Gallery
Black and Gold Room
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"He gave the term ‘complete’ a new meaning. He made the word 'superstar' seem inadequate. He had about him the touch of the royalty."
These were the words spoken by baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn for the eulogy at Roberto Clemente’s funeral. Roberto was the complete player on, and off, the field. Unlike the players of today who are lured by dollar signs, Roberto, a 12 time Golden Glove recipient, spent his entire 18 year career as a Pittsburgh Pirate. During his spectacular career he amassed 3000 hits, held a .317 lifetime batting average, hit 240 homers, and batted in 1305 runs. He was a two time World Series Champion (1960, 1971) and was voted MVP of the 1971 series. Many people who had the pleasure to have watched him play still speak of his greatness to this day. He was committed to the fans of Pittsburgh and knew what the term “team player” meant. He played most of his 18 years at Forbes field in Oakland and this is why I chose it as the backdrop for the collage. Roberto excelled in all aspects of the game both offensively and defensively. He could bat, he could run, he could catch, and above all else, he could throw. Oh my, how he could throw! Many opponents were made to look absolutely silly as they were thrown out by his tremendous and accurate arm. Through these five different poses, I hope to convey the essence of this remarkable ball player. His stellar career was tragically cut short, as he died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve, 1972. He was on a mission trip to aid the survivors of a Nicaraguan earthquake. In a true testament to his character, Roberto left this earth during a final and selfless act of kindness towards his fellow man.
''Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth.''
"I am convinced that God wanted me to be a baseball player. I was born to play baseball."
Thank you Roberto…
May your legacy live on for future generations
To behold your grace,
To appreciate your sincerity,
and
To emulate your character.
Viva Roberto!
I hope this artwork serves to bring back those fond memories of a player who brought his “whole being” to the game of baseball and even more so to the game of life.
My Brother, Ed, hand delivered Once in a Blue Moon and Big Ben Godsend to Giovanni at his "Steelers bar" in Rome. If you visit Italy it is a must visit. Ed said to Gio "I guess you've adopted Pittsburgh as your team," to which Gio responded "I think Pittsburgh has adopted me!"
Click on the link below to see Gio's Steelers Bar in the heart of Rome...amazing www.romanightlife.com/labotticella
Thanks for viewing and God Bless,
Fred Carrow
Phone 814-676-5470
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