JACK DOWD
Illuminating the Human Condition
SCULPTURE • PAINTING • DRAWING PERFORMANCE • MUSIC • INSTALLATION
“Adding real life props to my characters gives the sculpture a sense of time and place”
Arturo Installation Resin
JACK DOWD
Illuminating the Human Condition
CONTENTS
Best Of Florida .. 6
Sumo .. 24
Bikers .. 30
A Different Beat .. 44
Fountain Of Youth .. 62
27 Club .. 66
Sarasota Keys .. 80
“Last Call” Installation .. 86
“Last Call” The Dance .. 106
Andy Warhol .. 114
Small Sculptures .. 124
Large Paintings .. 133
Tuxedos .. 139
Man And His Dogs .. 158
Softball Games, Home and Away .. 168
Sports .. 172
Business of Arts .. 180
Eat, Drink and make Art .. 182
Chefs .. 187
1970-1980 .. 194
I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends .. 204
“The
snow doesn’t give a soft white damn whom it touches”
E.E. Cummings
This Book was inspired and lovingly dedicated to
Jill Dowd Wife, Lover, Mother and Best
Friend
Wherever you’re going, I’m goin’ your way, Two drifters, off to see the world, There’s such a lot of world to see We’re after the same rainbow’s end, Waitin’ round the bend, My Huckleberry friend, Moon River and me.
Henry Mancini
Jack Dowd was born in Queens, New York ten years after the Great Depression and can still recall living through the lingering effects stemming from that era. Next up was World War II and the memories of blackout curtains and masked headlights on automobiles. As a child these events didn’t alter his life but another certainly did. Jack’s father, a railroad engineer, liked the comics. Beyond reading them his father would re-draw the cartoon characters. That interested Jack and for the first-time art was introduced into his life. As a young lad he was always sketching and drawing; leading to his career as an artist.
He attended Adelphi College, Garden City New York and in 1960 became a high school art teacher on Long Island. He cites the exuberant experience of exploring avant-garde art being produced at the time in New York as an influence, as well the films and movies of the day igniting his imagination and firing his quest for adventure. “I would laugh, cry tremble as fascinating, LARGER-THAN-LIFE images flashed across the giant screen. I hungered to participate in the adventure.”
In 1982 Dowd relocated to Florida where he began to comment, through his sculpture, on social mores he saw there. Continuing to focus on portraits of “alternative lifestyles” Jack has shown his work at the Jacksonville Museum of ART, Florida; Art and Cultural Center/ museum, Hollywood, Florida; Tribute Museum, N.Y.C; Brevard Museum, Melbourne, Florida; the Ringling Museum, Sarasota Florida; National Sculpture Society, N.Y.C.; Guild Hall, Easthampton, N.Y.; Columbus Museum, Columbus, GA.; Boca Raton Museum; Vermont Institute of Contemporary Art; Auburn University, AL; Adelphi University, N.Y.; Florida State University, Goddard Center, OK; Whimsey Museum, Sarasota, Florida, among others.
Dowd travels continually for inspiration and is represented by a family of galleries in the United States and Europe.
“Jack Dowd is a connoisseur of American types, the boisterous, eccentric, innocently hilarious individuals who rarely become the subject of art. Dowd celebrates America’s idiosyncratic extended family in his ongoing series of full size sculpted figures, enhanced with actual objects. These folks are regarded by the artist with affectionate humor and satiric wit, balanced by a feeling for the pathos of everyday life. What might pass unnoticed in Dowd’s focus upon the loveably wacky is that throughout his art he allows us to clearly see people who are considered outsiders to the official American mainstream. In Dowd’s vision, they are treated with pointed humor and a measure of respect as a vital part of what it means to be an American today.”
John Mendelson, Art Essayist / Teacher
“Dowd is a meticulous researcher, exploring every nuance of character and developing imaginary biographies to ensure that the sculpture remains consistent within itself.”
Gerrit Henry Art News, Art in America
You can always tell the artist in a crowd, by the glaze in his eyes, when the conversation changes from him to someone else.
From New York City to Vermont to California, he lived and worked his way from wood carver to folk art to fine artist. This long and happy journey put him face-to-face with the best of the real-life eccentrics.
The distinction and peculiarities of these lifestyles compelled him to create icons in such sculptures as “Condominium Managers, “Great American Family” “Fountain of Youth” and “Dot and Charley”
“Through meticulously painted sculptures he uncovers the uncanny beauty of a cross section of American society, illuminating the sometimes dark, yet colorful aspect of their lives as he sees them---with wit, kindness and humor.“
George Kinghorn, Curator, Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art
Model
“Great American Family” Basswood
“We all recognize Dot and Charley from Michigan. We’ve seen the two retirees all around the country, traveling contently with their dachshund, Honey, in their blue and white camper plastered with bumper stickers from every stop. They’re waving cheerfully to us as we happen to pass by and catch a moment of their lives.”
Peggy Sealfon; Author, Naples Daily News
“Dot & Charley”…and Jack… Waving cheerfully!
with Authentic, High Relief, 1960 Scotty Trailer
“Dowd’s sculpture deals in stereotyping, but it has always struck me as being good natured, like the sculptor himself. While the tableaus are at the opposite ends of the sculptural spectrum from the hardball seriousness of artist Ed Kienholz stage-like construction, Dowd does what he does very well and seems perfectly content to go on doing it.”
Sarasota Arts Review 1993
Basswood
“Dot & Charley”
“We are not yet old enough to like the past better than the present.”
Lillian Hellman; American Dramatist, Screen-writer
Basswood
Inspired by the many family camping trips throughout the 1980’s, Jack felt the need to immortalize the retired American campers he met along the way. “Dot and Charley” with their dog “Honey,” lovingly portray a humorous glimpse of our aging nomadic society.
Charley Fishing
Basswood with Authentic Props
The most complete and happy time for the artist were the weeks he spent with his wife Jill, young son Josh and dog Salty, traveling around the country visiting campgrounds, tourist attractions and convenience stores gathering material and props and doing research for the “Dot and Charley” installation.
Jack, Jill, Josh and Salty
Sarasota artist Jack Dowd, who has the uncanny ability to bring out the humorous yet honest side of humanity with his chisel, has brought home the bacon from the Art Extravaganza Juried Exhibition in Chattanoogan, Tennessee.
Dowd submitted one of his best-loved sculptures, “Mysterious Visitor from the East” and walked away with the Best Of Show award of $2,000. Dowd was selected by show curator, Brian O’Doherty, former art critic for the New York Times and the Today Show.
Mysterious Visitor from the East Basswood
“Dowd’s humor is in the details, such as in his selection of the personal hygiene products on sale at the “Inconvenience Store”. Part of what is funny in Dowd’s work is that, consciously or not, his characters don’t give a damn about fashion or good taste and seem the better for it. “
John Mendelsohn
Art Essayist / Writer.
Art Historian and Author, Helen Gardner defines Art as selecting and rearranging details from one’s life experience, into concrete forms
Uncle with Gator Resin
“A social satirist, Dowd’s work brings to mind the early caricatures of Hogarth and Daumier, but his parodies take a less moralistic, judgmental tone.”
George Kinghom, Curator, JMoMA
“JackDowd, American sculptor, sculpts America as he sees it these strange premillenial days.”
Gerrit Henry Art News, Art in America
“Future of America I” Basswood with Authentic Prop
“No place like homeless” Basswood with authentic prop
(“No Place Like Homeless”) was awarded at the “Southeastern Juried Exhibition:1993” at the Fine Arts Museum of the South (FAMOS) in Mobile Alabama. Dowd’s sculpture was among 91 artworks chosen by UCLA Wight Art Gallery Director, Dr. Henry Hopkins and one of 12 selected for an award.
in Progress
Sculpture
John Singer Sargent once said “Every time I paint a portrait, I lose a friend “.
Model
Sculpture in Progress
“Soup to Nuts”
Resin
“Westside
Story”
“Dude” Basswood
“Transporting Sumo to NYC Show; My Truck was in Repair”
“Yokozuna”
Resin
Resin
“Camo Sumo”
Resin
“Camo Sumo”
“Tsunami” Resin with Artist
“Yokozuna”
“Art devotees have learned to “expect the extraordinary” from Dowd, when attempting to anticipate his next choice of subject-matter. For he loves to bring unique life-styles to the public attention. “Especially imposing characters, incorporating real props in the total sculpture,” explained Dowd, whose latest creation is titled “Hog Wild,” a rough-andready albeit cheerful biker, twinkle in eye and cigar in mouth, mounted on a Harley.”
Joan Griffith Writer,
“Black Tie, Good Life Magazine’
“My love of motorcycles sparked my artistic need to create a series of biker sculptures. I would seek out various Harleys, Hondas, and Triumphs to buy, refigure and reinvent, to fit the style and mood of each of my characters”.
Jack Dowd
Sculpture in Progress
Detail
Basswood with real life prop
“Born in the USA”
“Roadkill,
“This is pop art, to be sure, but without the intellectual distance that is implicit in that genre. Dowd’s work is excellently-crafted fun and can be appreciated for its good-natured wit as well as for its uncanny accuracy.”
Gerrit Henry Art News
Lucky & the Rat”
Resin with Authentic Props
Florida artist Jack Dowd has become nationally recognized for rendering life-size portraits of unique lifestyles and bringing them to public attention. In his constant pursuit of the offbeat, Dowd moved in biker circles: visiting the Hells Angels headquarters in New York City, riding his 1994 Harley in poker runs and attending rallies and bike shows. These experiences prompted Jack’s “Biker” series, which combines real life props with his life-size wood or cast resin figures.
“He is a nasty dude with a chilling stare. A closer look reveals his pupils are skull and cross bones; his right hand hides a lighted marijuana cigarette.”
Peggy Sealfon Author, Naples Daily News
“Bad to the Bone” Basswood with Real Life Prop
“In 1990 I was exhibiting my work at an outdoor art show in Winter Park Florida when I noticed officer Wally Meyers directing traffic. I thought he was the most intimidating and quintessential motorcycle cop I had ever seen. I knew at that very moment what my next sculpture project would be.”
Jack Dowd
Wally Meyers wasn’t just an ordinary Winter Park, Fl. policeman. Often called the “Living legend” by fellow police officers, Meyers holds the department record for issuing the most tickets in one month, escorting an armed suspect out of a church and for performing numerous courageous feats.
Model Wally Meyers Winter Park, FL Police
Sculpture in Progress
“Make my Day”
Basswood with Jack and Real Life Prop
Sculpture
“Bike Week” Basswood with Real Life Prop
Model with Sculpture in Progress
Resin with Authentic Prop “Hog Wild”
“Road Warrior” Resin with Real Life Prop
Model, Gary Sleezer
“Purple Beast” Resin with Real Life Prop
Dowd will often spend more time and expense on the accessories and details of his sculptures than he will on the figures themselves, once purchasing a $35,000.00 motorcycle to place under one of his bikers and working with a well-known tattoo artist to custom design the skin art to be placed on the exterior of a female character.
Sculpture in Progress
“Legends of Hollywood Boulevard of Dreams”
Basswood with Real Life Prop on Painted Revolving Stage
“Legends of Hollywood” Basswood with Authentic Prop
“For Jack Dowd beauty is found in unlikely places. Often beauty takes a detour, leaving our glossy, glamorous conceptions by the roadside. Dowd’s beauty is found down the back roads of America in the unique colorful individuals who reside just across the tracks from mainstream culture. It brings to light the human condition, its comedy and tragedy, through his assorted cast of life like characters.”
George Kinghorn Director of Education & Curator, JMoMA
“While exaggerating their expression of girth, Dowd stays faithful to his models to a remarkable degree, this verisimilitude extends from posture, to clothing, to real life props.”
John Mendelsohn
Art Essayist /Teacher
Model
“A Women’s Place”
Basswood with Authentic Props
Jack Dowd’s “Ms. America” sculpture was selected for inclusion in Fort Worth Texas National Juried Competition out of a total of 900 artworks submitted worldwide. Dennis Barrie, former director of the Contemporary Art Center, Cincinnati, selected Dowd’s piece along with 75 others for the three-week exhibition in April.
Barrie is known for his outspoken stance on freedom of expression issues including his endorsement of the highly publicized Robert Mapplethorpe exhibition held at CAC held in 1990. Dowd’s “Ms. America” sculpture was propelled into the controversial spotlight three years ago when it was banned and later reinstated in a Hollywood Florida museum show.
“Ms. America” Basswood
“The
desire to embellish the human body is as old as history; yet the tattoo is still seen by many as a startling and antisocial symbol.”
Stephan Richter Author
“Ms. America” Basswood
Jack Dowd thinks of himself as an American, contemporary, social realist sculptor and painter whose style and gravity blend with the significance of the 1930’s Ash Can School; a metaphor for the everyday realities of urban life.
“Future of America II”
Resin
“Dowd’s current vision of America at a cultural, political, and social crossroads runs to darker humor than that of those merely going for proverbial “few laughs.” He has a penchant for choosing as his subjects -- whether seen on travels around the country or on roller blade excursions to the local Walmart – those who are visual paradigms of America society at its extremes, often its most benighted extremes.”
Gerrit Henry Art News
“I Love New York” Basswood
“Southern Exposure” with Jack “Kissimmee Experience Main St” Juried Exhibition “Best of Show Award”
Detail Side View
Southern Exposure”
Resin with High Relief Old Truck
“Southern Exposure” Bronze
“Earth Angel”
Detail
In the many years of Dowd’s travels around the country seeking inspiration for new sculpture and painting projects, he found street performers to be the most captivating; Their spontaneity and free-spirited art form, both visual and musical, brought their joy and meaning to where the people were already assembled. Jack’s favorites were performances in New Orleans, Aspen, St. Augustine and New York City.
“Earth Angel”
Resin with Neon & Real Life Props
“The complex nature of humanity in today’s world touches and inspires me and is the fundamental role in my work.”
Steve Breerwood
You might expect to see the likes of Dylan Thomas or Federico Fellini wandering the streets of South Beach Miami taking notes; And so, it was for Jack who explored this sophisticated yet unconventional square mile of sandy beach and colorful old buildings where people of every possible background dance to a bizarre beat. In this giant stage set and inspired by the writings of Isaac Singer, the idea of “The Fountain of Youth” was conceived.
“We only begin to live life when we learn to accept it on its own terms”
Arthur Rubinstein
“That’s the style of Miami Beach; They are so eager to appear young, perhaps they try to convince themselves that here is the fountain of youth, that death will be confused by their clothes.”
Isaac Bashevis Singer Nobel Prize winning author
(“Out Of This World”)
“When people are on vacation or they retire, they can act a little, as they say, OUT OF THIS WORLD. I see many funny and silly things in Miami, often because many people desire to appear young and not old.”
Isaac Singer
(“The Little Flower”)
“She was most often sitting by herself, listening to the radio…a tiny lady always looking like a jewel. When you first meet some people and ask to take their picture, they can be frightened. A camera can be like a gun to some people. But this woman was different. The minute I started talking to her, she BLOSSOMED LIKE A FLOWER.”
Isaac Singer
(“Moe, A Lamed Vovnik”)
“…a legend that has served to give hope at times in history when things were so hard for the Jews. The LAMED VOVNIK is always out in the world trying to do good, trying to help people. They seem like ordinary people and we call people who aspire to do good to be like them.”
Isaac Singer
“Moe, a Lamed Vovnik has a maniacal, “I’m-still-loving-life” expression on his face as he grits his long cigar in his teeth and grips the racing-bike handles on his jazzy three-wheel walker replete with rear view mirrors, directional, horns bells and carrot juice in a drink holder. Like the biker who obviously covets his Harley, Moe has spared no expense for his vehicle of mobility. You have to love this guy especially when you glance at his feet and notice he’s sporting roller blades.”
Peggy Sealfon Author, Naples Daily News
with Authentic Props
“Fountain of Youth”
Inspired by the photographs and interviews in the book “My Love Affair With Miami Beach” by Richard Nagler.
Basswood
“Jack Dowd’s 27” is a visual, literary and musical portrait of twelve rock stars who died at the age of 27. These legends are celebrated in an exhibition of large painted portraits of each with text icons detailing their lives and a “27 club band” live musical tribute performing a medley of these legends’ greatest songs.
R E A L MAGAZINE
Their goal in life was not to live forever – Their goal in life was to create something that would.
years is not a long life, hardly enough time to leave a mark that will not wash away faster than it was created. Time, as absolute as it seems, can still be as vague as any myth, omen, philosophy, religious doctrine, or history that has come within it. There seems a strange paradox that lives aren’t long enough to understand them and we ask are we writing these stories or are they writing us?
The end of their stories have only led to new questions. Was the common age of 27 coincidence or were they all just part of a rare breed that took just over a quarter of a century to fly too close to the sun? Their iconography will forever be romantically shrouded in the morbid secrecy of quiet lips.
They died creating music, art, and something so full of life and energy it would last years, decades, maybe even centuries. Their memory could go on forever. But we know nothing lasts forever and old age, comfort, and happiness was a lifetime apart from their desperate flicker of creativity.
Josh Dowd, Writer
Brian Jones
Brian Jones was the founding member of the “Rolling Stones” in the early 60’s…he was a talented multi instrumentalist…his innovative use of traditional folk instruments, such as sitar, marimba and harmonica was integral to the changing sound of the band. He was, soon after, overshadowed by Jagger and Richards, diminishing his once prominent role in the band, resulting in his overindulgence in alcohol and other drugs which, in turn, alienated him further from the group.
Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson, an American blues singer was a ruthless, rootless, sly, street smart, womanizing, whiskey drinking hobo with a guitar and gifted ability to pick up and synthesize music he heard in juke joints, on records or radio. His music influenced later generations of musicians such as Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Bonnie Raitt, Muddy Waters, Roy Rogers, B.B. King, Fleetwood Mac, Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones and more.
Artwork photography by Giovanni Lunardi
Jim Morrison
“I see myself as a huge fiery comet: a shooting star… everyone stops, points up and gasps “Oh look at that! …then whoosh, and I’m gone…and they won’t see anything like it ever again…and they wont be able to forget me, ever.” -Jim Lizard King Morrison
Janis Joplin
Janis (Pearl) Joplin, at the height of her career was known as the queen of rock n’ roll. She was the most staggering leading woman in rock.
“She slinks like tar, scowls like war, clutching the knees of a final stanza, begging it not to leave.”
-Vogue magazine
Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain’s band “Nirvana” entered into the mainstream of alternative rock and was considered the flagship band of Generation X. He was a singer, songwriter, and lead guitar but immersed himself in visual art projects as much as he did his music. He was married to Courtney Love of the band “Hole.” Courtney not only lost Kurt to an alleged suicide, but a few months later lost the bass player, drowned in a bath tub, in an apparent drug overdose. Many conspiracy theories still exist today.
Amy Winehouse
Amy (Jade) Winehouse…”What she is, is mouthy, funny, sultry, and quite possibly crazy and it’s impossible not to be seduced by her originality.”
-Time Magazine.
Amy’s beehive hairdo and Cleopatra makeup was inspired by The Ronettes…”Amy Winehouse is a perfect storm of sex kitten, raw talent, and poor impulse control.”
-Newsweek Magazine
Alan Wilson
Alan (Blind Owl) Wilson was lead singer, guitar and harmonica for the band “Canned Heat.” The group started out in the delta blues tradition but got caught up in the psychedelic 60’s and added a more contemporary spin to their boogie. They headlined both the Monterey pop and Woodstock festivals and their song “Going up the country” was the unofficial theme of the Woodstock phenomenon, and was used as the background song in the movie “Woodstock.”
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix is considered the greatest guitarist in musical history. After initial success in Europe he achieved fame in the USA following his 1967 performance at the Monterey pop festival. He later headlined the 1969 Woodstock festival where his psychedelic rendition of the Star Spangled Banner would become part of the 60’s zeitgeist.
Ron Mckernan
Ron (Pig Pen) Mckernan was a founding member of the Grateful Dead. He grew up with many African American friends and felt strongly connected to black music and culture. During his music career in the 60’s and 70’s, while his friends were experimenting with LSD and other psychedelic’s, Mckernan stuck to thunderbird wine and southern comfort.
Jean Michel Basquiat
Jean Michel Basquiat was a graffiti artist and neo-impressionist painter in the late 1970’s. About the same time he formed the noise band called “Gray” and performed at many NYC night clubs.
“He loathed the idea that visual art was appreciated only by an elite group…He was jealous of me because music is more accessible and it reached more people.” -Madonna
“I don’t distinguish between different forms of art, whether it is the visual arts, or music, or literature. It is all an attempt to express something meaningful in the world. For me, it’s all art”
Jack Dowd 27 Club Band Performing during his Exhibition at the Selby Gallery, Ringling College
to
The “27 Club Band” performed to a sold-out crowd on its opening night of “Jack Dowd’s 27 Club” painting exhibition, summer 2012, at the “Vermont Institute of Contemporary Art,” Chester Vermont.
Brian Dowd, Julia Dowd, Sammi Dowd, Caleb Sanders, Jack Dowd, John Reven, Tom Hicks, Rick Stewart, at “Jack Dowd’s 27 Club Painting Exhibition,” summer of 2013.
As part of the exhibition, “The Jack Dowd’s 27 Club Band” performed a concert of the 27 club’s most popular songs to a full house at the Ringling College Selby Gallery, Sarasota, FL
Back Row L
R: Scott Morgan, Jimmy Cole, Wendy Ehlert, Sammi Dowd, Front Row L to R: Trevor Chisholm, Brian Dowd, Julia Dowd, Jack Dowd in Jack’s 1951 Ford Pickup.
June 28
“Jack Dowd’s 27” Exhibition
Selby Gallery, Ringling College
Vermont Institute of Contemporary Art
“Jack Dowd’s 27” Exhibition July 4-Aug 15, 2012
Vitica Detail
Detail Vtica
“Jack Dowd’s 27” Club Band performing at the Vermont Institute of Contempoorary Art Gallery
Triforce Pictures were chosen to premier their latest film “You don’t Know Jack” at the 2016 Sarasota Film Festival. The short documentary follows artist Jack Dowd through his creative process while he designs, constructs and paints a public piano for the “Sarasota Keys” project.
Shaun Greenspan
Ed Fagan
Sal Garcia on Piano with Jack on ABCTV “The View” A Presentation and Performance with Jack’s “27 Club” Painted Piano
“Sarasota Keys” was a highly popular interactive public art project that combined music and art to beautify and energize the streets of downtown Sarasota. The project was created by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County and was developed through a unique partnership that involved city government, local businesses and the arts community.
Unique and artistically painted spinet pianos were available for the public to play, explore, learn, practice and most importantly to enjoy.
The Multi Talented Daniel Landers Performing at One of the Many Sarasota Keys Events
“There could be nothing better than to fill the streets of Sarasota with good piano music. As a piano teacher, I think a lot about how to get children inspired to play the piano. It’s healthy for kids to see adults playing these piano’s and exposing them to music of any sort.”
David Ohrenstein Musician
John and Carolyn
Twinkle and Tony
Sheri Nadelman and Danielle Furst at the “Sarasota Keys” It Always Pays to be Complimentary!
“Soon after my upright piano delivery rolled off the truck lift on to my studio floor, my friend and neighbor, piano expert Larry Keckler, began the dismantling. He removed the outer wood sections from the heavy metal frame to gain access to its inner workings. My “27 Club” piano project proceeded without distraction. I painted detailed images of rock star legends on the external wood sections, while Dr. Larry delivered a rebirth to the heart and soul of my early 1900’s vintage gem.”
Jack Dowd
Judi Chisholm, Mary Lou Reynolds and Jill Dowd enjoying the view of beautiful Main Street, downtown Sarasota, while they are warming up the piano bench for the next “Sarasota Keys” performer.
Last Call Entrance Door Window
Entry Way into the “Last Call” Gallery at the John & Mable Ringling Museum, July 2001
Etched Glass
“Last Call” is a cultural tribute to the vibrancy and social vitality of New York City. In this piece, thirteen life-size figures interact along a 22-foot mahogany bar. This traditional New York tavern is seen by the artist as a common ground for men and women of diverse occupations and ethnic backgrounds.
The bar customers, created in resin and painted in full color, become like theatrical characters, acutely observed and rendered with humor. The kitchen worker, the businessman, the woman selling flowers and the ten other figures are depicted at closing time, in an atmosphere with bar sounds, smoke and music.
“Last Call” Exhibition Ringling Museum
The assorted bras, panties and lingerie idea, hanging from the deer head on the back bar of the “Last Call” bar, was inspired by Hogs and Heifers, a popular Manhattan biker bar. Film star, Julia Roberts, among other celeb’s, was known to dance atop the bar, remove her bra, and hang it on the deer head as a souvenir for the tavern. For his Last Call back bar deer head celebrity souvenirs, Jack purchased similar colorful, feminine lingerie at a local Wal-Mart. He said that you should have seen the look on the check-out ladies face.
Murphy
“Dowd considers himself a connoisseur of American bar culture saying that he has logged in over 80,000 hours of bar-stooling in his 50 years of social carousing.”
Jaclyn W. Foley Editor, “Bartender Magazine”
Jack Fehily (AKA) J.C. with Jack
Pastel 18”x24”
Waitress, Courtney
Paul, Courtney
Lew
Paul
J.C. Bartender
Pastel 18”x24”
Pastel 18”x24”
Pastel 18”x24”
Bar Customer, Paul
Captain and Cheng Cheng
Cheng
Pastel 18”x24”
Andy
Tony
Andy Pastel 18”x24”
Reggie Pastel 18”x24”
Toni, Carlos, J.C., Angel
In the early 1990s, Jack and his son Jon shared a vision to create a sculpture that would focus on the American bar culture. Ten years later that vision materialized into an ambitious art and construction project that would take 24 months to bring to fruition. What was initially referred to simply as “the bar,” became “Last Call,” Dowd’s cultural tribute to American nightlife. The 13-piece sculpture received wide-acclaim and opened at the Ringling Museum the summer of 2001. While Jack conceptualized and built each sculpture, it was Jon who built the state-of-the art props including a 22-foot long traditional NYC-style mahogany bar that assembled like a giant jig saw puzzle; easily put together or dis-assembled for packing, loading and shipping.
Jon Dowd
“Often referred to as a colorful George Segal or a more idiosyncratic Duane Hanson, Dowd extends the borders of reality. His sculptures seduce, captivate and entertain, leaving the viewer with a memorable experience.”
Mike Pride Concord Monitor (2007)
White Bar
Resin
“Artist Jack Dowd, of Sarasota FL has been selected to participate in “Tribute: A Celebration of New York City,” with 13 life-sized sculptures of bar patrons, set up at a personally constructed 22-foot mahogany bar replicating a traditional New York tavern titled “Last Call”. The installation is on display in the Standard Oil Building located at 24 Broadway in lower Manhattan.”
Village Voice NYC (2003)
Jack with “Angel” the Flower Lady
“As a choreographer, I have been fascinated by the depth of expression Jack has instilled in each of his 13 bar characters inhabiting the scene. The attention to detail, not only in expression but in clothing and the artifacts of the locale in a “realistic Pop Art” work which has challenged me to bring each character to life in individual dance language.”
“Working closely with David Goldstein on the composition of the score has also been a challenge. Through the sound track he has created in music, the characters and nature of the various incidents describing their individual stories. The composition is definitely “pop” and includes salsa, jazz, tango, new age, as well as classical styles. It is a choreographers challenge which I embrace.”
“Last Call the Dance begins well before closing time with the arrival and departure of individuals who would normally frequent such an establishment. The choreography and action narrate their relationships as they come and go. This is a humorous piece that recognizes individual tragedies and life experiences in a large metropolis, yet ends with a message of hope.”
Robert DeWarren (Director
of the Dance,) Alla Las Scalla
“Dowd’s art grows from an acute observation of the real, heightened for theatrical effect. Like Norman Rockwell, he sees America as full of ready-made characters sent straight to central casting, each with a story to tell.”
John Mendelsohn Art Essayist / Writer.
Jack, Robert, David
The Premiere of “Last Call the Dance,” brainchild of Director/Choreographer Robert de Warren, opened at the FSU Center of the Performing Arts on April 27 2007. All performances were sold out and both audience and media gave this entertainment rave reviews.
His composer colleague, David Goldstein and Jack Dowd joined forces to make this theatre piece a lively and spirited presentation depicting the true life and experience of a New York City Tavern at closing time.
Actor-dancer, Michael Keating, posing with Jack Dowd. Michael performed the part of Jack (AKA “The Captain”), a biker character portrayed in the sculpture Last Call. (The character being a selfportrait of the artist himself)
Michael and Jack
Jack, David, Robert and Mark at a dress rehearsal days before opening night of Last Call, the Dance.
Dress Rehearsal
“Last Call the Dance” is a superbly entertaining and delightful theatrical event that is guaranteed to have you smiling as the curtain comes down. In an inspired convergence of artistic vision, Robert de Warren’s choreography has given life to Jack Dowd’s extraordinary installation of a New York City bar and its regular patrons.”
Elinor Rogosin Dance Critic, The Observer
“Last Call The Dance” Finale
“In preparation for creating the original sculpture of Andy Warhol, I visited with my friend and neighbor, sculptor John Chamberlain. I asked John to reminisce and offer candid views about his many years of friendship with Andy. I felt the need to be put into visual and physical touch with the late Warhol through Chamberlain’s colorful words and stories.”
Director Producer, David Niles and Andy Warhols personal photographer, Allan Tannanbaum celebrating New York City in a multi-media exhibition of paintings, sculpture and movies.
“Tribute” features “Remember” a cinematic exploration of New York City by Niles, Warhol photographs by Tannanbaum and a monumental sculpture installation by jack Dowd.
“Tribute Museum”, 24 Broadway New York, N.Y.
“Hours were spent with Allan Tannenbaum, Rolling Stone photographer, digging through hundreds of Andy Warhol photographs. Tannenbaum who had befriended Warhol early in the artist’s “Pop Art” days, had earned Andy’s trust well enough to become his personal photographer.”
Jack Dowd
“Andy Warhol” Bronze
“Andy
3 Times”
Warhol’s prediction, “In the future, everyone will be famous for fifteen minutes ”, seems to have been prophetic of today’s culture of reality TV, internet sites, you tube, twitter, blogs and media feeding frenzies.
Andy Warhol Twenty Times is composed of twenty life-sized figures of the artist.
Cast in resin and painted black, these twenty identical figures feature Warhol with arms crossed, complete with his characteristic wig and glasses. The figures’ face, hair and hands are painted in bright colors, recalling the artist’s famed silk-screened paintings of movie stars and media figures, such as Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie Kennedy. This project seeks to capture Warhol’s elusive character.
“Andy 20 Times”
Andy 20 Times installation was completed in 2007, 20 years after his death; This sculpture was created to commemorate and honor Andy Warhol, the great American Pop artist and his provocative accomplishments.
Warhol carefully cultivated his public persona as a super star while exploring America’s obsession with celebrity. He died February 22, 1987; He was 58 years old.
with
“Happy Birthday Andy” is a trio of bright-faced, life sized Andy Warhols conferring in an open space. This grouping has an almost eerie quality, seeming to give new life not just to Warhol’s technique but also to Warhol himself.”
Mike Pride Concord Monitor, NH
Jack
son Jon installing “Happy Birthday Andy” at the Sarasota, Bradenton Airport
“Happy Birthday Andy” installation at Adelphi University - Garden City, Long Island N.Y.
“One’s Company, Two’s a Crowd, Three’s a Party”
“White Lennon”
Hydrocal 32”
“White Andy”
Hydrocal 30”
“Imagine” Bronze 32”
“Imagine”
Bronze 30”
“My Big Fat Great Chef” was awarded at the 91st Annual Allied Artist of America exhibition in Gramercy Park, NYC as well as at the 41st Art on the Mountain show in Wilmington, VT.
No contemporary home should be without “Big Fat” on site in the kitchen, inspiring delicious gourmet triumphs.
“My
Big Fat Great Chef” Hydrocal 18”
“Old Faithful” 24”
Sculpture in Progress
“Touchdowd” Hydrocal 24”
Sculptor Jack Dowd took home Sarasota Art Association’s (SAA) “Artist of the Year” award during it’s annual “Artists Ball,” a costume party held at the Royal Marine room in Sarasota. The award was sponsored to promote quality and leadership among artists and was based on artistic ability and contributions to the art community. Dowd was chosen from a total of 32 nominees. Fully committed artists residing in Sarasota and Manatee county for a minimum of three years were eligible for nomination.
Longboat Observer “Artist of the year” 1993
Artist with portrait of son Josh Dowd
“Hello Dali”
Hydrocal 32”
Hello Dali
Pastel 32”x48”
Mick Jagger Pastel 32”x48”
“Imagine”
Pastel 32”x48”
Robbin Obama Pastel 32”x44”
“Dylan”
Pastel 32”x48”
John Chamberlain Pastel 32”x48”
“I met Alan Alda in 1988 when we became teammates at the annual “Artist Writers Softball Game” in East Hampton Long Island, N.Y. Later that summer I was invited and attended Arlene Alda’s (Alan’s wife and accomplished photographer) gallery exhibition showing her beautiful work.
It was fitting that I was asked and honored to present Alan with my sculpture, “Magnum Opus” (finest work) for his “Career Achievement Award” at the Sarasota Film Festival” in 2001.
That evening, he told me that he was still sore from playing in that 1988 softball game!”
Jack Dowd
Preliminary Sketch for “Arturo” Sculpture
“On stage, I will take a chance. There has to be an element of daring in great music making. These younger ones, they are too cautious. They take the music out of their pockets instead of their hearts.”
Arthur (Arturo) Rubinstein
“I
have found that if you love life, life will love you back.”
Arthur (Arturo) Rubinstein
Jack with Sculpture in Progress using Himself as Model for “Arturo’” Tuxedo
“Dowd’s sculptures draw obvious connections to the Post World War II to the enigmatic Ed Keinholz, artist who employed real-life props to enhance the reality and mood of his tableaux.”
George Kinghorn Curator, JMoMA
“Arturo”
Resin with Real Life Prop
“I am tired before the concert, not afterward.”
Arthur (Arturo) Rubinstein
Detail
Preliminary Working Sketch of Chamberlain for “Virtuoso” Sculpture
Sculpture
“Virtuoso”
Chamberlain with Dowd at the Out of Door Academy Extravaganza, Siesta Key FL
Basswood
Sculpture in Progress
“Magnum Opus” Basswood with Authentic Prop
“Miss Merryweather”
Model with Sculpture Hydrocal
Young Josh Dowd reading to “Higgins”
Brenda Johnson, Brian Johnson of AC/DC, artist Peter Max and Jack Dowd
Judy, Ruth and Audrey Landers with Jack enjoying the Show
“Butler” 1992 Hydrocal
“Smithers” Basswood
“Bentley” Hydrocal
Jack’s sculpture of a “Sommelier” was the face of the 1996 Florida Winefest. “Noble” was donated for auction, as well as many other treasures, with proceeds going to our children charities. A Noble journey for our children. Thank you Jack.
Florida Winefest Committee
“Noble”
Basswood
“The curator of Public Art and the City of New York Parks and Recreation have chosen Jack Dowd’s bronze sculpture, “Man & His Dog,” to be installed in Tompkins Square Park. It is most fitting that Jack’s creation was chosen for this East Village location, as it is the site of NYC’s first dog run.” NY Times
“Man & His Dog”
Bronze
“I am delighted to extend greetings to all those gathered for this installation of Jack Dowd’s Man and his Dog at Tompkins Square Park. New Yorkers are avid dog owners and it is only fitting that this great piece of art graces one of our City’s parks. Sincerely, Rudolf W. Giuliani, Mayor”…
…but the N.Y,Times, N.Y.Post and Newsday newspapers told a different story; “Shocked park officials demanded that sculptor Jack Dowd install a leash so the sculpture would comply with the current N.Y.C leash law.”
Jack with Man & His Dog Tompkins Square Park N.Y.C.
NEW YORK (AP)—”It’s only a bronze sculpture—a dog that can’t run wild, chase cars or bite anyone—but that doesn’t make it exempt from the city’s leach laws.
In the wake of the New York City’s crackdown on leash law violators, artist Jack Dowd, the creator of a life-size park statue called “Man & His Dog,” reaffirmed that his sculpture will include a leash.”
“New York Post”
“Man & His Dog” with Artist, Laughing at the Media
Hydrocal
“Putting on the Dog”
Hydrocal
“Weekend in the Hamptons” Resin
Resin
“Cirque Du Chien” (Circus of the Dog)
Inspired by the book “A Search For The Perfect Dog,” written by Gary Shiebler
“Chaz and Sunshine”
Hydrocal
Don’t forget to grab your beer when you run to first base.
Teammates Chris, Leo, Anna Lunardi with Jack at the Annual Thanksgiving Day Softball Game
The ARTIST AND WRITERS ANNUAL, CHARITY SOFTBALL GAME, East Hampton N.Y. began in the summer of 1948 and is one of the longest continuing traditions on the east end of Long Island. Artists, Writers and supporters come together for entertainment, competition and fun, raising money to benefit local charities that provide vital human services.
Artist Team 2014
Artist Team 2013
Teammates Ray Kelly (N.Y.C. Police Commissioner) and Debby McEneaney with Jack
“Artist
and Writers Annual Softball Game”
Teammate Paul Simon with Jack
Teammate Alec Baldwin with Jack
Teammate Lori Singer (Footloose) with Jack
“Bases Loaded” Bronze
Bases Loaded with Jack Basswood
“Old Duffer” Resin
“Golfer with Eight Balls” Basswood
“Royal St. George” Basswood
“Touchdowd”
Resin
“Holding” Basswood
Sports Journalist and Authur; Howard Cosell
Dick Vitale with Jack Bronze
Sculpture Commission for the Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota
“Winner”
Resin
In 1989, Dowd rented a large studio space on Florida Avenue in downtown Sarasota. Dowd’s studio was next door to Papo Cobian, a mold-maker who had his own studio. It was in Papo’s Atelier where many of Jack’s molds and castings would be created. The proximity to Papo’s studio made it convenient to move the finished casting a short distance to Jack’s new space where Ringling student artists and grads would chase and paint the reproductions. With more sculptures available to sell, Jack’s art business soon would take off and he enlisted the help of his own family. Jon Dowd managed the reproduction and delivery process while daughters Jayne Dowd and Jackie Dowd managed the office, marketing and public relations.
The many years of toting his often elaborate oneof-a-kind bass wood sculptures to sidewalk shows, street fairs and trade shows in the mid 1980’s, began to pay off. He was making personal contact with important gallery owners, museum curators and members of the press. His work was receiving tremendous attention and he was winning awards in nearly every show he entered. The demand for his work soon exceeded his ability to keep up the supply.
Jack began researching the process available to reproduce his original sculptures. After searching, finding and finally perfecting this process, Jack was now able to create limited editions with the same detail and quality of the original.
Daughters Jackie Dowd, Jayne Dowd
Jon Dowd
Work in Progress
In 1995 Jack accepted a commission with a national sporting goods chain to produce six original life-size sculptures of sports legends for reproduction. When the original figures were complete and the molds made, Dowd hired several Ringling College students to take on the challenging tasks of casting, chasing and painting each of the 200-pound hydrocal reproductions cast from the six originals Dowd had created.
From 1996 to 1998, Jack Dowd Studios and his group of dedicated Ringling College art students produced an edition of over 300 sports legend figures that were packed and shipped to 107 stores throughout the United States. These young talented, hardworking artists helped to make this project a great success.
“Chef Freddie” Pastel 32”x44”
“Eat Drink and Make Art” at Jack’s Moonlight in Vermont Studio, where Chef Paul Mattison, owner and chef of several Sarasota restaurants did workshops with one group while Jack made art with their spouses. The focus of the cooks was to prepare light and delicious meals for the whole group of eight couples. Many vegetables used were grown in Jack’s organic garden. Other ingredients were purchased from area farms. In the sculpture workshop, each student artist completed a one third life-size figure in permaplast clay. The finished sculptures were taken to “Shade Tree Studios” in Florida, for molds and casting.
Cooking and Art School, at Moonlight in Vermont Studios
Moonlight Studios, Chester Vermont
Chef Paul Mattison in Jack’s Vermont Kitchen
Cooking and Art Class , Chester Vermont 2002
Cooking and Art Class , Chester Vermont 2007
Cooking and Art Sculpture Class “Moonlight in Vermont Studio”, Chester VT
Sculpture in Progress - Moonlight Studio VT
Jack with Chefs Wolfgang Puck and Paul Mattison
Dowd uses real people as models, but alters and exaggerates specific features. His creations are parodies, but lovingly produced, rather than springing from mean-spiritedness or satire. His focus on detail is extraordinary.
Favorite Model, Artist Stanislas Kostka
Drawing 16”x20”
Pencil
Pencil Drawing 16”x20”
Drawing 16”x20”
Pencil
“Jack Dowd has a big heart and it is that quality of his work- a compassion for the underdog coupled with a certain faith in the underdog’s essential humanity, no matter how mean the circumstances.”
Gerrit Henry Art news, Art in America
Drawing
Pencil
1970-1980 “IN THE BEGINNING”
“Dowd’s assorted characters constitute the formidable summa of a life’s work spent at the craft and art of sculpting. It has been pursued from early youth on and has taken the form, at one time, of speed carving figures out of blocks of wood at state fairs for a chainsaw company. At another time of chiseling half life-size folk hero’s like Captain Ahab, these more for Dowd’s satisfaction than any revenue they may have brought in.”
Gerrit Henry Art news, Art in America
Basswood 1975 Folk Sculptures
Dowd began carving folk art sculptures with a chainsaw at various state fairs around the country in 1972. This enabled him to travel and seek out the most un-ordinary people he could.
Rooted in folk art tradition, Dowd’s sculptures are created through skillful use of chainsaws, hammers, chisels and razor knives.
“As a former hand carved wooden sign maker in Vermont during the 1970’s, I couldn’t resist an artistic opportunity to build a sign for a friend who owned Siesta Key’s popular Magic Moment Restaurant; and then…..there was the money.
After finishing the first side of the sign, I was faced with the hardest and most boring part of sign making; repeating the same image on the other side.”
Jack Dowd
“My realistic but loose style allows the sculpture to seem life-like while not losing the texture and quality of the material.”
Jack Dowd
Basswood Carpenter
“World’s Largest Cigar Store Indian…originally weighing 12 tons, this Indian was whittled down to a mere 10 tons using only three different size chain saws.
This work of art was created by Jack Dowd of Plainfield Vermont in 1972 and is a Guinness book world record…. Santa’s Village, U.S. Route 2 Jefferson, NH”
Open Studio Series is the collaboration of a diverse group of local visual artists sharing their studios with the community. Visitors are encouraged to openly discuss the varied processes with each artist in the environment where it all begins.
2016 - 2017
Duncan Chamberlain, Joseph Melancon, Bill Buchman, Jack Dowd, Elena De La Ville, Tom Stevens, Dasha Reich,Vicki Randall, Tim Jaeger.
2017 - 2018
Barbara Banks, Grace Howl, Bill Buchman, Larry Forgard, Joseph Melancon, Jack Dowd, Gay Germain, Dasha Reich.
Jack Dowd’s Studios on First Street, Sarasota Florida 1991-2020
Eddie Flotte
“Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends, Gonna try with a little help from my friends
Yes, I get by with a little help from my friends With a little help from my friends”
the Beatles
PAPO COBIAN • DANIELLE COBIAN • JANET LEIGH GIBSON
TODD BRITTINGHAM • SANDRA KOOP • FRAN MARQUIS
OEHLSCHLAEGER GALLERY • BOB ZIEGENFUSS
LOURDES ZIEGENFUSS • MARK HERRICK • DANIEL GOFFINET
RACIEL GARCIA • SCOTT MOORE • BRONZART FOUNDRY
PAT COCHRAN • CHRIS LUNARDI • GIOVANNI LUNARDI • ED BERTHA
JIM SHIRLEY • MIKI BONI • PAUL SYKES • SHAUN GREENSPAN
ROBERT DE WARREN • JIM ALLMON • ALLAN FAULK • LARRY KECKLER
PAM JABLONSKI • JON DOWD • JAYNE DOWD • MERRILLEE JIPSON
SCOTT SENIOR • JACKIE DOWD • ROD MILLINGTON
KATHERYN T CARTER • MIKE ABRAMS • PAUL MATTISON • JILL DOWD
HEMINGWAY DOWD • JOSH DOWD • STEVE DOWD • BRIAN DOWD
BRENDA TERRIS • QUOTES BY ARTIST STEVE BREERWOOD
DORSEY GLOVER • JANET (GUMBY) GIBSON • DAVID NILES REAL MAGAZINE • BLACK TIE MAGAZINE
- PHOTO CREDITS -
GIOVANNI LUNARDI • GREG WILSON • DICK DICKINSON
TERRY SCHANK • ALAN FERGUSON • CLIFF ERICKSON • JILL DOWD
BARBARA BANKS • DANA BOWDEN • ROD MILLINGTON
CHRISTIAN LUNARDI
Sandra Koop, Fran Marquis, Papo Cobian, Mark Herrick and Jon Dowd enjoying Jack’s Exhibition Opening at the Oehlschlager Gallery, St Armand Circle
Todd Brittingham, Papo Cobian with Jack celebrating at Jack’s Mold Breaking Party
“I may not always love you, But long as there are stars above you, You’ll never need to doubt it, I’ll make you so sure about it, God only knows what I’d be without you.”
Brian Wilson
FUTURE OF AMERICA III
Michael, David, Hemingway, Matthew, Jilly, Melissa
Jack Dowd played the lead role as El Gallo in the 1975 production of the musical “Fantasticks.” He was very active with several Vermont Theatre Groups at the time. Dowd was fortunate enough to have studied with character actor, teacher and stage director, Jack Manning, in Los Angeles California where he and his family lived for a time.
Jack performed in such roles as Lancelot in “Camelot”, Captain Cat in Dylan Thomas’s “Under Milkwood”, and played various characters in several “Gilbert and Sullivan” musicals.
Alban Richie, Paul Champagne and jack Dowd
“The Lifeguards” (1965/1966) performed in bars, clubs and at special events throughout Long Island and New York City. As a cover band, they focused on playing songs of the era including the Beach Boys, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and more.
In 1966 they were entered into a “Battle of the Bands” competition of the 30 top bands from the New York area. “The Lifeguards” came in second place, only to be beaten by a young group called “The Hassles”. Their lead singer and piano player was seventeen-yearold Billie Joel.
Judi Chisholm, Rob Knight, Gerry Allen, Jack Dowd, Richie Chiofalo and Richie Goldman
JACK DOWD
Illuminating the Human Condition
“I don’t distinguish between different forms of art, whether it is visual arts, music, literature, or performance. It’s all an attempt to express something meaningful in the world. For me it’s all art.”