As an illustrator that deals primarily in faces, I find myself always looking for subjects that are interesting to draw. Sometimes, the subjects are attractive (Traci Lords, Sean Young, Brad Pitt), but most often, I would consider them interesting. Faces that have something that grabs the viewers attention.
Larry Fine had one such face. If you watch any of the Three Stooges reels, and keep an eye on Larry, you can observe him always selling the scene. No matter what the action, or silliness the others get up to, Larrys rubber faced antics are always a joy to watch.
Another performer with an interesting, yet tragic face was Rondo Hatton. He was billed as the Creeper in films of the day, due to his features distorted by acromegaly, and never really got the credit he deserved for his perfomances.
A person who did manage to get credit for his expressive face and crazy getups, was Lawson Deming, known and loved by many in the midwest as Sir Graves Ghastly. It was his imaginative show that set me and many other children down the road to loving art and horror film. In addition to his memorable characters, he used to feature childrens drawings in a televised gallery that inspired a whole generation to pursue art.
Thinking back on your own childhood, was there anyone whose interesting face stands out for you?
