This is a panel from my upcoming nonfiction graphic novel “Crescent Hotel” illustrating the marble, lobby fireplace during Norman Baker’s reign. After having been run out of Iowa for practicing medicine without a license Baker moved his cancer patients to the Cresent Hotel in Arkansas in the late 1930’s. He transformed this Late Gothic /French Renaissance/Romanesque style hotel into his strange cancer hospital and health resort which was festooned with carnival-like art deco motifs and utilizing his signature color purple throughout.
The Goat Gland Doctor
Here’s a watercolor detail of mine. While researching Baker I came across John Brinkley; 1885–1942, an American quack/demagogue who claimed to be a doctor with no medical education. The "goat-gland doctor, achieved fame and wealth through the xenotransplantation of goat testicles into humans and claimed the technique was a panacea for male ailments. His demagoguery and fraudulent treatments caught up with him. He died penniless as a result of malpractice, wrongful death and fraud suits brought against him.
September Events
I’ll be giving a series of presentations and exhibits on my upcoming nonfiction graphic novel in the coming months. Here are a few for September.
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History Presentation Monday, September 13, at 6:30 p.m. (online presentation)
Rogers Public Library September 14, 12:00-1:00. PPT Presentation
Legends group exhibition September 15-December 8 (Bradbury Art Museum, AR State University, Jonesboro, AR) An Exploration of Contemporary Storytelling from Frame to Experience.
