The Potters of Firsk

THE POTTERS OF FIRSK - A black ink and color pencil drawing on a 9 x 12 size vellum paper, circa 1966.

While I was learning how to draw and paint I would occasionally copy a drawing of one of my favorite science fiction and fantasy artists. In this case I copied Edd Cartier's story illustration, "The Potters of Firsk," by Jack Vance. It appeared in the May 1950 issue of Astounding SF, in black and white. I added color to my copy.

Many years later, around 1990 I think, I had the great pleasure of meeting Edd Cartier, who was one of the outstanding Golden Age magazine illustrators. We became good friends, he came to my home, I went to his. The basement in his home had been made to look like an old-fashioned cabaret, there were several round tables covered with appropriate red-checkered tablecloths, and lots of antique lanterns hung from the ceiling, giving the room a unique atmosphere. It was a fun place to meet, eat and chat.

Sadly, Edd passed away in 2008. He was a man of "The Greatest Generation," a decorated soldier-hero of WW2. He was also a devoted husband and father, an outstanding illustrator, a truly decent and honorable man, it was a joy and an honor to know him.