Who is Jill DeGroff? Well that may be a silly question for a certain group of people, but I am here to answer that for you If you've just landed on my planet Operetta!
Jill DeGroff is a top saloon artist and co-founder of the Museum of the American Cocktail. She creates realistic caricature's. She has published books and calendars that exemplifies the true essence of people in the spirits, music, and the writing industry.
I have had the pleasure to know a few of the persons involved in her projects and I'll have to say that she captures every detail of their personality and energy. Jill is talented and gifted!
I have had the opportunity to view her masterpieces in person at the recent art opening in Red Hook, Brooklyn on 1/15/10 at Sunny's bar. Upon arrival, I was greeted first by her lovely son, Leo and then her and her husband, Dale. We had some lovely libations and chatted a little as they was completing the set -up for the opening.
I had to arrive early, because I had a prior engagement and had to leave early unfortunately. With this small time frame, I was quick to step up and look at the creations and study them. The art work was amazing and so realistic!
All of a sudden, everyone started coming in the lounge. I had talked to a few people as I waited on my car to arrive and took a few photo's. As the time came for me to leave, I said my good bye's and congratulated Jill on her great work!
A little info on Dale DeGroff:
He is a world renowned master mixologist/author, who resuscitated the life of the cocktail industry! When Dale started working at the Rainbow Room in the late 80's in NYC, libations wasn't going to be the same again! He created excellent cocktail menu's and executed the best cocktails using fresh ingredients and showing his fellow colleagues the beauty of returning to the classic style of tending bar!
A brief note on caricature art:
Caricature art began back in history when Leonardo Da Vinci drew caricatures along with Monet, and Daumier. The Webster Dictionary said's it comes from the Italian caricare: to load, and that it means exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or characteristics.
Back to Jill:
If you fancy the jazz age/prohibition era life style, then Jill's artwork will intrigue, educate, and please your optical organs.
Caricature info and background credit:
aboutfaceentertainers.com
webster-dictionary.com
More info on Jill DeGroff's artwork:
http://www.kingcocktail.com/caricatura.htm
Jill DeGroff's calendar and book info:
http://www.kingcocktail.com/LushLife.htm
Jill DeGroff's Museum info:
http://www.museumoftheamericancocktail.org/
Photo Credit for top left pix:
Ed Leder
No comments:
Post a Comment