Question for Chris

Lon Haverly · 03-29-2002, 02:19 AM

Chris, maybe you can give me a pointer. It appears that I will be writing a biography of Vitt Rogatski, a famous Polish portrait artist who died four years ago. His survivor is giving me an interview next week. She is very eager to help me. I am not the best writer, but his story begs to be told. I have previously outlined his life in a post under "Artists of the Past" under "Anyone heard of Vitt Rogatski?"

This is something I have wanted to do ever since I met the man. My encounter with him before his death was fateful and unique. Do you have any suggestions regarding safeguards and legal matters approaching this interview?

Chris Saper · 03-29-2002, 12:38 PM

Dear Lon,

Writing a biography is a very different animal from an instructional art book, so I am not sure my experience would be too helpful.

You don't say whether you are working with a publisher or editor? If so, they probably have access to the legal advice you might need. As I am not a lawyer, I can't really advise you...if you are publishing on your own, I think you really need to find someone specialized, rather than to try to figure it out independently, as your liability exposure could be somewhere you wouldn't want to be.

From an image standpoint, things I think you'd want to be sure to cover include whether the artist's surviving (spouse?) partner holds or continues to hold copyright to the artists's works (actually this is probably a question of estate law), what happens, and how you can secure copyright releases for all that you would put in your book. Moreover, you would want to investigate whether model releases are on hand and whether they would be necessary, and lastly, whether you need permission from the owners of the artist's paintings prior to printing.

I wish you the best on this endeavor, and hope you can resolve issues easily, as it is too much work and time and energy to find yourself stymied at the eleventh hour.

Thomas Buechner comes to mind as someone who has already gone through this, no doubt in spades.

Chris

PS I think this is such a great story that if you are unable to get past legal hurdles, it would make a great novel.

Administrator's Note: Thomas Buechner wrote "Norman Rockwell: Artist & Illustrator" (click title to see book).

Lon Haverly · 03-29-2002, 11:19 PM

I think it will be a novel based on a true character. I will have to fill in alot of blanks I have no publisher or editor yet. I will probably write the thing before looking for a publisher. Would you advise otherwise? Thank you for your help.

Chris Saper · 03-29-2002, 11:47 PM

Dear Lon,

I wish I could help, as I love the novel (heh-heh) idea..I have married into a wonderful Jewish family, with many passed down, and some still current, tales of history, from escaping the Czar, to later fleeing Europe as Hitler came to power.

As a byway, have you seen the movie, "The Red Violin"? You would probably love it and I think it might be provocative in terms of thinking through a multi generational format, if you think it would work with your concept. It is a story fraught with lust, betrayal, passion, genius, love, (not to mention sloth, gluttony, etc) and every other high emotion you could think of.

Writing a book and looking for a publisher is, I believe, an effort unto itself. One might only hope that there is something equivalent to a "Pens of Genius" website that would assist you. There is a site out there called ipublish.com (?something like this) that offers writers non-traditional ways of marketing work. Look into it as it may make sense, since your initial market of buyers would be pretty easy to target..and I think that proven success makes an entree into other markets much easier.

Nonetheless, it seems that you feel compelled to do this work, and if so, you should.

(If you have not yet read "Art & Fear" NOW would be a good time to order it from Amazon, I MEAN it.)

When can I expect to see the first draft?

With kindest regards, Chris

P.S. You should be ordering Art & Fear instead of reading this ps.

Lon Haverly · 03-30-2002, 02:26 AM

Ho ho! I suspect it will be about twice the size of my first book, 160 pages. I think it will be ready in six months. I would love to show it to you if you didn't mind.

I have a friend who is a full time editor for a local publishing company, Harvest House, specializing in somewhat religious and inspirational material. They have told me that they are not accepting any new authors. But perhaps my friend will be able to get me an ear.

Art and Fear - I will check it out!

Thanks!

Lon

Chris Saper · 04-02-2002, 07:47 PM

Ho, ho, What first book, pray tell?

Of course I would be pleased to help if I can.

Chris

Lon Haverly · 04-02-2002, 08:36 PM

It is just a rambling essay on my thoughts of drawing portraits, drawing in general, and the American dilemma. I call it "Illiteracy In America." If you like, I can email you a copy. I am not too hopeful of getting it published, as it is not really very dynamic. But here goes!