ALDREN A. WATSON 1917-2013
My father, Aldren A. Watson, was born on May 10, 1917. He died on May 5, 2013 at the age of 96. He was a prolific and gifted artist, writer, designer, and creator. He was also my artistic mentor. When I was 8 years old I decided I was going to submit a book idea to a publisher. Dad helped me put together a typed manuscript and a dummy; suggested where to submit it; helped me package it up and mail it. The book was rejected, of course. But never once did my father try to discourage me in that attempt. He continued to be involved and interested in my work from then on. Just a few weeks ago I mailed him copies of sketches from my current book idea, and we discussed them together over the phone.
After Dad's death, I found on his desk a handwritten rough draft, dated May 1, in which he was wrestling with the opening words for a new piece of writing. Next to it lay a rough sketch---of a rotted tree stump, one of his favorite subjects---that he had made just a day or two before he died. And his last book, Waterfront New York, Images of the 1920s and '30s, will be published posthumously by David R. Godine, Publisher. Dad was the epitome of a dedicated artist who continues to create, no matter what difficulties life is presenting. As I continue with my own work, I know that I will feel him there still, at my shoulder---commenting, critiquing, and above all, encouraging. Thank you, Dad.
a beautiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteVery nice piece on your father and his accomplishments. He sounded like a great dad and mentor. My thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteVery nice piece on your father and his accomplishments. He sounded like a great dad and mentor. My thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteYour words about him radiate with love and respect, Wendy. I am thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely tribute, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this! Nice photo, too.
XXOO
I hadn't known your father passed away so recently. You had a wonderful father, his memories and love for you will make you strong and keep you inspired. Your heart is a place where you can immortalize those you love deeply, he will always be with you in your heart.
ReplyDeleteZeba.
<3
ReplyDeleteYour dad's book, "Handtools, Their Ways and Workings" has been one of my all-time favourite books (not just woodworking books, but all books, and I am a huge reader and bibliophile). I am a reproduction furniture maker from Virginia, and this book has meant so much to me. I treasure it still. I think the way that he captured the heart and soul of the old methods of woodworking reflect the character of a great man who had a real deep understanding of his subject.
ReplyDelete--Wm. Francis Brown
Forest,VA, USA
Your dad's book, "Handtools, Their Ways and Workings" has been one of my all-time favourite books (not just woodworking books, but all books, and I am a huge reader and bibliophile). I am a reproduction furniture maker from Virginia, and this book has meant so much to me. I treasure it still. I think the way that he captured the heart and soul of the old methods of woodworking reflect the character of a great man who had a real deep understanding of his subject.
ReplyDelete--Wm. Francis Brown
Wm. Francis Brown, thank you very much for your tribute to my Dad and his work. His love of all the old methods, and his desire for perfection, whatever the medium and task at hand, were one of his most wonderful qualities.
DeleteYour father's book on hand tools has been a source of enjoyment throughout my woodworking career. I'm looking forward to the new book. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was an incredible illustrator and writer. I came to him through his woodworking and furniture books, and have been slowly buying up all his titles wherever I can.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sadness.
It is so gratifying for me to read the lovely comments that you all are making about my Dad's work. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI am sad to read of your father passing. He touched me, like so many other woodworker through his clear writing and drawings. I have also greatly appreciated his Blacksmith book, and years later realized that the beautiful illustrations in my copy of "Snowbound" are from his hand. He was able to portray the weathered line of a board with the perfectly wobbly line.
ReplyDeletePeace to you and your family.
Jason
I enjoyed your post about your late father. On my blog, Tenth Letter of the Alphabet (http://alphabettenthletter.blogspot.com/2015/05/lettering-aldren-watson.html), I wrote about his contributions to the magazine, American Artist. I also included a number of articles from the newspaper, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, which mention his art and sports activities.
ReplyDeleteAlex Jay, I just looked at your post about my Dad, and left a comment there. I was tempted to say much more...your post was so interesting, and brought up things that I had not known about my father. Thank you very much for honoring Aldren and his work in this way. I encourage my own readers to go to Alex Jay's post.
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