Tony's helpers

Ah, good taste, what a dreadful thing! Taste is the enemy of creativeness. -Pablo Picasso, painter and sculptor (1881-1973.

I start with this quote because it might be felt to be not  too elegant what I am about to write. A series of people have stood steadfast by Tony Mafia's side during his life which has known many down and out periods. I want with this post to honor these friends who provided him with a means of transportation, who kept him fed, whom he cajoled when his children came to Antwerp so that he could feed them and show them a good time.
In random order I honor: Anke and Sam Nassi, who traded a painting for a car, Dale Root who gave him a very good guitar when he didn't have one, Doug Lyon who let him have his Shell gas card. This is not publicity for the oil company but it was one of the brands where one could by milk and sandwiches before it became a normal thing. He kept Tony fed during a a long time. Doug would also slip him some money. Then in Belgium Paula and Wim van Hees who ended up with a nice collection of Tony's work.  Jim Van Leemput, Guy and Anne Sijssen, the dentist who did Tony's teeth in exchange for drawing and painting classes. Arnold De Paepe, the veterinarian who would give him prescriptions for his heart medication. I should not forget the people of Antwerp who threw a coin in his guitar case when he was busking in the street, often not even making enough money for a meal in 'Het Hofke'. Friends of friends who bought a drawing, the collector Harry Kegels who has a wonderful collection of Tony's work, sometimes being given the drawings or oil, other times when Tony really needed the money  paying a fair prize. The hookers of Antwerp who made their John's buy a drawing for them and thus kept Tony's rent paid. I am sure I am forgetting people, I am sure I don't know all the people who showed kindness toward him.  Yes, he was often a starving artist, living in the dumpiest places without heat... Or alone in a tiny trailer on top of a mountain because it was only 75 $ per month. And even then loosing the land for non-payment...

These are facts.  The story of Tony's life is his story, and he told it well, stylized and lighthearted. Were they lies? I think it was  the truth as he saw it.  Other people involved in his life may have a very different take on what happened, may have had other expectations of him. He was not an easy person, yet most people who met him, where touched and came out a better person with more beauty in their soul.

Nello's dream

So many years later Tony's work still unleashes emotions in Hoboken. Claude, here in the picture of the newspaper which picked up the story, alerted me to the fact that Tony's painting 'Nello's Dream' was in storage in a cellar since the closure of the information center. Not living in Hoboken  anymore, I hadn't caught up on the fact.  So I wrote a kind letter- in the press they wrote a disgruntled letter- made a phone call and behold the district secretary personally hung the painting again against the wishes of those who thought the colors clashed with the wall... Well All is good that ends good and I do wish to thank all who made it happen.

Nello and Patrache

The old story which played out in Hoboken near Antwerp, was dear to Tony's heart. he identified with Nello, who was also a good painter. After some reshuffling in the district the painting had vanished and people who care alerted the blog. A few telephone conversations further and one letter, I am glad to announce that the paiting: Nello's dream will be displayed again in the districts house of Hoboken. Good news!

Watercolor lady

When I was contacted for some information by Kari about the above piece I wrote:  It looks like an early work of Tony. I would guess between 65 and 75... based on other work from that period I have seen. How did you come by it? Was it a gift. It definitely is an original. Thanks for sharing.  Her answer was:

Hi'
So nice to hear from you.. I have had the painting for about ten years. Got it at an estate sale in the fairfax district.  Embarrassed to say first I was attracted to the colors as they matched my bedroom. Well once I got it up, I really loved it.  I see it first thing in the morning and literally discover something new all the time. I think it was months before I realized she was in front of a mirror!  I see new colors,facial expressions and even clothing whenever I really focus. I never researched the art because I just loved it. I have been low on funds and selling a few things in the house and thought "lets just check it out"
Reading your blog has been fascinating and I sure wish I had met Tony. Great to hear she is original, but the whole story is too cool to want to let her go anytime soon!
My husband has the picture on his laptop.and my tech savy is lacking. I will get him to send it to you, but wanted to return your kind note A.S.A.P.  Thanks again! Kari

It is good to complete the collection of Tony's work online. Thanks to all who share their work with the rest of the world.

Family Portrait?

Kim send me a picture of this oil painting requesting some information.  The best I can do is confirm that it is an early sixties painting by Tony. The lady in it could be Anne. The male figure is not a self portrait, but a more Mexican type. This could mean the painting could be from the period he lived between Tijuana and Los Angeles. He must have been in a romantic mood when painting it.  Thanks for sharing

Animals

I received a comment on the post of December 28, 2008: The Animals. I had written it was from de DL collection. It is part of the pictures a dear friend, living in Los Angeles took over the years of Tony's work. That is what it means.

The missing melody

For those who never saw a bit of acting by Tony Mafia here is a rare occasion at Youtube

Tony as a young waiter and very serious indeed.

Thank you David for sending me this link.