THE HEAD SERIES

2014-2024

I met Corbett Reynolds in 1977 when I went to work with him at a wallcovering design firm in Columbus, Ohio. First, he was a supervisor and mentor. In no time, we became friends and collaborators. It was the time of Rudley Elegant, Corbett’s Art Deco theatre turned discotheque, where his theme parties became legendary. I helped him create the early event posters, always saving a copy for my definitive Rudely Elegant collection. Working with him during this period was intense and a mind-expanding experience. It was also brief. By 1981, Corbett had moved on to focus on his singular artistic vision. His theme parties evolved into the extravagant and famous Red Party, one of the early circuit party events across the United States. It was here he honed his performance art on a grand scale. But, he could also refine his performance in more intimate ways. By using found objects, neon lights and color, models, and musicians, he would invite the public to view it “Thru My Eye.” In 1992, after lunch and a few hours together, I was admiring his adonis heads with various protruding objects, and he was interested in a computer art piece I was making. We wondered if a joint exhibition of his sculptures and my digital interpretations of his work might make an interesting collaboration. As often happens, life has a way of changing plans and the years went by quickly. Then, in 2002, Corbett suddenly died. I had long forgotten about our planned collaboration until, in 2014, I found an envelope full of photo copies of his sculptures that he gave me as reference material. Here are my interpretations of Corbett Reynolds sculpture.