In the last several years, Frank Frazetta is still the friendly, opinionated, wonderfully talented enigma his wife and friends have always known him to be. He is also a fanatic camera buff. Frank has owned at least one of every camera made since the mid 50's (Leica's, Hasselbladt, Contax etc). He enjoys developing the photos as much as taking the shots. Till this day Frank has at least 20 top shelf cameras in his collection with literally dozens of lenses. One day while signing autographs at a NY comic convention, Frank commented to one of his fans about the Leica camera he had. The fan literally took the camera off and presented it to Frank. Frank almost fell out of the chair. The young inspired artist replied – it would be an honor for me to give you this Mr. Frazetta for a token of my appreciation for inspiring me to become an artist. Frank handed the camera back to the young man and thanked him, but did not except the generous gift. A week later Frank received an anonymous box in the mail. The gentleman sent Frank the camera anyway! All that there was in the box was a short letter stating: Mr. Frazetta, your art has influenced me and touched my inner soul, virtually everything I do artistically in life evolves around you. You are my inspiration, you are the Master. Thank you so much. Signed, – Bernie M. Till this day Frank still owns that very camera and has taken many beautiful photographs with it.
Devoted to his family and a pack of grandchildren, his enthusiasm for life is unmistakable and infectious. Certainly Frazetta possesses a strong ego and seems cavalier with his self-confidence. But at the same time he's dismissive of many of his accomplishments, hesitant to accept credit when it's due. In trying to insure that he wasn't taken advantage of, Frank and Ellie inadvertently fought the good fight for all artists' rights before it became fashionable, setting precedence for the return of originals and acknowledgment of copyrights. |
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