This picture of Earl was taken in June 2010 at the opening of the exhibition Local Self Portraits at the Hudson Opera House. Earl's was the first self-portrait in the show to be sold--even before the opening reception began.
A regular presence on Warren Street and a unique talent, Earl was a vibrant part of the Hudson scene. His art, on display in so many Hudson businesses, lives on. Rest in peace, Earl Swanigan.
COPYRIGHT 2019 CAROLE OSTERINK
Oh my God. Carole, please keep us updated.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame. What a loss. Earl was indelible, an emblem of Hudson over the last decade and a half. Big. Burley. Creative. Never flagged. Earl was an ingrediant of the force that brought this diverse community forward, Remade it with his own energy, in his very own way. Earl was an ownway person. I know he fell. But his work will stand. His voice graces our walls as it does many, many others in our city. What a shame. What a loss.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to being a wonderful painter with a great sense of humor, he was a unique person - always so much fun to see him on the street, chat, look at all the new work...he was a super-prolific painter --hear his ideas.... So sad. Yes, Rest in peace, Earl
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me how this man continues to be celebrated. Just last year he was convicted of forcibly touching a young woman in town (a matter of public record). A conviction which should have been for assault. I had my own unpleasant encounter with him a few years past as have other women. I am by no means dancing on his grave but to hear that he was unique and a wonderful part of Hudson bewilders me.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone is recommending Earl for sainthood. Part of his complicated self produced some interesting art; part of it landed him in jail. I'd still like a little more confirmation of his passing than that obituary Carole linked to.
DeleteI agree.
DeleteIt amazes me how you want attention during the loss of our love one. Idk what happened and dont care but i do know God see all and right all wrongs. Just respect the family during this difficult time after all JESUS was falsely accused as well. Like i said im not say he did it or not just respect for his family Thank You
DeleteHello, well he has passed away,he will be laid to rest Sat at 2 in Columbus Mississippi Thank you now you can carry on stating your negative opinions, while our family deal with this loss. 🙏🙏
DeleteSorry if I caused any pain. My sincere condolences for your loss. I first met Earl when he was on a crew working to fix my house after a fire in 2007. He was always the first one to any job that needed doing, no matter how dirty or heavy.... Not long after that he appeared at my door, with several paintings in hand. I bought them and that began a long association with Earl -- he called me Peter Pan, I called him Earl the Pearl -- and many good times talking. He will be missed, but always remembered through his wonderful paintings.
DeleteSad news indeed ... But that dose not change the quality of his art, only the price. Dreadful paintings, dreadful.
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteWe were honored to know Earl over many years, to purchase hundreds of his works, and to sell many in our store which went to admiring purchasers from all over the world. I often told people to wait 20 years to see an Earl retrospective at some place like MoMa. He was truly one of a kind. RIP
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteI definitely don’t know all the facts about Earl’s latest conviction, but because he had a prior conviction for drugs, he was pressured into pleading guilty to this offense or risk going to jail for 15 years if he tried to fight it and lost. Earls unique personality and talents are missed in Hudson even if he wasn’t a perfect person.
ReplyDeleteVery well stated thank you
Deleteoh no! i had no idea..am so sorry to hear..he was a staple of our town..one of the few parts of what hudson was into what it is. thank you for letting me know 😔💙
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your kind words about Earl. For those that feel some type of way for whatever your reason. Just know your opinion is your own nevertheless, respect is due to any. Especially,our family during this difficult time as well as for our Earl King. Thank you
ReplyDeleteCondolences to your family.
DeleteEarl was a treasured part of what made Hudson the quirky place it used to be.I am sad to know he is gone and offer his family my sincere condolences.
ReplyDeleteRIP Earl and condolences to his family. He will be missed. He was his own unique person with a unique talent sometimes brilliant sometimes not but prolific and hard working and always energetic. We appreciated him and will miss seeing him. Rest in peace now. Your spirit lives on in your works.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cdispatch.com/obituaries/obit.asp?id=23138
ReplyDeleteI loved his art. Bought a piece a couple of years ago. I was recently in Hudson and asked where I could find him and was so shocked and saddened to hear that he had died. So young. To his family, I'm so sorry for your loss and, also, to his friends and art patrons.
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