| Clowns and other things |
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| In 1980, I went to a circus for the first time, and I fell in love with clowns. I began painting clown faces and eventually decided to become one myself. I have been clowning since 1981 professionally and enjoy it tremendously. |
| Roscoe is a self portrait in watercolor. me circa 1983 |
| In 1983 I had the fortune to see Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey's Circus, and was truly amazed by the quality and professionalism of the clowns that traveled with them. I began trying the next year to audition for their Clown College in Florida. |
| Pogo, another self portrait around 1984 or 85. This is my clown character of today. |
| I began reading everything I could find about clowns or circus, and learned a great deal about the inner workings of a circus, but still did not get to an audition, I set up a tightrope in my back yard, and my brother and I practiced walking along the wire, in hopes that someday we could join a circus. |
| Otto Greibling was a master clown with Ringling Brothers in the depression era, and for many years after |
| In 1987, my mother and I decided to produce a circus for MDA. We contacted every clown available in our small area, and reached groups that trained horses, and other animals, as well as all the gymnastic schools in the county. Our circus was a sucess, and we had a wonderful time. |
| Noe Noe is a British clown whose face inspired me to create Pogo. |
| I never got to that audition with Ringling Brothers, and am not in any shape to be as physical a clown as I was many years ago, but I still enjoy going to the circus and performing for small groups whenever possible. |
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| Copyright 2004 � Chiliric Enterprises, Albert Lea, MN |
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