Happy Hog Rot

Rich was a cartoonist I knew when I lived in Venice.  He introduced me to the world of underground and “alternate” comic books — and inspired me to create cartoon-style photo presentations.  Allegedly fired from Hanna-Barbera for his transgressions, he had obtained a gig at the Public Art Center in Venice.  Rich commissioned me for one of my more memorable photographic assignments, to take place in the bedroom of the Hollywood apartment he shared with his semi-pro belly dancer partner — documenting the birth of their daughter with the stipulation that all in attendance, from midwife to photographer,  participate in the nude in solidarity with the vulnerability of mother and newborn.  (I have been unable so far in recent attempts to locate those 35mm negatives in my storage archives, but Rich received some prints years ago.)

Rich on the steps to his Hollywood apartment, 1978