R.I.P. Galen

This is Galen, and "Knotty Man".


Galen was a little man that would hang out at Gypsy Lilies store around the corner from my old studio on 6th ave. I was working on the sideshow freaks series and I needed a model for "Knotty Man". I ran into Galen who asked for a cigarette (which seemed like a greeting in his language). I dont smoke but I bummed three off my girlfriend, and asked him if I could take some pictures of him in return. I said that I would make him younger to balance out the fact that I was adding these boils all over his body. He didn't really get what I was saying, but he said yeah and quickly scurried away to chain smoke. I went back to the studio, happy with my newly acquired reference.



A couple of weeks ago Gypsy Lily sent me a message with a strange request. She informed me that Galen had passed away, and that she was wondering if she could borrow the "Knotty Man" for display at Galens funeral. She said that he was so proud of that picture, and would carry this little print of it with him and tell the story to people.

I said Yes of course.

That was the first time I've shown work at a funeral.
R.I.P. Galen