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Mel Birnkrant Presents:
All of the Art on this site is one of a kind, created by CHARLES PONSTINGL, for the sheer joy of it.
He intended it as loving homage to the Great Comic Artists of former days.
The images are based upon the work of many, including some that were created by, and are
“Copyright The Walt Disney Company”. The writing and photography is “Copyright Mel Birnkrant”.
He intended it as loving homage to the Great Comic Artists of former days.
The images are based upon the work of many, including some that were created by, and are
“Copyright The Walt Disney Company”. The writing and photography is “Copyright Mel Birnkrant”.
NOT SO LITTLE NEMO
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Of all the great comic geniuses Charles came to know through the material I introduced him to, it was Winsor McCay he came to love the most. One look, and Charles realized that McCay was the best there ever was. One might even say Charles was possessed with admiration for this amazing artist. And, if this enormous carving that might weigh a hundred pounds, and is worth every ounce of its weight in gold, is any indication, one might even say Charles was obsessed! “Little Nemo” became a subject that he would return to several times. But, this, his first awesome encounter, is beyond words to describe. If this be just a dream, and I’m in “Slumberland”, please do not say, “Wake up!”
How big is this monsterpiece? I’ll go downstairs and measure. I can tell you this: It is more than 4” deep. OK, I’m back. It’s dimensions are: 39” wide by 25” high, and 10” deep. The dragon is carved from a single block of wood, 23” high. There are no pieces added on, or plugged into him. The teeth, the tail, the finger nails, and those crazy things protruding from his head are all carved from one piece of wood! And then his massive body was meticulously adorned with tiny scales.
while Nemo’s friends, the clown-like "Flip", the mysterious "Dr. Pill", and the playful "Jungle Imp" wait in the wings.
“Morpheus” the King of Slumberland raises his hand to greet his daughter, "The Princess", and Little Nemo, as they arrive at the Royal Court, riding in the massive dragon’s mouth, which has been fitted with a couch. The King’s Courtier flies up to meet them,
This was Charles biggest carving, and, by far, his biggest challenge to date. He would never attempt this size again. Eventually, he would head in the opposite direction, and explore the limits of miniaturization.
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Several years later, Charles visited the World of Winsor McCay again. In this fanciful vision, Little Nemo, the Princess, and Dr. Pill, are riding on a flying chariot, drawn by two white horses, elegantly prancing through the Slumberland sky. Beneath them, the clouds are turbulently transforming into wild phantasmagorical shapes, suggestive of strange living things. Flip and Impy follow on a bucking (no Bleep required) bronco, kicking, snorting, and exhaling fluffy puffs of cloud smoke. In the distance, 4” away, the lights of a majestic city glow. The full moon is shining. Stars twinkle in a sky of midnight blue.
This enchanting carving hangs high up on the wall of my studio. This is how it looks, seen from below.
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