1990's

His recovery sparked a creative renewal and in the early 1990's Frank reemerged in to the market. He allowed a few of his originals to be sold at auction at Sotheby's and Christie's, where they went for high five-figure sums.

Frazetta finished a lovely oil entitled "The Princess and the Panther" and it was used on the cover of Heavy Metal magazine. This was followed by the publication of Small Wonders in 1991, a book by Kitchen Sink Press devoted to reprinting many of Frazetta's funny-animal drawings from the 1940's. This was closely followed by the publication of Kitchen Sink's Pillow Book, a collection of Frazetta's watercolors from many stages of his career. Most of these watercolors were personal productions designed to be given as presents on certain holidays (Ellie would often encourage Frank to paint her a watercolor for Christmas, Mother's Day, etc.) or simply done to amuse himself. The book has a small selection. There are another hundred images that have never been seen before.

Renewed interest in the work of Frazetta reached a fever pitch in the middle 90's. A number of people arose with new projects and ideas. Randy Bowen convinced Frank to help him co-create a bronze sculpture of Frazetta's signature oil, The Death Dealer . Glenn Danzig, a longtime Frazetta fan, collector, and emerging rock star, decided to begin his own publishing company, Verotik. He commissioned Frank to produce a book of pencil drawings based on monsters and demons. This extraordinary volume was intitled, Illustrations Arcanum, and it immediately became a wild hit. The quality of the art and the beautiful production values blended to energize Frazetta's name in the art world. Danzig followed this success with a series of Death Dealer comics, other assorted fantasy-supernatural theme productions, a series of sculptures based on Frank's Fire and Ice models, and a new character entitled, Jaguar God, for which Frazetta painted several amazing oils. Danzig's company presented the Frazetta name to the newest generation and they responded.
Frank with friend Russ Cocrans chimp.

Cover to The Frazetta Pillow Book, Kitchen Sink Press [Northhamton. MA, 1994]

The Frazetta Pillow Book
The Frazetta Pillow Book provided a surprising glimpse of a more whimsical (if no less erotic) side to the artist. Filled with a charming selection of nude gnomes, fairies, and nymphs, the book showcased Frazetta's proficient skill with watercolor. "nearly all the paintings were done as gifts to me or for family," Ellie Frazetta explains. "They show the playful, fun-loving side of Frank I have known all my adult life.

FRANK FRAZETTA BIOGRAPHY
NEXT PAGE
 1990: PAGE 2 | PAGE 3 | PAGE 4 : 1940

© 2006 All Rights Reserved