Friedman, Marvin

I've long been a fan of Marvin Friedman's work, from his black & white and color illustration work, to his autobiographical text-image pieces. Marvin has worked for all of the major publications during his career, including Playboy, Boy's Life, Ladies Home Journal, Gourmet, American Heritage, and many more. His illustration work also includes illustrated books and work for television studios. Marvin's monthly work for Gourmet lasted for nearly nine years, and featured some incredible drawing, with wonderfully expressive line work and beautiful perspective. The spatial edge that Marvin brings to his work is reminiscent of Bonnard's use of space. Elements appear to be perfectly correct, but with slightly tipped spaces. This helps maintain the liveliness found in his work. In the last number of years, Marvin has been doing writing and illustration work for Hadassah magazine, including this piece from 2008. For an excellent piece about Marvin's illustration work from the 1960s, check out Today's Inspiration, an excellent illustration blog written by Leif Peng.

Marvin's more personal work of these later years has dealt with autobiography, Holocaust survivors and cancer patients. The work is equal parts powerful writing and drawing. While Marvin's drawing hand doesn't always do what he wants these days, his writing hand remains strong.

Marvin's line is as honest as his content; pure and unadorned. His artwork -- even pieces decades old -- maintains a freshness like it's just off the drawing board or easel. His process is vital to the work, and that process comes across in the finished pieces. Marvin Friedman has been given short shrift in the history of the illustration field, but he's at the very top of the field in my book. I'm honored to know Marvin and his wife Sonny, and am bowled over by their continued generosity. Marvin passed away on May 13, 2012. Rest easy, old friend. You will be missed, but will live on through your wonderful spirit and art.