Bob Arneson was a visionary with a giant sense of humor. He was also a dear friend. His prolific career
influenced my direction as an artist. Bob studied classic Greek and Roman busts and incorporated many
elements of these iconic images into his portraits, of himself and others. The classic architectural column
raised the subject onto an ivory tower, the bust became monumental. The image gained dignity on the
column, resembling a deity.
My image of Robert Arneson borrows many of his favorite symbols, his Bouvier dog Ace, his favorite
Wild Turkey bourbon, and the putti are the monkey symbol found on his favorite Big Ben denim shirts.
The sunshine in Bob’s life was his wife, Sandy Shannonhouse. She cared for Bob and his family, more
importantly was his inspirational muse.
The “Thot Process” is something Bob illustrated in his life’s work. The campy finger gun shoots an idea
into Bob’s brain and comes out the other ear as embroidered works of art. The play on words is an
Arenson-ism, spelling like they sounded. Bob’s column is cracked, a favorite Arneson theme, everything
is broken. The interior of the column is made of signature Arneson bricks. The initial A is for Arneson,
Ace the dog, and Bob’s favorite team; the Oakland A’s. One of Bob’s favorite expressions was GLIL: Good
luck in life.
In place photos:
