storytelling then and Now with the Inspiration of Great Artists
As we rise from the ashes at the end of 2025… in many cases, seeing our democracy, rights and beliefs being callously removed, there is a sense that we may never recover. But, for survivors like me, we search for things that bring comfort.
Continuing with my fascination with storytelling - It’s the heart and soul of what steels our resolve, warms our hearts and gives us hope during a very frenetic time!
I have heard some remarkable true stories in some cases, living adjacent to men and women twenty years my senior in the community in which I live. Their resilience, their moral compass, their strong religious beliefs, their ability to have done without all creature comforts, live with many challenging medical conditions and ultimately find a way to be happy and thrive in their own ways is truly inspirational!
Norman Rockwell-
What better example of storytelling than the icon whom I consider,
‘The father of storytelling through painting’ - Norman Rockwell from Stockbridge, Massachusetts -(February 3, 1894 – November 8, 1978) who was an American painter and illustrator; -(Creator of the covers for The Saturday Evening Post magazine over nearly five decades).
***HOWEVER, I tried for three months to get permission to feature a select few of Rockwell’s art as a master storyteller in his own right. The person in charge was too busy to attend to my request after much effort on my part in seeking use the proper way! ‘So frustrating and a waste of time! To me, Rockwell was the creative genius doing in one frame what award- winning videos accomplish today!
RATHER than waste more time, and after more research, I chose to feature some illustrations by another artist who also seemed to capture life at its most charming moments! He too was master storyteller with Connecticut ties.
Consider the artwork above called Penny Candy- by Steven Dohanos’ rich and colorful portrait seems to jump off the canvas portraying a common occurrence in the 1950’s American life. A little boy wearing his Howdy Dowdy rough and tumble costume, takes a break to select a piece of candy. The general storekeeper is obviously bored waiting for the boy’s selection. The vivid colors, shading and attention to detail evokes a realism seldom found today.
The simplicity of the subject matter speaks volumes and gives the viewer a warm feeling that conjures up all kinds of possibilities as to what the backstory might be. What would the store manager really like to be doing? Did the little boy with his torn shirt get into a fight, and therefore thought he deserved a reward? what would the boy be like in adult life?
ARTIST STEVAN DOHANOS was known as a sensitive portrayer of common objects. His careful observation of everyday things began during his childhood in the mill town of Lorain, Ohio, where he was born in 1907, the son of Hungarian immigrants. From an early age, Dohanos worked to contribute to the family budget, and left school as soon as he could at age 16.
He died July 4, 1994 in Westport, CT.
He worked his way into a white-collar job in the steel mill office, and spent his free time copying the pictures on the calendars that hung on the walls. Before long, co-workers were offering to buy his drawings. He charged fifty cents apiece, then a dollar, and eventually a dollar fifty for a copy of a Norman Rockwell Post cover.
Inspired by this success, Dohanos decided he might have a future in art. He took a correspondence course, and then went to night classes at the Cleveland Art School, eventually taking a job as an apprentice in lettering at a commercial art studio. At the same time as he honed his technical skills, he also developed his fine art ability – which he liked to call his “Sunday painting” – and in 1932 won first prize at the Cleveland Art School for a group of engravings.
In 1935, Dohanos was offered a position at an agency in New York. He took a leave of absence in 1936 to work for six months in the Virgin Islands as a member of a U.S. Treasury Department art project. It was an enlightening and productive time: he developed a completely new style of painting, portraying the brilliant colors of the tropics in a manner both rugged and exquisitely detailed. The resultant paintings were popular; Eleanor Roosevelt bought three.
He also created ads for Maxwell House Coffee, Four Roses Whiskey, Pan Am Airlines, Cannon Towels, John Hancock Insurance . Having battled tuberculosis, he created Christmas Seals for the National Tuberculosis Assn.
His career blossomed. He was in demand both for advertising and illustration assignments, and he was also commissioned to paint murals in public buildings in West Virginia, West Palm Beach, and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. He was determined to try for the coveted job of creating covers for The Saturday Evening Post, and in 1943 he succeeded.
In later years he designed over forty stamps for the United States Postal Service, and served as design coordinator for the Citizen Stamp Advisory Committee.
Dohanos was known for taking infinite pains in creating his illustrations. Often they harked back to people and places from his childhood or incidents he observed in rambling about the countryside. Whatever scenes they represented, his paintings were illuminated by his kind, earthy humor and his passionate love for the American scene.
Dohanos’s No Passing artwork depicts a theme we are all very familiar with …whether in 1954 or 2026… The hassle of bumper to bumper traffic in the summer trying to get to your destination! In this case, it is an old Model T truck poking along at a snail’s pace.
Samples of Norman’s Work for Modern Storytelling- ( Not pictured)
New Kids in the Neighborhood - (1967) At the height of the civil rights movement, this painting illustrates the curiosity and apprehension of caucasian and black children, new neighbors ‘sizing each other up.’
In 2025, it could be any ethnicity or culture internationally
If you would like to join me in creating/ finishing a new story… I would begin with….
The moving van pulled up to the curb. A car followed behind the children who had a different skin color, and faces. They were dressed in neatly pressed clothes and short hair. They got out of the car and stared at us. We didn’t know what to say to each other. Should we shake hands? Could they be our new friends? ….
How would you finish the story for 2025-26?
2) Second Holiday ( 1939) (Not Pictured)This painting supposedly tells the story of an elderly couple who lives in a small town, not having travelled in 40 years. The couple has been advised to travel to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota as the wife has a serious illness which each are aware of, but do not discuss.
Creating /finishing this story with a modern twist -
Mr and Mrs. Clancy visited the local health clinic. They recently lost their health insurance and don’t know where to turn…..
How would you finish the story for 2025-26?
3) High Dive” - (1947) (Not pictured) This painting depicts a young boy, modeled by Rockwell's youngest son Peter, hesitant to jump off a 20-foot high dive. It says it all…. Speaks of the terror of highs, not wanting to disappoint, a rite of passage for athletic prowess and maturity.
Creating/finishing the story for our current times…
Peter may be considered a ‘nerd’, as he excels in computer technology and is a frequent reader of mystery novels.
Kids in school have teased and bullied him for not joining any sports teams. On a dare, he decided to stand up to the bully and jump off the high dive… even though he was terrified.
How would you finish the story for 2025-26?
Writing/ Storytelling Projects by Donna R. Gore
****If you have an unfinished story to tell… or need to know how to begin, I can help with my years of experience with professional and personal writings.
It’s much more difficult than it appears for most people.
I can assist with the small, medium or large storytelling, depending upon your needs, your time frame and willingness to compensate for my time and skill. If it’s important, it’s worth it! ***Fees are specific to the project.
Don’t delay… make a goal to contact me for 2026 and let your story demonstrate the heart, the conviction, the emotion and the inspiration it deserves!
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Thanks, and Happy Valentine’s Day to all! Please leave me your comments
Donna
