Wednesday, April 18, 2007

A Debt of Gratitude

Brad Kauzlaric in his studio some time during the 1980's.

My dad passed away a couple weeks ago. He was, among other things, an artist. This helped me understand at an early age that it was okay for grown ups to keep their imagination and sense of wonder. Dad never liked this Internet thing, but I figure a few words are in order. This is even vaguely game-related.

Dad loved science fiction. He usually devoured a novel in one sitting. There were always lots of books and magazines around the house, especially Analog during its glory years. I loved looking at those classic covers by Kelly Freas and John Schoenherr when I was a kid. Once I started reading them, I loved them even more. These publications fired my imagination and formed the foundation of my future as an artist and a designer of computer games. As a so-called grown up, I've had the pleasure of working with all sorts of artists, writers and engineers to create imaginary worlds, not unlike the ones depicted on those old covers.



I would be doing something completely different for a living if Dad hadn't left this wonderful stuff laying around the house. I'd probably be a mule skinner or something.

CK

5 comments:

Jeannette said...

My condolences. Your father sounds like someone you can remember with pride as well as fondness.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear about this Clay! My sympathies to the whole family. And I remember when you lent me a few early 70s Analog mags back in 1978, very important to me, so I guess your Dad was very important to my development too.

Old Lady said...

I'm so sorry, Clayton. But I'm glad he left you with wonderful memories. The mule skinning industry may be lacking because of your absence, but it's our gain.

I'd love an update on what you're working on now; I'm always eager for news from you. Hope things are going well.

Old Lady

CaesarZX said...

Hi Clayton,
I'm a Chinese student who just love TA. I want to tell you that a friend of mine and I translated your whole TA-ntient into Chinese and posted it in my one blog(http://caesarzx.yo2.cn/),which is in Chinese of course, to show your and Chris' amazing job in Cavedog.

I really want to contact you and talk about the experience of making TA that you had. Do you use any IM like MSN or AIM?

TA fan: CaeasrZX.

CaesarZX said...

my MSN is welcometoromezx@hotmail.com