Draft:Jim Rumph

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  • Comment: The tone here is clearly not appropriate for an encyclopaedia. " unique artist " "unique and whimsical ceramic creations" "iconic pieces" "most famous pieces" " Despite his vibrant social life" " tragically died" " legacy continues through his unique and cherished art pieces celebrated and collected by enthusiasts worldwide" Theroadislong (talk) 17:03, 15 July 2024 (UTC)

Jim Rumph
Born
James Kelsey Calhoun

(1942-08-17)17 August 1942
St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Died1 September 1993(1993-09-01) (aged 51)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Known forceramics, sculpture, painting, drawing
SpouseDaryle Ann (Powelson) Rumph
Parents
  • Alan Duncan Calhoun (father)
  • Patricia Rassieur Kelsey (mother)

James Calhoun Rumph (August 17, 1942 – September 1, 1993).[1] was an American artist noted for his ceramic creations characterized by a whimsical and imaginative style. His work often featured fantastical creatures and humorous themes, distinguishing him within the field of ceramic art.

Early Life

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James Calhoun Rumph was born James Kelsey Calhoun, in St, Louis, Missouri. Tragically, his father, Alan Duncan Calhoun, died when James was only three months old. His mother, Patricia Rassieur Kelsey, later remarried, and James took on the last name of his stepfather, becoming James Kelsey Calhoun Rumph. Throughout his life, he signed his works with variations of his full name, reflecting his complex family history.

Artistic Career

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Jim started selling his artwork (drawings) in the third grade[2]. Rumph was an artist celebrated for his distinctive and whimsical pottery, notably his tankards, mugs, and sculptures. His renowned works showcased intricate, fantastical designs that frequently integrated elements of fantasy and humor. Rumph's career was marked by his association with several well-known companies, including Ceramarte of Brazil, Image Products, California Originals, and Berney Karp. Rumph often used his company name of "Mind Circus" to mark his products.

He operated out of the Slyme Factory, his studio in Santa Monica, where he produced many of his notable works. The Slyme Factory became a hub of creativity and innovation, attracting various artists and fans of Rumph's work.

Some of his acclaimed pieces were his mass-produced Star Wars tankards, especially the Chewie one, which was George Lucas' favorite.[3] Darth Vader and Obi-wan Kenobi tankards were also mass-produced from the Star Wars movies.

Additionally, he designed tankards modeled after Admiral Kirk and Mr. Spock from the Star Trek II movie, along with a Superman mug inspired by the 1978 film.

Jim's E.T. piggy bank sculpture was featured on the cover with Steven Spielberg's mother, Leah Adler, in People Magazine in 1982[4].

His inspiration came from his heroes - Ray Bradbury, Carl Sagan, Frank Frazetta, Isaac Asimov, and Alec Guiness.[5]

Rumph also explored film, creating two animated films and a live action film-fantasy[6].

Personal Life

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Rumph's personal life was as colorful as his art. He was known for his larger-than-life personality and his love for the unconventional. His alter ego, "Dr. Rumph[7]," a black-haired, mustachioed trickster, appeared in several of his works and became a signature character in his art. Jim married Daryle Ann (Powelson) Rumph, who preceded him in death in 1991. He lived in various locations in California, including Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica, where he mingled with other artists and celebrities. Despite his active social engagements, Rumph faced hardships, including periods of financial difficulty and personal loss.

Death

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Jim Rumph passed away on September 1, 1993, after being struck by a moving vehicle[8].

Legacy

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His death marked the end of an era for many who knew him, but his legacy endures through his distinctive and esteemed art pieces, celebrated and collected by enthusiasts worldwide. Websites have been dedicated to cataloging and preserving his unique creations, ensuring that his legacy endures.

Jim Rumph's art remains a testament to his creative genius and his ability to bring humor and imagination to life through ceramics.

References

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  1. ^ "THE RUMPH - Jim Rumph Biography". therumph.com. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  2. ^ Magid, Ron (August 1986). "Catacomb". MonsterLand (12): 22–23.
  3. ^ Vilmur, Pete. "This Majestic Wookiee Mug, One of the First Star Wars Collectibles, Still Impresses". StarWars.com. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  4. ^ "RUMPH! WORLD". November 14, 2021. Archived from the original on November 14, 2021. Retrieved July 5, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  5. ^ Magid, Ron (October 1986). "An Interview With Jim Rumph". The Halloween Gazette. 1 (2): 4–8.
  6. ^ "Welcome to the Slyme Factory". Cobblestone. Los Angeles. October–November 1975. p. 7.
  7. ^ Riley, John (May 28, 1972). "Casual Horror. The Unusual Knight. Rumph". Los Angeles Times West. Los Angeles: 14.
  8. ^ Wilder, Sam (June 2007). "things that go Rumph in the night". Housetrends. 6 (3). Greater Cincinnati: 150–151.
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