July 23, 2009
Following the unfortunate passing
of friend and Inkwell Awards committee member Dave Simons on June 10th, just
preceding the results announced from the second year election, the Inkwell
Committee resolved to take action in an effort to move forward in pursuit of
their goals while retaining the spirit of their fallen
brother.
The Committee has selected
fifteen-year veteran and Harvey and Chesley Award-nominated artist Nathan
Massengill (Detective Comics, JSA, Deadpool, Tellos, Vampirella) to fill the
empty position on the team as of July 7th, 2009. "We look forward to the fresh
perspective and assistance Nathan will bring to the team in its mission to bring
understanding to the craft of inking and recognition to the quality work that
the artists of inking bring to comic book production" says IA founder and
director Bob Almond. Nathan expressed his enthusiasm for the Inkwell Awards’
mission of bringing greater recognition to inking and inkers. “The Awards have
brought light and appreciation to a long-neglected and poorly-understood area of
comic book art,” says Nathan, “It is wonderful to contribute to the continued
realization of that goal.”
The other exciting news is the
creation of The Dave Simons Inkwell Scholarship Fund to benefit the students of
the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon & Graphic Art (http://www.kubertsworld.com). While
details are now being worked out, the committee has already begun discussions
with Mike Chen of the Kubert School and have received the approval and blessing
of Dave's sister Bette Simons. The amount will be for $1000 annually and per the
Kubert School the scholarship will be available for: “…pre-registered students
(i.e., those who have filled out and returned their 2010-11 enrollment
agreements, and have paid their registration fees). Portfolio submissions are
collected by the school and can be picked up after the awards assembly in May.”
The initial announcement was made to a standing applause by attendees at Dave's
Memorial Service in New York City on Sunday July 19th by committee member, and
close personal friend of Daves, Bob Shaw who was in attendance. A special page
devoted to Dave and further info for this scholarship award will be added to the
website this fall.
The next items on the committee
agenda are shipping out the trophy awards to the announced winners, further
enhancing the website (http://www.inkwellawards.com) and this
fall continue with fundraising efforts at the Pittsburgh, Baltimore, &
Boston Comic Con shows, and selecting a new Nomination Committee for
2010.
THE INKWELL AWARDS are a new and
annual tradition set up to celebrate the often overlooked and underappreciated
artistry of inking within the comic book industry. THE INKWELL AWARDS have been
established and overseen by a number of professionals from all aspects of the
comic book industry, including such artists as award founder Bob Almond (Black
Panther, Annihilation: Conquest-Quasar, Warlock), James Tournas (Full Moon
Craze, Shylock, Epoch), Dave Simons (Ghost Rider, Army Of Darkness), Bob Shaw
(Art Dealer: Comic Art House) and Daniel Best (Andru & Esposito: Partners
For Life, The Amazing Rise & Spectacular Fall of Newton Comics!) and fully
supported by Adam Hughes (Tomb Raider, Justice League, Wonder Woman, All Star
Wonder Woman) along with senior DC Editor Mike Marts (Uncanny X-Men, X-Men,
Wolverine, All Star Wonder Woman).