Born in Bellefontaine, OH in 1914, Jim Flora attended the Art Academy of Cincinnati, where he launched Little Man Press with Robert Lowry, then a University of Cincinnati student. He later established a freelance practice in Connecticut, working for clients such as Newsweek, The New York Times Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Mademoiselle, as well as various childen’s books and record labels.
Pictured here are Manhattan, 63rd Street, Railroad Town, and Back to Bellefontaine. Flora passed away ten years ago today.
I thought this looked distinctly mid-century when I saw it. I have a penchant for illustration that fills the space very densely but is aware of the size of the paper. The black and white drawing almost looks like it belongs in a basement tiki lounge.
Comment by Andy — July 9, 2008 @ 10:12 am
Thanks for posting Maya, I had never heard of him.
Comment by CityKin — July 9, 2008 @ 10:50 am
I’m going to assume the pix here are from http://jimflora.com, but for those reading that haven’t visited his site (hosted by the indelible Irwin Chusid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irwin_Chusid), you need to check it out – great reading and a piece of Cincinnati history usually overlooked. Be sure to read the Flora blog for more detail (http://jimflora.blogspot.com/).
I also wrote a short corresponding article awhile ago on the stalwarts of the Art Academy…
http://acincinnatihistory.blogspot.com/2008/02/art-academy-of-old.html
Comment by Matt — July 9, 2008 @ 11:04 am
Andy, your tiki vibe is not far off! Check out Flora’s records covers as well; it’s fun stuff.
Comment by visualingual — July 9, 2008 @ 5:04 pm