Once you have heard a strange audience burst into laughter at a film you directed, you realize what the word joy is all about. ””Chuck Jones, 1912-2002
My experience in Chuck Jones Gallery at Santa Fe: a room full of Looney Tunes on the wall, which bring back childhood memories. Looney Tunes has always brought a smile to my face””the very first time I watched these cartoons as a young child, I loved them. As a child, I was even nicknamed after a cartoon character because of my shy voice and, even today, I am still called Tweety by my family.
The first character I favored: Daffy Duck. He is always funny and silly””wacky, as well. He may be greedy but he also is adventurous.
My favorite episode: “What’s Opera, Doc?”
At the gallery I had the opportunity to see the uncut sequel panels on Michigan J. Frog., as well as books by Jones. One of the gallery’s employees gave me some postcards to keep and treasure.
In addition to Jones’ work, the gallery exhibits art by Charles M. Schulz and Dr. Suess and Disney, as well as photos of Babe Ruth, Rolling Stones and John F. Kennedy, which I also enjoyed.
But Chuck Jones has always been an inspiration to me, as one day I would like to have a cartoon show of my own.
Jones began drawing cartoons when he was a child and wanted his drawings to come to life. Later, he went to college at the California Institute of the Arts in Los Angeles. He worked for Leon Schlesinger Studios before it was called Warner Bros, as well as Tex Avery and Disney. Jones produced films and in 1962 stablished a production company called Chuck Jones Enterprises. He wrote the screenplay How the Grinch stole Christmas and even produced it. He won an academy award for film The Dot and the Line. Jones produced other films such as The White Seal and The Phantom Tollbooth. For Looney Tunes he mostly focused on Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd and Porky Pig. Other characters he also created included Marvin the Martian, Road Runner, Wiley the Coyote, Pepe Le Pew and Michigan J. Frog. All told, he worked on 300 films and won three Oscars for directing, as well as a lifetime achievement award.
Later, he established a Chuck Jones Foundation, to provide inspiration for children, teens, and adults.
All images courtesy of the Chuck Jones Gallery, Santa Fe; Looney Tunes characters, names and all related indicia are C Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. 2011
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