Talk:Chester Commodore

An Artist at many Levels

I was fortunate enough to have spent a considerable amount of time with Chester in the late 80's in Colorado Springs, CO.

In addition to his well known talents as a political cartoonist, Chester was a master model builder and creator of many works of art. Chester was a "scratch" model builder, creating masterpieces with balsa, brass tubing and any other item which would suffice. One example of ingenuity was the working 'z' guage model locomotive in which the steam tank was the aluminum top section of a ballpoint pen. The detail displayed in this work as well as others were astounding showcases of his talent.

Chester also built complete replicas of vintage lionel train sets, including books, cars and boxes. The craftmenship exhibited by these creations was yet another demonstration of his talents.

Chester had a genuine way with words. He possessed an uncanny ability to tell a story, using the same attention to detail as his models. While you listened, you were able to paint a re-creation in your mind as he went along.

Chester's professional works as well as his works as a hobbyist, would be an inspiration to any artist to strive to be the best they can be regardless of your circumstances.

While there were many roadblocks placed in front of him throughout his life, his talent remained constant.

--Peter Gnas