S CLAY WILSON…The night that changed his life….
S Clay Wilson was trying to get home from a friend’s house November 1, 2008, the night his life changed forever. We will never be certain if he fell or was attacked, since he has no memory of it. The numerous injuries on his face and head made him look like he was beat up. Two good samaritans found him unconscious between parked cars, face down in the rain, and called an ambulance. (I have tried to find them in order to express my gratitude for saving his life, but have had no success.) He’d suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, bleeding in three hemispheres of his brain. He spent three weeks in a coma, and we had no idea how severely impaired he was for many months. Once he began to speak again we realized he hadn’t just “awakened” to resume life as it had been before.
We’d been flirting since we met in 1968. I have been living with him since June 2000, visited him every day for the year he was in the hospital, and brought him home November 10, 2009. Taking care of him 24 hours a day is a daunting task, but one I am devoted to. He cannot go out on his own or he would get lost immediately, nor can he be left alone in the house. He cannot problem-solve, nor do anything for himself. Yet somehow he is aware of this loss of freedom, and some days I can tell it saddens him.
The days he spent drawing were his happiest, but after the first year at home, he stopped doing it. He did about 15 drawings the first summer he was home, but by the next Christmas he would no longer go in his studio. Yet he thinks about drawing all the time, and frequently brings piles of his art supplies onto the bed. I continue to hope this means one day he will resume drawing. He loves movies, so we haunt the libraries, renting up to 20 at a time. We exercise every day, take walks, and friends sometimes take him to lunch, museums, or art shows.
July 19th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Wilson had such an impact on my generation, and by extension, on American culture. A brilliant artist with a rapidograph, a great friend to us and to our children, and a true topical and comic bluesman in art and in life. All good wishes to you both, Lorraine!
Mark and Katha, Johanna and David Dalton, Seattle
July 25th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Happy Birthday Wilson, I happy to see you are home and doing well.
Love to you,
Marianne
July 31st, 2010 at 4:52 am
God bless you Lorraine. I loved this man’s wild work years ago and still do.
August 2nd, 2010 at 12:52 am
So glad you took a look at this updated version. Glad to hear from you! xoxo L
August 5th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Hello Lorraine,
Thanks for updating the site and for taking care of S. Clay. You’re a tough lady and I salute! Love to you both.
~Dennis
August 12th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Dennis, Thanks for your post! Wilson and I were married on Tuesday, Aug 10th. I’m going to try to upload some photos on here. It was truly a happy day.
August 13th, 2010 at 9:39 am
Very, very glad to find this info. I’m 41 now but I’ve been a fan of S. Clay Wilson’s work ever since I was 10 & stumbled across a copy of Zap #4 (I know, I know — perhaps growing up in Lawrence KS (where I later learned Wilson spent some time in the 60′s) helps in terms of context?). It’s safe to say that I had never seen anything so undiluted & visceral, and I can claim w/o exaggeration that his brilliantly contorted & densely-packed art has remained deeply etched into my poor brain ever since. Hooray!
So yeah — thanks so much for posting this update and I sincerely extend all of my best to you for the care you’re giving him. Good stuff.
August 13th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Congrats to you and Wilson, Lorraine. He is lucky to have you by his side!
Sending all sweet thoughts -
Karin (Green) Moss
August 14th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
Great to see triumph over tragedy! One of the unique talents of this age. All the best to you both.
Love the shot of the old fellas at the hospital. And those socks…
Peace!
August 17th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Lorraine: Wilson has a lot of friends and I happily have been one of them since Kansas days. As you know we shared the Leo spirit and spirits for many years. And yet today, amongst us all, there was no one capable or willing to take care of him 24/7 (understandable of course). And so I am truly appreciative that you are doing this for our friend, as I’m sure are all his other good friends and family. Gracias for doing this. Pam
August 17th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
Pammy…Thanks so much for your words of appreciation as well as your INCREDIBLY generous donation to his Trust! It means the world to have the support of his true friends. He needs so much care and attention, I would be adrift without your loyalty and love. Thank you again. xoxoxo Lorraine
August 20th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Lorraine, you are a beautiful bride! That fellow you married is really cute too. Only wish we could have been at the ceremony to wish the two of you every happiness. I agree with Pam that you have taken on what so many of would never be able or willing to do. Keep doing exactly what you are doing, and enjoy every minute the two of you share.
August 21st, 2010 at 1:50 am
Doug and I are very happy for the two of you!!!! We wish we could have been with you on your special day…….celebrate each and every day with your love and devotion to one another. It’s the simplest things in life that will bring you the most happiness……revel in each and every moment. Le joie de vivre!!!!!!! Love, Duz and Doug
August 21st, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Congratulations! Thanks for taking such good care of him.
August 22nd, 2010 at 11:37 pm
Lorraine, you appear ever more beautiful, & Wilson looks like a visiting ambassador. I wish you all happiness. I know the past few years have been incredibly taxing for both of you, but leave it to you to find a happy “beginning”. When it comes to daunting circumstances, you have never flagged once in the years I have known you, & I can’t tell you how many times I have held you as an example to myself, & it’s kept me going. I’m a happier, better person for knowing you. I keep you & Wilson in my devotion everyday – gentle sea & full sails & wonderful days all your journey together. All my love, Swan
August 23rd, 2010 at 1:32 pm
I was one of those who never quite understood Wilson’s art, but read his stories in Zap and other places just the same. His influence on the underground comics scene is just now being understood. Good luck to the both of you.
August 31st, 2010 at 7:47 am
Lorraine, may I suggest offering a signed “benefit” art print of some type on this site? I know how expensive medical bills can be. I’ve bought a few signed Wilson prints on Ebay, which may be another good outlet for them.
September 5th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
Thanks Ethan. I may do something like that in the future. Please look at the drawings I am posting on here today. MOCA in LA wants to include the originals in an exhibition next year, and we can’t find who owns them. Maybe you would know? Or suggest whom to contact?
September 20th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
Hi Lorraine, I can’t say I know who has those, but I would suggest contacting John Pochna of the 01 Gallery in LA. S. Clay may even know him. He may be willing to help and hosted shows for Robert Williams years ago. If you do contact John, you can tell him his old Friend Luci D. suggested it.
October 4th, 2010 at 1:26 am
Congrats on the marriage and thanks for being there for my favorite artist and father to the most inspirational Checkered Demon! Fight On!
Skip
October 6th, 2010 at 12:09 am
Heard about this site from my friend. He pointed me here and told me I’d find what I need. He was right! I got all the questions I had, answered. Didn’t even take long to find it. Love the fact that you made it so easy for people like me. More power
October 20th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
I participated in S. Clay’s Needs Benefit held here at Low Key Studio, after his incident. Always extremely enjoyed his work & can easily see Crumb’s liberation of style due to his influence. Much Respect and Love to S. Clay, from a fellow comic artist as well as long-term comatosis survivor.
November 4th, 2010 at 12:13 am
Just wated you to know, Mike Johnson passed away. He was a big follower of Wilson and started the Underground Hall of Fame with me (Christine Palmer) at the Bucktown Pub.
November 4th, 2010 at 12:14 am
Mike passed
November 6th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
I was so sorry to hear of Big Mike’s passing. He was always such a character, and called often in the past ten years (until recently)…Wilson loved talking to him and making big plans. I was fond of him even though we hadn’t met in person. RIP Big Mike….
November 10th, 2010 at 5:19 pm
lorraine ,We have never met But I Wish to Express My Love for the man & his Work Back in 1993 i Sent him an airbrush Shirt [I called myself AIRSTART back then] He was Kind enought o Send me a Poster fromthe Museum of the Surreal As a Form of Gratitude….I Have a number of letters from him that I Treasure Greatly ….Unfortunately I Am on Disability [Lymphoma & Neuropathy ] or I Would send some sort of Monetary gift to help out ….Just thought i would send My Thoughts out to You & Let you know YOU ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED …..MUCHLOVE to you Both ….Kenny Webber ……Webber[every]Wear …:0)
November 11th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
Kenny, thanks so much for your kind thoughts. I wish you the best, as well! I’ll take a look on FB…I have no objection, since if it’s out there already, why not!
Best,
Lorraine
November 11th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Thanx so much Lorraine …I Will confine my Scribblings to FB Now We are Friends ….A nice Surprize By the Way :0)
November 23rd, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Dear Lorraine , I’ve known the lad since Dick’s Cafe days and was a member of the Art Squad that met on thurs nights for cartoon jams. I still have some of our artwork .
Thank you for everything you are doing.
Much love, Hall
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Dear Lorraine,
I’m a long-time fan of Clay’s work, having stumbled across it in 1970. His powerful drawings had a huge impact on me. We finally met in Seattle in the late 70′s. I have a signed poster that is one of my treasures.
He’s very lucky to have you near.
Best Regards,
David
December 8th, 2010 at 5:03 am
Lorraine-
Please send me another e-mail address so I can donate $.
I’m having a tough time with the buttons on this page…won’t let me log in.
Thanks-
Andy
December 8th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Steve and I met in Lawrence—when he first arrived there from Lincoln– and we have been friends for 45 years now. I am so happy to hear that he is recovering from his tragic injuries and would one day like to come visit you both. As a kid I lived in SF from ’65-67 and at twenty designed posters for McClure Ginsburg the Dead and such. His has been a life to marvel at —an artist of the very first magnitude– his drawing/ cartooning skills simply unequaled by anyone ever. His between-character-dialogue is the best— the best yet written. If you’ll help me to gather up a few photos, pictures and such we shall write a bio of this fellow that will win Pulitzers…..
He’s a living treasure— he is to art what burroughs ‘n’ balzac are to literature. I live with my family here in Tahlequah— the old cherokee capital in Oklahoma— I paint and write every day— you can easily peruse my work on line– Take care of the ol’ boy and let me know what you need— only too happy to help–
December 23rd, 2010 at 5:41 pm
I was Wayne Macura’s girl during the early 70′s and met Steve several times at many Big Eats in Lawrence. He and Wayne were good friends and I believe I have several originals by S Clay Wilson…Wayne was the man with the belt buckle pulled to the side… and was frequently quoted saying “Bite me crank, matey!” I am in the process of moving, however, will look through my pen and inks by Wilson, and will see if you are interested in having them on loan to the museum. These are drawings that are definitely unknown and have never been seen but by a few people. I will see if I can find them.
January 17th, 2011 at 9:01 pm
This post was very nicely written, and it also contains a lot of useful facts. I appreciated your professional way of writing this post. Thanks, you have made it very easy for me to understand.
February 13th, 2011 at 9:49 pm
I hope things will turn for the better. I cried when i read about this.
I was not even born when these guys ruled, but from early own i really loved his art and that was not something to come by as i live in Finland.
I hope all the best. I understand how he must feel, i was mugged a year and a half ago myself, and i am having a “minor” brain injury. I own my life to the witness who called the police. But even today as with those people caught its still no fun.
I wish i could in anyways help, but alas i am broke as i am trying to be an artist myself.
February 13th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
Hell with Crumb, S. Clay Wilson should have done that illustrated bible.
March 19th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
I’ve read his stories – nothing that I ever could show my parents ! And the characters were totally nasty ! Still, I was surprized to find that he is dealing with brain damage from an unexplainable trauma (Accident ? Attacked ?), but can still draw, tho he now can’t care for himself.
He’s older than I am…
March 25th, 2011 at 5:43 am
Perhaps Pissgums and Fatima came to some conclusions before they went down with the ship.
April 18th, 2011 at 5:04 am
Lorraine,
I am glad to see the update, though sad to see the latest. I am sure many people have thanked you for the wonderful care you have give Steven. I am hoping that at some point in the future he will be able to venture out into the world of his adoring fans. I have a few posters and many Zaps and have enjoyed them all. I am still very sad about this whole thing I am hoping there are not too many people trying to take advantage of him, I am sure you will protect him.
All my best
Gary Willoughby
April 24th, 2011 at 3:37 am
Hi. Zap was a critical influence on me, and a lot of other Akron, Ohio folk. I’ve done mostly fundraising and grantmaking for a lot of years. I’d be happy to help look into prospects like the Pollack/Krasner grants: http://www.pkf.org/foundation.html
Fleishacker in SF may be receptive: http://www.fleishhackerfoundation.org/grants.html
Gottlieb: http://gottliebfoundation.org/grants/
There are likely more, but I don’t have a lot of information. Thank you for your efforts, and let me know if I can help.
Dan
June 28th, 2011 at 8:42 am
Hi Lorraine, very saddened to hear of what has happend to S. Clay!
But very glad to hear he is still with us. that means alot. Can you please forward him this and show it to him? I would appreciate it, and think he will get a kick out of it!
Dedicated to S. Clay!
http://allofmyheroes.blogspot.com/2011/06/got-milk.html
my lactating <3 letter to the underground cartoonists.
Thanks S CLay!
-Jeaux
July 27th, 2011 at 9:28 am
Hi Lorraine! I received your message on my formspring, and here was my reply: http://www.formspring.me/JEAUX/q/220333830941212272 Thanks for taking the time to message me back, i appreciate it. Please say hi to S Clay for me, and give him a hug too.
Thanks again.
-Jx
July 31st, 2011 at 1:24 am
Lorraine,
I happened upon this wonderful website by accident and recognized your name and picture. I have not seen you for many years since Essex. It’s been a long time and I’m glad to see you doing well. Congratulation on your marriage to S. Clay Wilson, I do remember his work. You have not changed at all. Just in case you don’t remember me, I was married to Billy Collins. Your doing great things, good luck to you. Tina Collins
August 10th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
Tina! So glad to hear from you. I will email you soon. xoxoLorraine
November 5th, 2011 at 5:14 am
i am really saddened by what has happend to mr. wilson i have admired his work all my life and knew nothing of this brutal happening…i have no money to send but i’ve got him in my mind beyond words….thanks to you for helping him….
December 4th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
Hello, I have been a fan of Mr. Wilson’s artwork for (can it really be?) almost 40 years, since I first discovered ZAP and the other “underground”comix while in college. I always eagerly sought out any further publications over the years featuring his work. I am sorry to hear about his injury, and hopefully his health will continue to improve. I will forward a check, after all the wild, fascinating art, characters and stories he’s given us all its a small way of saying thanks, S.Clay. All the best, and continue to recover. Mark.
January 8th, 2012 at 8:11 pm
All love and regards to the father of that unforgettable Martian Popeye, The Checkered Demon. I see in S. Clay’s balls-to-the-wall and utterly uninhibited style more than a revolution: his drawings continue to teach me that there is a Lascaux in the pit of every human stomach, filled with our secret scribble-story, and that for whatever anybody else might say, the most perfect thing anyone can do is to be true to that.
January 18th, 2012 at 9:58 pm
I just found out about Wilson’s condition when his biographer emailed me a request for some history. I’m pained as all of us are. Wilson and I started corresponding 35 years ago when I sent him a short twisted piece of fiction and he wrote back with a water color illustrating the piece. I commissioned him to illustrate a piece by william burroughs i was publishing in a seattle punk magazine i edited a few years later. “The Popcorn Kid.” We met a few times in SF, Seattle and LA. I used to send him my current crime novel – he loved freebies as much as I did – and he sent me homemade postcards and posters of his latest show. Please tell Wilson that Ferrigno has nothing but admiration and best wishes for him. I don’t know if he’s reading or capable of following what you read to him, but I’d be happy to send him one. email me with a mailing address.
Robert Ferrigno