Story Corps was gathering stories at the Orlando Public Library. The Library is the proud winner of the IMLS National Medal which allowed them to fund this project. Two friend or family are interviewed together creating an open conversation. Though people stated by talking about their love of the library the conversations could be about anything when they sat down with the Story Corp interviewer in a separate room. I had about 15 minutes at a time to sketch and learn a little about each couple as they filled out paperwork.
Mark and Chris Beverly are a father and son. Mark founded a Veteran Entitlement Non Profit organization which helps vets with their medical claims. This is his passion and he handed each of us his card so we could learn more about the organization. Next I was surprised to meet Carolyn McClendon who used to work with me at Walt Disney Feature Animation. The studio closed in 2004, so the last time I might have seen her was 14 years ago. It is a shame we didn’t have time to catch up. She now works as a librarian in one of Orlando’s tougher neighborhoods. She was with another librarian since I noticed they both wore the same badges.
Randall Smith was there with his daughter Chelsea. He had an easel and samples of his daughter’s work. I vastly admire her work which is done with a Renaissance era technique of etching on copper plates. Her line drawings are of mystical creatures which are drawn with infinite spiraling patterns. She actually gave me a sample piece which was of two rams. The spiraling patterns seemed to go so well with her long flowing hair so I did a quick study on the sketch I did of her and her dad. At art fairs people approach him thinking he is the artist and he directs them to her.
Erica Lee once worked for Mix 105.1 Radio on the Scott and Erika Show. She now produces her own podcasts using her years of experience. She is proud to put her blend of smooth rock music from the 70’s & 80’s on the air waves. I am sure some amazing stories unfolded in the next room, but I used every minute I had to complete each sketch I started until the next couple arrived. I did five sketches each day and it was an amazing fun spontaneous learning experience. The Story Corp interviews went on for three consecutive days.