The wry and sardonic artistry of Charles B Slackman
“Slackman” he would answer in a flat ironic voice whenever one phoned him to offer an illustration assignment.
He was grumpy, wry, dedicated and absolutely charming.
He drew precious, detailed, pen-and-ink drawings with precision and dedication, hunched over his drafting table, his long-haired white cat faithfully nearby.
Since 1963 when they married, he shared his life with his beautiful wife, ballet dancer Betteanne Terrell Slackman.
His studio in their 57th street penthouse apartment faced North, the walls and furniture all white, with magnificent light filtering in throughout the day.
Their beautiful home in Sag Harbor, New York, was equally tasteful.
It was a charmed life, punctuated by his trademark handlebar mustache and the round-shaped sunglasses that he never removed.
He was 80 years old when he passed away in 2015.
RIP, Charles Slackman. You are unique in every way.
– Traci Churchill
Artist and Designer
tracichurchill.com
illoinfo.com
Illustration for album art, designed by Paula Scher
Illustration for album art (back cover), designed by Paula Scher
Illustration, 1962
Tall City citizens from the book Famous Sally, 1966
Comic for Horizon magazine, 1971
Illustration for American Heritage magazine, 1964
Illustration in Horizon magazine, 1970, for Alvin Toffler essay, Future Shock
Page layout with his brilliant illustration for a magazine article
Illustration for Horizon magazine
Slackman drew the letter "E" for UL&C, among a stellar lineup of artists
Birds in a Tree, illustration for magazine article, 1972
Famous Sally, 1966
Angry Kate
Album cover art, 1959
