The work of Charles Addams was a great influence to my career in illustration. His dark humor and sometimes subtle punch lines captivated me from a very early age. I studied a paperback collection of his cartoons over and over, marveling at the way his mind worked and his use of ink and shading. 25 years ago I was inspired to write and thank him for the huge level of inspiration and how he was instrumental to my path towards illustration. In particular, how mesmerized I was as a child with his rendition of a miner spotlighting Alice in Wonderland’s white rabbit with his miner’s lamp. Not expecting a response, I was thrilled to receive a letter promptly the next week, responding to my comments about his work and how it had shaped my career path.
Dear Mr. Phillips: “I enjoyed your letter about your first confrontation with one of my books. If only all reactions could be as rewarding!’