I am completely unashamed about the love I have for these saucer eyed waif-y
children and pathetic puppies and kitties. There really isn't any oneplace 
to go, -that has any real information about the artists that were, oh so, popular
in the early sixties until about the mid seventies-. Walter and/or Margaret
Keane, Gig, Maio, Eden, Eve, Lee, Goji, Ozz Franca, and Igor just to name a
few, were all the rage- and have pretty much just disappeared (to many peoples
delight) into total obscurity. Now I don't claim that these big eyed cuties
were always the epitome of fine art. But they are masterpieces to me. Initially
I feared that proclaiming my love for these critters, was just going to limit
my chances of finding these treasures. And I was really pretty reluctant to
divulge any thing about my big eyed fetish. But after I had the chance to meet
Walter and Margaret Keane, and have now met and become good friends with many
people who are fellow "big eye" connoisseurs, I was inspired. Some
of them have great galleries to browse, some have things to trade or sell, and
some are creating there own big eyed art...Although not complete, many of these
sites are listed here. And if you have any suggestions, information, original
art for sale or trade please feel free to e-mail me
Gig is the master
painter behind those pitty kitties and pitty puppies with the GIANT sized
eyes. My personal favorite artist of the genre- he was able to convey such
sadness and cuteness it is almost unbearable.
MARGARET KEANE
.
Well, when in San Francisco about 4 years ago I had a chance to stop by the Keane Eyes Gallery, and sadly it was closed for the day. SOB SOB! I was more pathetic than one of her paintings looking through that window. Since then I've learned a lot more about Margaret's art and recently had a chance to meet this amazing artist and her daughter. They were both as sweet and talented as can be. I was also a bit suprised by how candid Margaret was and also a little shocked to see just how much she looks like her doe eyed paintings...click here for more about my meeting with Margaret Also, a keane fan, Carrie, was VERY kind and sent me this article that I have heard so much about. It is over 20 years old and still makes for an Interesting Read, as well as major insight to Margaret's transformation into painting smiling children, rather the the sad eyed urchins that she did 30+ years ago.
WALTER KEANE
I
am now aware that Walter didn't actually paint any of the well known paintings-
although he was a great business man and one of the reasons that this art
form is recognized Here's an article about the time I met Walter
Keane. He was very nice to me, and had some wonderful stories that he shared.
My opinions have definitely changed about a lot of stuff, but here's how
I felt at the time. I feel very lucky to have met him, and believe that
his skills as a business person- is why 'big eyed' art became so popular.
Dealing with celebrities and living the 'lifestyle' made the art all the
rage with the stars. Without his promotion- we perhaps never would of seen
Margaret's work in the limelight in 60's. As well as the rest of the movement
that her style sparked.
My meeting with Walter
REFERENCE and IDENTIFICATION GUIDE
TRIBUTE WEBSITES
CONTEMPORARY BIG EYES
LITTLE MISS NO NAME
Little Miss No Name was a doll made by Hasbro in 1965. Not a big seller
at the time. Can you imagine a young girl asking for a doll that looks like
she has already been played with? So pathetic with a little plastic tear,
potato sack dress, and hand that reaches out for love, affection, and some
spare change. What a sad little girl.
CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, Little miss no name didn't involve Margaret
Keane in the design process at all. I had always heard that they had something
to do first hand with her creation, but a reliable source has told me that
the look was just based on their painting- it wasn't something Keane was
a part of.
I have some interesting letters written to me by people who have a doll
for sale. Basically after they purchased them for their own collection,
they end of having to get rid of them because their children freak out because
the child thinks the doll is possessed or something. I have had several
people so far e-mail me in search of these dolls. The story is pretty much
the same "I got the doll for Christmas and my younger sibling was so horrified
that my mother had to throw her away".
Other great big eyed dolls include, Susie Sad Eyes, Susie Slicker, Soul
Sister, Lonely Lisa, Blythe and Love Me Linda. I'm working on an i.d. guide
for these cuties- so check back
PROJECT BIG EYES!
I'm currently co-writing a book, Big
Eyed Masters . We are still looking for more information on the artists
lives or examples of original artwork. So we're hoping to hear from more
collectors. If you would like to be involved and receive a credit in the
book plus your name next to any image of original artwork you donate---
if you haven't already.... please write. The book is being published by
Last Gasp and should be out late 2004. It will include the biographies of
many of our favorite "big eyed masters", as well as full color graphics,
including many never before seen original paintings. More info soon.......
Last update * Rocktober* 2012
This page was created in March of 1997
p a g e d e s i g n (c) M e g a n B e s m i r c h e d 1 9 9 7-2 013
all artwork is (c) by the individual artist(s)
All photos and info is for private use only, do
not redistribute or reproduce for public use
