NEW BOOK from PHILIP HITCHCOCK


Artist Philip Hitchcock, best known for the erotic sculptures he casts from life — and a regular at the Tom of Finland Erotic Art Fair for several years — announces the publication of his first book of images: “Dark Impressions, The Art of Philip Hitchcock” (Ellis Publications).

The limited edition case bound book measures 9"x12" and contains 80 full-color pages, with nearly one hundred plates of the best of Hitchcock's work. Also included is a “how to” section illustrating the lifecasting process with detailed photos, and revealing some of the artist's secrets.

For a limited time, advance copies are available through the Foundation — a portion of these advance sales will be donated to the Foundation. Cost is $40; add $5 for shipping and handling.

THE EROTIC ART OF ETIENNE 1&2
These two Etienne books released by the Tom of Finland Company bring to the public many works by this renowned artist, including a number of erotic images which have either never been seen before, or have been out of print for over 20 years. The Tom of Finland Company plans to release four books in the series. Each book has 64 pages, and contains eight four-color plates. The royalties from the sales of these books go to the estate of Etienne, which is the Leather Archives and The Dom Project. You may purchase them from the Tom of Finland Company at 1-800-3-Finland or at your local bookstore.

THE PASSING OF AN ARTIST
CURTIS WILLIAM
ATKINSON
aka William Stevens
DECEMBER 6, 1951 - APRIL 17, 2000

Curtis Atkinson, known to many by his artist name William Stevens, boarded a full moon and left this planet on April 17, 2000. A most spectacular and rare southern California thunderstorm marked his departure.

A warm, loving, compassionate and passionate man has left us behind. Though rather than mourn, I am certain he would rather have us celebrate the time and talents he shared with the world.

Curtis' life encompassed exploration and mastery in many directions. His keen study of his fellow man led to sketches and paintings that almost seemed alive. After taking a course in anatomy in college, he became fascinated with the incredible variety of human forms. He instinctively observed people, their physical structure, musculature and body hair patterns. “Some call it boy-watching, I call it research.”

A generous man, Curtis would almost always dig in his pocket to help out the needy, even when his own needs were barely met. He spent a number of years weekly donating his time and talents to the local chapter of the The Names Project - AIDS Memorial Quilt, aiding people in the construction of quilts for their loved ones. More recently, he became a regular volunteer for the Tom of Finland Foundation, helping with their archival efforts.

His mother, Gloria, and his companion of nearly 11 years, Louis, survive Mr. Atkinson.

Both hope you will support the arts in its many and diverse forms.

- - Louis Steven Jansky (aka Louis Jay)

“Berlin Connection” by William Stevens

ARTISTS ALERT!
If you surf the net, you may have run across a person using the handle “Nikshadow”. He posts images created by erotic artists — without their knowledge or consent — and sends mass e-mails of 8 to 12 images a day to those who subscribe to his list. Some of the artists whose work he has pirated are Tom of Finland, Cavelo, The Hun, Teddy of Paris, Etienne and Kent. Even worse, he imprints his name, “Nikshadow”, on the works, giving the impression that he is the artist.

For four years, the Foundation has asked him to either stop his illegal use of Tom of Finland images, or to at least limit the number of images of Tom and other artists, and provide a link or mail address to the Foundation or the artists, so interested collectors could contact them directly. His response has been to increase the number of pictures he sends, and to laughingly tell us “catch me if you can.”

His blatant and illegal use of other people's hard work is cutting into the revenues of artists who sell their work in print form. The Foundation has finally resorted to hiring legal counsel in an attempt to get him to cease and desist stealing Tom's work and that of other artists, many of whom work with the Foundation.

We ask all concerned male-oriented erotic artists to help us in trying to stop him. We are working on having his provider close his e-mail account. We do not know his real name or address as of yet but are getting closer. We ask any of you who might have information to assist us in tracking him down. And if you are willing to join us in a lawsuit against him, please contact us.

Nikshadow is not a friend of the erotic arts. He is a pirate who steals work for his own glory. Help us put him out of business! °