Tristan Meinecke played jazz all over Chicago during the 1940's, at times rubbing elbows with some of the greats. Warren "Baby" Dodds who is credited with conceiving the modern Jazz style of drumming, was among them.
Mr. Dodds sat for this bust. Regrettably, he suffered a debilitating series of strokes which ultimately lead to his death in 1959. Tristan had completed much of the piece but only made an initial firing. It was never finished during his life.
Genevieve Bowen, an expert ceramicist and long time friend who collaborated with Tristan in the 50's and 60's saw the unfinished bust in April. She decided to attempt to fire and therefore stabilize the work. She succeeded. The Meinecke family is grateful for her efforts. In fact, we're grateful people like Gene exist.
BLM
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