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LOWELL BODGER Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for LOWELL BODGER
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Lisa Dolan
January 23, 2025
Thinking of you swinging on a star!
Philip Kropf
November 11, 2024
Well I have missed your birthday again, but this time only by a couple of days! And you would now have become a member of the 80-year old club, although there are increasingly few of us still here on the top side of the green to celebrate that! (And just maybe you know it already, but our roommate and friend Richard Erlanger didn't quite make it (after having lived with MS for more than 5 decades!), passing just a couple of weeks ago on 10/28.) But I still have a few great photos of you to post, and one of them, from March 1966, is here.
John T.Spencer
February 20, 2024
Once upon a time long ago in the late 70s I was in SVA and had Lowell as an instructer.It was a class in experimental animation.My short abstract films always amused him...even the ones that I couldn't resolve or finish.Talking with him always seemed to suggest that the impossible was actually conceivably possible.One winter's morning he and I and two other students spent all morning in the head of the Statue of Liberty discussing all manner of art and life.Years later he attended one of East Village art scene openings.It was wonderful to see him then.I am sad to know so many years late that he has gone and I won't have that pleasure again.RIP Lowell and thank you for your loving and gracious spirit.John T.Spencer
Philip Kropf
November 16, 2023
It just came to me as I was scrolling through some old photos that I have missed your November 8th birthday by a week. And so here is one of those photos, this taken as you, Paul Diamond, and I did some exploring along lower Manhattan's Hudson River waterfront in December of 1966. I know that you would remember this image, you standing there below the giant "L" for Lowell, and now others can remember it also. I am getting very old now Lowell, and I do think of you a lot!
Joanne
February 1, 2023
Lowell was an instructor of mine while I attended School of Visual Arts in NYC in 1979. He was truly a thoughtful, and funny person. His assignments had us thinking way out of the box. At first semester he was hard to figure out, but after many thought provoking sessions, I realized how much of a treasure he was. One assignment was to create a unique toy. I made a strung mobile from all the pills found in my mother's purses, drawers and cabinets. Lowell was horrified at my creation, but gave me an A. He always encouraged us to look at the world in our own way. He served the world well. RIP.
Soohyen
January 26, 2023
Thinking of You, Lowell, on this day. I have had wonderful opportunities to connect with your friends, family, and collaborators - Joel, Amy, Philip, Jane, and the list grows. You were and still are so loved. I cannot wait to visit you again at Columbia.
Joel Mason
January 8, 2023
I met Lowell in 1969 shortly after I began working with Lori as a designer at NYC´s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Administration. We soon became best friends. Our friendship last over forty years. Like many of Lowell´s friends l also have a collection of Lowell´s work, correspondence and other assorted memorabilia. I plan to donate it to Lowell´s archive at the Columbia University Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Jane Rodgers Siegel is one of the Archivists to contact. I hope this is helpful. Joel Mason
Philip Kropf
November 8, 2022
Well it's the date of your birthday again, and I have gotten older and grayer, but you are timeless!!! I have been continuing to find things in my house from out of the past that have your name on them, and here is one which I hope that readers will get a big smile from. It was published in Asterisk 15, the Pratt literary magazine, in 1965, the year that we graduated. I think only you could have written, and illustrated, something quite so lovely and clever!
Soohyen
November 8, 2022
Dear Mr. Bodger,
Happy Birthday to you! :) I've recently had the opportunity to connect with Bruce, Amy, and Philip - and the sparks and vibrancy of our connections felt like we've brought you back to our world! I will be NY soon, and may get a chance to sneak in to Columbia to view your work. Hope you'd be happy to know. Twelve years it took me, but I'm on it!
Much love,
Philip Kropf
February 18, 2022
Amy Heller, well my two photos got posted, but not what I wrote! Thanks for the info on Anthology Film Archive. That's great!! The two photos were taken in 1967 I believe during the filming of "Muselage", the one location being on the old Myrtle Avenue El in Brooklyn.
My condolences to you regarding the passing of Carole. I recall that she and I think exchanged one FB Msg, but that was all. I had been meaning to make contact again to see if she might like to have some wonderful old letters from Lowell to myself. It's hard to know what to do with treasures such as these..., I just can't bear to throw them away! I do have more Lowell photos to post at some point however.
Philip Kropf
February 18, 2022
Philip Kropf
February 18, 2022
Philip Kropf
February 18, 2022
Amy Heller, thank you for the note about Lowell's films. Attached is a photo of Lowell working on the titles for "Muselage" in 1967, and another during the actual filming on the old Myrtle Avenue el. And condolences about your best friend Carole. We had I think exchanged FB posts once, and I had considered reaching out to her again to see if she might wish to have some old letters from Lowell to myself. Not quite sure what to do with them. But I have found quite a few more photos of Lowell and will add them here from time-to-time.
Michael Joseph
February 17, 2022
Thanks for the good news about Lowell´s films. I´m sorry to hear about Carole. I only met her once, at the Columbia celebration of Lowell´s life, but I could tell she shared some of her brother´s quirky brilliance.
Amy Heller
February 16, 2022
Philip Kropf, I wanted to let you know that our sweet Lowell's films ended up at Anthology Film Archive.... I was the best friend of Lowell's sister Carole (who died last week) and I helped get the films to Anthology.
Philip Kropf
December 13, 2021
Philip Kropf
December 13, 2021
Philip Kropf
December 13, 2021
I missed your birthday last month, but tonight I was reviewing some scanned 35mm slides and came upon these of you, taken in June 1965, where we lived during our Pratt years at 215 Willoughby Avenue. Looking good my friend!!!
Lisa A Dolan
November 9, 2021
You were the BEST teacher -Ever! You are loved and missed Happy Birthday
Soohyen Park
November 8, 2021
Hello, hello, Lowell!
It's been a while and then some :)
Happiest of Birthdays to you, first and foremost! Every year that passes probably (most inevitably) means that we'll be catching up with all the comings and goings of these years, these lives. Soon enough!
Thinking of you today,
Soohyen
James J Osani
May 27, 2021
Dear Lowell. I'll never forget what a great instructor you were at SVA. Thank you for everything. Rest in peace.
Philip Kropf
November 8, 2020
Well another year has now passed, and as with my post from 11/8/19, I continue to find memories from many decades ago. One of those I am attaching today, about a wonderful bit of cinematic art created by Lowell that I only wish now that I could see once again!! Does anyone out there remember this??? Anyhow Lowell, I am certainly thinking about you on your birthday today!
Michael J.
November 3, 2020
It's interesting to see Lowell's students remembering him so affectionately, years after he left us, and Lorrie left. It brings back intense memories of Lowell talking about his students and rehearsing comments he'd made in class. So thank you, Lowell.
Lisa Dolan
November 3, 2020
A wonderful, unique , brilliant man . A great teacher . I can still see you in my mind's eye describing art as DELICIOUS! LOL This lonely planet misses you. Happy Birthday!
Steven hines
November 2, 2020
wow.. late to the game... I think about Lowell a lot and how I loved the class I took with hi at SVA... so sorry.
Soohyen Park
January 26, 2020
Dear Lowell,
Thinking of you today. Thinking of our SVA years and your slide shows of your shoe selfies (and yes, the headstones!) at Greenwood Cemetery, and your office overlooking Union Square; thinking of the many years we had failed to keep in touch. Thinking of that January day in 2010 that I HAD to talk to you, and thinking of how I was a tad too late.... Thinking of the emotional memorial at Columbia Univ., and also thinking of your beautiful work, quietly waiting for light in the cozy, sunlit library at the same institution.
Remembering and loving,
Your perpetual student.
January 26, 2020
remember of you
Keith Goldstein
January 23, 2020
Lowell, you were a most inspirational teacher and thinker.
Carole Bodger Bon
November 9, 2019
I miss you. I love you. I talk to you. I love you. I hear you. (Ah, giggling!) I love you. And right now I want to share cake with you. And 75 hugs. And one more, for luck.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, brother. From me and Bruce and friends and family and all the lives you've touched (and are still touching) and all the world and all the planets.
You're always in heart. (But I wish you were breathing and walking and giggling on this Earth, too.)
We miss you. We love you. Ever. For ever. And ever...
Some fun artwork by Lowell.
Philip Kropf
November 8, 2019
Recently in my attic I rediscovered this lovely artifact, created by Lowell in 1967 after a 4th of July party that I had held in the backyard of the carriage house apartment that I was renting on Prospect Place in Brooklyn. This was when we all still lived in that borough after having graduated from Pratt, but it was just two months before I left to spend the rest of my life here in Texas. This fun piece certainly is not the most important work of art that Lowell ever created, and even though it has lived in the attic for all these 52 years, I still obviously treasure it, and thought that maybe it should be shared today on Lowell's birthday. Happy Birthday Lowell, you are obviously in my thoughts!!!
E J Kim
February 6, 2019
"...where did this come from..." Sudden reminder of words you once said. Still rings in my ear.
I'm still trying to print metal type but life got hold of me.
one day I will build it with my hands and forward it to you for your critique and don't hold back.
Philip Kropf
November 12, 2018
I missed posting something on your birthday last week although I was thinking about you! And Lorrie too!! Hard to believe that you are both gone now. Life is so fleeting...
yearbook photo
Philip Kropf
July 5, 2018
Lisa Dolan
January 30, 2018
T.O.Y. ;)
Suzanne Bodger
January 26, 2018
Lowell you are missed beyond words. Love you, your sister-in-law Suzanne
SooHyen Park
November 8, 2017
Happy Birthday Lowell. Big love to you.
Keith Goldstein
July 25, 2017
Strange, I woke up today thinking of you and wondering if you had a presence on Facebook. I had no idea you passed. I used to see you roaming around downtown. I moved to the opposite end of Manhattan island. You always got me thinking back in your class at SVA. Peace.
Lorrie Bodger
January 26, 2017
I'm not sure why the "contact me" message was left off my entry above. Do feel free to get in touch.
Lorrie
Lorrie Bodger
January 26, 2017
November 8, 1944-January 26, 2010
Jina Choi
December 9, 2016
Missing you
SooHyen Park
November 8, 2016
P.S. Today is Election Day, one of the oddest ones ever. Stay away from all forms of media...
SooHyen Park
November 8, 2016
Happy Birthday, Lowell! I have come to know of another 'envelope art' aficionado, here in San Francisco. His name is Alan A. Blackman, and he used to work for the USPS. He's a calligrapher and did an extensive project involving first day issue stamps.
Thinking of you today!!!!!!
Much Love,
Ink drawing by Ben Shechter
Laura Shechter
November 4, 2016
Dear Lorrie,
Your name came up on facebook. We visited many years ago. Lowell and I were in the same class from the 2nd grade to end of high school. He always made me laugh. I lost my husband Ben Shechter 4/3/2016.
In condolence,
Laura
Lisa
January 27, 2016
Hello again Lowell. I hope you can schedule some dream time to communicate with me , I could use your advice on a public art project that I have been chosen to here in Nevada. I'm thinking of how you would approach this challenge. My thoughts are also with your wife Lorrie today and all the other people whose lives you touched as well! See you in Dreamworld!
January 26, 2016
January 26, 2016 is the sixth anniversary of Lowell's death. Remembering him today and every day, with sadness and love.
Lorrie Bodger
Lisa Dolan
November 9, 2015
Happy Belated Birthday Lowell. I was thinking about you the past few days because I was talking about SVA with some people I am going to be doing a mural for. The couple asked me if I thought it was possible to teach someone how to draw. My response to them was I didn't know. I didn't learn how to draw at SVA but I learned how to feel and how to think in depth. I told them I had many good teachers but only one great. My favorite - Lowell Bodger. He taught me how to believe in myself and express my ideas through every medium
Lorrie Bodger
November 9, 2015
Yesterday was Lowell's birthday; he would have been 71. With friends, I took a beach walk on Shelter Island--a place Lowell never got to see, but a place that still always makes me think of him because he would have loved it.
Philip Kropf
November 8, 2015
I just recently discovered this Guest Book and it has been very special to read all of the previous tributes. I waited until today to post something, this being Lowell's birthday, and I am very much thinking about him! I also today submitted a photo to the Photo Gallery which some ought to find interesting! And it is certainly sobering to realize that it was taken now more than 50 years ago!!!
Prattonia '65 staff
Philip Kropf
November 8, 2015
SooHyen Park
January 26, 2015
Thinking of you, Lowell :)
Lorrie Bodger
January 26, 2015
Today is the fifth anniversary of Lowell's death. I find it hard to believe.
With Joel; first married; Staten Is.ferry
Lorrie Bodger
January 22, 2015
Lowell in his twenties
Lorrie Bodger
January 22, 2015
Roseanne Winn
January 29, 2014
January 28, 2014
Thank you for the thought, but I don't know who you are because you didn't sign your message. Could you log back on and let me know, please? Thank you.
Lorrie
January 27, 2014
Lowell is in my thoughts today, and yourself as well, Lorrie.
SooHyen Park
January 26, 2014
Thinking of you.
January 12, 2014
I neglected to sign my name to the entry I added on January 11; it was just an oversight, not a wish to be anonymous.
Lorrie Bodger
January 12, 2014
Thinking of you today Lowell as I embark on yet another project -Im sure, when it's finished it will be quite "delicious" as you used to say!
Lowell way back when, and Prattonia '65
January 11, 2014
We're coming up on the fourth anniversary of Lowell's death--January 26, 2014. I feel quite alone with it, but if I'm not I hope you'll write something here to let me know he's not forgotten.
Lorraine Bodger
November 8, 2013
Lowell would have been sixty-nine years old today.
Lorrie Bodger
August 26, 2013
This is the time of year when Lowell would be gearing up for another school year, in his teaching days. Teaching gave his life structure and meaning, kept him lively and optimistic. For about 30 years, until Alzheimer's began to affect him seriously, he pushed his students--like it or not--to think.
Candy Systra & Lowell, looking at pix, Our Lady of Consolation, West Islip, NY
March 11, 2013
Thanks, Lynn. The first date I ever had w/L.: He took me to the STAGE performance of Marat/Sade, even though he'd already seen it. He did love that play/movie/director Peter Brook, and he did love to share his passion.
lynn lurie
February 4, 2013
reading jean genet again and after over 30 years having passed i thought of lowell, who had been a teacher of mine at SVA in the late 1970s. remembered him having the class go to marat/sade. why he came to mind now, i have little idea, but i googled him and was sorry to hear of his death and wanted to leave a note for his wife, whose name i somehow knew as well.
Lowell's office, Union Square, NY.
Soohyen Park
January 11, 2013
January 6, 2013
It would be nice if Midori Matsuo got in touch with me, to talk about Lowell. Lorrie Bodger
Lorrie Bodger
December 16, 2012
January 26, 2013 will be the third anniversary of Lowell's death. I think of him every day, still. Probably always. Lorrie
Lorrie Bodger
September 26, 2012
All of this is the most surprising surprise to mehttp://mi-static.legacy.com/guestbooks/images/tab-content-arrow.png--I didn't know about this Guest Book being permanent, nor did I know about the FB page. I'm very glad to know now. I assume it's Soohyen Park who has done both. Thank you.
Soohyen Park
September 25, 2012
Lowell's Facebook tribute page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lowell-Bodger/214072592010108
Soohyen Park
September 25, 2012
To everyone who visits, Lowell has a tribute page on Facebook—Please take a moment to visit, and leave a note or photo. Thanks!
Evan Izer
September 21, 2012
Sorry to hear of the passing of a brilliant teacher. Lowell helped open my eyes.
SHP
June 20, 2012
I saw some amazing type work by young designers earlier this week at Cooper Union. And some were very 'fuddy duddy'. I thought of you :)
SHP
March 24, 2012
Hi Lowell,
How did you figure it all out so quick?
Thinking of you, on this spring day.
Michael Gabor
January 17, 2012
I was so lucky to have been a student of his SVA in the early 80's. He was a wonderful mentor. I still consider today a lot of what he brought to his class. His assignments were far from conventional but were utterly profound. I am deeply sorry I never got to reconnect with him before his death to thank him.
December 29, 2011
He was one of my favorite teachers as well. I would always run into him around Union Square. RIP.
SHP
December 25, 2011
I think this article would have been of interest to you: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/26/books/a-literary-history-of-word-processing.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp
Then again, maybe not. ;) Happy holidays.
SHP
December 12, 2011
Dear Lowell, happy belated birthday greetings! Everything seems well. No visitors from outerspace, as of yet. Thinking of you, today.
Roseanne Winn
November 16, 2011
Lowell was my favorite teacher at SVA back in the early 1980's. I loved to visit his Union Square office and discuss cartography,graphic design,film, Whitman, NASA. He always had a unique point of view and a wry sense of the absurd. A generous and kind spirit, I'm sorry to hear that he has passed away.
SHP
October 26, 2011
Lowell, you should be happy to know that APHA is still going strong. Thinking of you, today. Thank you for everything.
Michael Joseph
September 12, 2011
As an old friend of Lowell's, it's really great to read the kind and perceptive comments of his former students. I know they would mean a lot to him. His ruminations on teaching were part of the background noise of our friendship, and having lost a close friend, hearing them echoed in this way provides a unique kind of consolation.
SHP
September 4, 2011
Thinking of you, Lowell.
Soohyen Park
February 17, 2011
I think of you, today, Lowell.
Jane McAndrew
November 19, 2010
Professor Bodger was an amazing and illuminating teacher. I studied under him at SVA before I changed course and went to Columbia. He opened my eyes to the minutiae and I am forever grateful. Lowell, you are missed.
Cristina Neuman
November 3, 2010
I remember Lowell from APHA. I met him in the 90s. He had the most interesting studio near Union Square. I learned a lot from him and saddened to hear of his passing. My sympathies to his family.
Genevieve Cruz Gochuico
September 10, 2010
Bodger was my teacher for Communication Arts Freshman year at SVA. I enjoyed the many challenges he put before the class. He definitely is a memorable mentor.
Lisa Dolan
August 26, 2010
Lowell was my teacher in 87-88 at the SVA school and was not only intelligent and kind but very helpful to me in a personal way. He taught me to look deeper into my artistic choices and to not be afraid. I loved the way he used to express himself . He used to say "That is just so delicious!" He was truly a unique man and my favorite of all the teachers I had at that school.
Thinking of you.
Soohyen Park
July 21, 2010
Carole Goodson
June 29, 2010
Lowell seemed to live design and typography. Our 1965 Pratt yearbook is his enduring gift to us all... beautiful to look at, ironic, humorous and touching, a testament to intelligent design which was his passion. My sincere condolences to Lori.
Richard Erlanger
June 28, 2010
Lowell was truly an original, and practiced his love and profession unwavering, all his life. Not many people have that opportunity, or the strength of their convictions.
Thinking of you.
Soohyen Park
June 2, 2010
Soohyen Park
June 2, 2010
Thinking of you.
mel
May 30, 2010
I had him at SVA in 1979
Great teacher Made you much more aware, thinking better, and avoiding being conventional
Mel
Paul Veres
April 26, 2010
An old friend from Pratt years, we shared many good times, helped with films he produced, and kept in touch through the years. My sympathies and kind wishes to Lorie if you read this.
Steven Peters
February 17, 2010
A fun and long time friend and schoolmate during childhood and teenage years. A smart and creative guy. At least the ravages of Alzheimer's is over.
Kenneth Milford
January 30, 2010
Farewell.
Kenneth Milford
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