HAROLD A. DUCKETT (A.K.A. CARTOON MONSTER) PASSES AWAY AT 50

We here at The Factory: Hamilton Media Arts Centre regretfully announce the passing of Harold A. Duckett, a founding member and important contributor to the Factory. We offer our sincere sorrow and condolences to Harold’s family and friends. We will miss him dearly at The Factory.

A media artist whose animation and caricatures were featured at The Factory during February 2008, Harold was an active member of the Programming committee and curator for a number of Factory Works Screening Series events.

Harold went out of his way as an annual contributor to The Factory: Hamilton Media Arts Centre’s annual media arts festival, Hamilton Film Week. In 2008 Harold participated as an adjudicator for the 2008 NAKED VISION Gala Finale – short film and video art exhibition. In addition, Harold facilitated a popular introductory animation and cartooning workshop during Hamilton Film Week.

Harold developed and taught the “Beyond the Mind’s Eye” HDV Bootcamp Series workshop – Storyboarding and animation. Harold also taught a number of different workshops at The Factory over the last few years.

Harold A. Duckett, a Sheridan College Classical Animation Graduate, has been an Independent director, animator, cartoonist, caricature artist, and teacher with over 25 years of professional experience. He has experience on over 20 network and 3 feature animation productions, receiving credit as an animator, assistant animator, designer, storyboard artist, and layout pose artist, presentation artist and has been a successful freelance cartoon illustrator working in media/ advertising /commercial art fields.

Harold drew over 50,000 caricatures in the public eye. He facilitated and taught basic drawing, animation and cartooning at the college, secondary, public school levels.

Harold acquired a 3-year college diploma from Sheridan College’s Classical Animation Program as well as completing Sheridan’s Independent Film Studies Program, Harold had completed University credits towards a college teaching certificate. Harold also had a computer desk – top publishing.

Harold, an Independent Animation Director, provided his other creative services through his website and company Cartoon Monster.

You may view his website here:
www.cartoonmonster.tv

You may view his Video Portfolio and bio here:
http://www.cartoonmonster.tv/video/video_portfolio.wmv

You may view his Live Caricatures 2008: Film Project
http://www.cartoonmonster.tv/video/live-caricatures-wmv.wmv

Members who wish to offer their condolences may do so by sending their messages at the link below, to to be posted on The Factory website.

Visitation and funeral and remembrance details will be announced as they become available.

http://artword.net/artwordlist_hamilton/?p=786&cpage=1#comment-7471


Message from Diane Wells (a.k.a. D.D. Rocker, etc...):

Harold Duckett was a very dear friend of mine for several years during my residence in Hamilton, Ontario. He was the funniest, kindest, gentlest, most considerate man I have ever known.

In addition to his talents as an illustrator, he was also a songwriter ("Celebrity Blues", "War Cries", etc.) and lead singer. He loved all kinds of music and liked to spend time watching sports on TV, especially football, with his buddy or two or three (Mark, Jade, Ruth-Ann, Brefany), or jamming with Czintar, Jean-Marc, Ziggy, etc. He was always there to help out his less fortunate friends, even when he could not afford to share what little he had for himself.

Harold will always hold a special place in my heart. May he rock the blues in heaven.


Diane

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