Artist Commentary

As an artist, I often find myself burdened by the though that my deepest, darkest thoughts will be revealed in my work. But, after many nights fighting with myself over this subject, I came to the decision that my past should be shared with my public. This way every reader can understand what their responsibility is to themselves, their parents, and their children. After all, were it not for my wacky and traumatic youth, I would not be the brilliant artist  I am today.

This piece I call "Thursday Evenings." When Cosby and Cheers came on I lost my father. I blame NBC for some of the neglect, but my father is also to blame. He would hit me with his shoe if he missed a single joke. I was terrified to walk into the kitchen for a pop.

Last year, when I visited Dad in the hospital after his accident, we watched a "Best of Cheers" tape Mom made for him a couple of years ago. We watched the entire tape together, not making a sound. When the tape tape ended he turned to me and said, "Chaps, who do you like better- Woody or Coach?"

That was the first time I ever slapped my father.

--Grandpa Chappy