Farnsworth, this week’s illo, I get. Back when I was one of the two inevitable things in life — Death or the Taxation Officer — Max (aka ‘Buzz’ because too many Max’s worked in File Control) walked out of the men’s room almost howling. He applied Deep Heat to sore muscles then forgot to wash his hands before taking a leak. Ever since, I’ve been careful to wash my hands at least twice after applying Deep Heat. Farnsworth, however, has gone one step further…
Ian Gunn, creator of these silly illos (illustrations), was a beloved award-winning artist based in Melbourne. Cancer took him from us too soon.
Ian left a legacy including lots of great illustrations. Many of these illustrations are available for sale.
Victoria’s science fiction convention, Continuum, occasionally presents the Ian Gunn Memorial Award recognising the ‘unsung heroes’ of fandom: people consistently working in the background who never expect any recognition of their efforts. This commemorates Ian’s selfless efforts to reach out to others, encouraging others and thereby building the science fiction community.
K’rin Pender-Gunn, Ian’s widow, gave Dark Matter Zine permission to republish Ian’s artwork. Thanks, K’rin!
