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Irving Block

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Irving Block (1910-1986) was a painter, illustrator, muralist, writer, and professor known for his work in Hollywood movies with visual effects, his authorship of the story behind the film Forbidden Planet, his work as a professor in academia, and his artwork. His daughter is the writer Francesca Lia Block.

Early Life and Education

Irving Alexander Block was born on December 2, 1910, in New York City. He pursued his education at New York University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, and later continued his artistic studies at the National Academy of Design. During the 1930s, Block became involved with the Works Projects Administration's Federal Art Project, a New Deal initiative aimed at supporting artists during the Great Depression.[1]

Career in Hollywood

In the 1940s, Block relocated to California, where he began his career in Hollywood. He joined 20th Century Fox as a matte shot artist, contributing visual effects and designs for various films. Block worked primarily on low-budget science fiction and horror films, gaining recognition for his ability to create innovative special effects using paintings and models. One of his most notable achievements was writing the original story for the iconic 1956 film Forbidden Planet, a classic in the science fiction genre. He is also credited with co-designing Robby the Robot, the iconic character from the same film.[2]

Over the years, Block contributed to numerous films, including Macabre, Kronos, The Caretakers, Alice in Wonderland, Atomic Submarine, Daniel in the Lion's Den, David and Goliath, The Exiles, The First Murder, Flight to Mars, From Caveman to Spaceman, Goya, Judgement of Solomon, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Stranger in my Skull, The Tower of Babel, and Venus and Adonis. His expertise in creating special effects with matte paintings and models made him a respected figure in the film industry.[3]

Artistic Career

In addition to his work in Hollywood, Block maintained an active career as a painter, illustrator, and muralist. In the 1960s, he exhibited his work in several Los Angeles-area art galleries, gaining recognition in the local art scene.[4] His paintings and illustrations often reflected his deep interest in visual storytelling, merging his background in fine arts with his cinematic experiences.[5]

Academic Career

From 1963 to 1980, Block served as a professor in the art department at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). As an educator, he influenced a generation of young artists and encouraged the integration of traditional artistic techniques with new media and technologies. After retiring from teaching, Block collaborated with the Santa Susana Press, part of the Oviatt Library at CSU Northridge, where he illustrated numerous fine press books in the 1980s.[6]

Personal Life and Legacy

Irving Block was married to the poet Gilda Block, also known as Jill Block, and the couple had a daughter, Francesca Lia Block, who became a successful writer known for her Weetzie Bat series. Block continued to create and contribute to artistic projects until his death on May 3, 1986, in North Hollywood, California.[7]

Block's contributions to the fields of both fine arts and film, particularly his groundbreaking work on Forbidden Planet and his mastery of matte paintings and special effects, have left a lasting impact. His diverse career, spanning painting, illustration, film, and academia, continues to inspire future generations of artists and filmmakers.

References

  1. ^ Irving Block papers, 1938-1986. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
  2. ^ Oral history interview with Irving Block, April 16, 1965. Smithsonian Archives of American Art.
  3. ^ Falk, Peter. Who Was Who in American Art. 1999-2023.
  4. ^ Seldis, Henry J. and Wilson, William. "Art Walk: A Critical Guide to the Galleries." Los Angeles Times. September 19, 1969, Page G8.
  5. ^ Seldis, Henry J. "Irving Block: Warm-hearted Romantic Keeps His Cool." Los Angeles Times. May 16, 1966, Page C14.
  6. ^ Biederman, Patricia Ward. "Small Press Runs on a Grand Ideal." Los Angeles Times. October 14, 1985, Page V6. Link
  7. ^ "Irving Block Dies." Daily News of Los Angeles. May 8, 1986.


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