It's a genuine tragedy, then, that all it got him was a one way trip straight to his own personal version of Hell.
Speaking through medium Melma Frankengibson, Ross, who passed away in 1995 at age 52, described his surprising predicament. "Well, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I've wound up in some fiery pit of damnation, here. It's actually pretty pleasant for the most part. In fact, I'd be pretty darn happy if it wasn't for all the other artists."
The strain and weariness are evident in his voice as he discusses the treatment he has received from those he would have considered his peers in the afterlife. "They laugh at me. They make fun of my work and they belittle me like I'm some sort of simpleton. The Renaissance guys are the worst. What can I say, though? There's really no comeback when a guy who spent four years painting an entire chapel ceiling for The Pope mocks you for your "half hour master-pieces". Even Jackson Pollock dumps on me every chance he gets. Says I would have been taken more seriously if I worked with coloring books."
According to the low key painter, post-mortal existence can be very cliquey, especially amongst the deceased artistic community. "They run in packs. There's always four or five of 'em standing around, pointing and giggling at their own private little jokes. And they're such amazing snobs. Titian won't even acknow-ledge me. Maybe if I'd have painted happy little Virgin Mary's popping out from behind my pine trees he might give me the time of day, I don't know."
There is genuine hurt in Ross's voice. "Some of them make fun of my 'fro, too. They're vicious."
His only friend amongst the assembly of renowned masters seems to be Leonardo Da Vinci, who himself has become a bit of a loner. "I guess it's because I'm the only one who will still listen to his endless ranting and raving about all that stupid code nonsense, now. I mean, everyone knows it total poo-poo but he takes it pretty personally. I just wish he wouldn't cuss so much."
Through it all, Ross attempts to maintain a steadfast belief that his life's work was not completely without value, as many of his more highly regarded peers would suggest. An eternity of badgering and emotional abuse have obviously taken it's toll on the otherwise amiable craftsman, however.
"Shoot, if I knew I was going to suffer like this I would have spent my life creating 30 minute knock-offs of Hieronymus Bosch's stuff."
© Ken Socrates 2007. All rights reserved.
Bob Ross: No Respect
In The Afterlife
For twelve years Bob Ross hosted the hugely successful PBS program The Joy of Painting where his laid back, peaceful style of creating artwork won him legions of fans amongst the low energy crowd. His gentle nature was reflected in his work where he mastered the abiltity to produce generic, pastoral landscapes in a matter of minutes, all the while narrating his efforts in a soothing, pleasant manner that was surely a great boon to those viewers housebound with physical or social disorders of varying sorts. By all accounts he was a genuinely decent person who led a life of simple dignity and generosity, a conscientious care for his enviroment and for his art and, as such, had a positive impact on the lives of countless thousands of viewers and fans.
