Memories of Fredric Hobbs

In memory of

Fredric Hobbs

Carmel, CA

December 30, 1931 - April 25, 2018

Dec 30, 1931 - Apr 25, 2018

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Steve Fabes

1974, San Francisco, CA, USA

I knew Fred thru his second(?) wife Ellen Welles. We spent many hours at his Studio on 14th Street. I was with him at the world premier of his film Roseland at the Roxie Theatre on 16th. In 1975, I commissioned Fred to paint my wife's portrait. I loved it she didn't. It burnt along with her home in the Santa Rosa fires of 2018. I have an early drawing of Fred's titled Rain Dancer.
One thing for sure, you never knew what Fred would do or say next. He was a genius and a gifted artist, he made his times.

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Bob Beattie

2018, Seattle, WA, USA

I never met Fred. One day after watching Rosland and Godmonster I called the Ebert Gallery and Mr. Ebert gave me a phone number. I called and Fred answered. We would talk for hours. I would ask questions about his work and he would talk about himself. Fine with me! This lasted about a couple of years. He sent me a few packages of books, and other things. They are on my table to go through again. He was always very nice to me.

My thoughts and prayers to his family.

Bob Beattie
Seattle
11/13/18

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Leslie Bridges

In Memorium – C. Fredric Hobbs by Deborah Johansen Hobbs Harris

There are as many stories about “Freddie” as there are facets to his life – from restoration of the Silver Dollar Hotel to walks on Stewart’s Beach in Carmel to sculpting in Los Altos Hills in preparation for his Art Eco Show. His creative passion was attracted early on to the darkness of Goya and ended up in a more serene spirituality. Both were Hobbs.

One early story I recall was how we first met. In 1976, Marianne Hinckle –Hobbs’ partner-in-mischief Warren Hinckle’s sister—introduced us at Bardelli’s restaurant (no long extant) in San Francisco. Warren was along to “see the master at work. “ For some reason Fredric took a shining to me – and especially so when he learned that my father was the internationally renowned architect John M. Johansen. Many years earlier, my dad had admired Fredric’s driveable sculpture parked outside an art gallery in Manhattan and remarked to him that “You have filled a blind spot in contemporary art; your work is unique.” I, of course, was equally taken by Fredric.

After many drinks and we were ready to leave, Marianne and I said our goodbyes to Hinckle and Hobbs as we stood outside the restaurant. Hobbs and Hinckle set out, Hobbs still talking as he shoved his still-lit pipe in his rear pocket. A few minutes later, Marianne and I heard a loud cry and turned around to see Hobbs beating his rear end to put out the smoking pipe. It was then that I knew any future relationship with Hobbs would not be uneventful. And so it was.

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Leslie Bridges

"The Gang" shared by Deborah Johansen

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Ed Fincke

2009, Carmel, CA, USA

Having fun comparing up-state N.Y. universities.

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Leslie Bridges

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA

Dad and William the Zen Cat, star in his last written book/script.

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Leslie Bridges

2018, Del Mar, CA, USA

Beautiful tribute and celebration of life for Dad/Grandaddy tonight. So many stories . Gran's book of Dad's earlier life was a hit and full of memories and new stories for us all.

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Alison Hobbs

2012, San Francisco, CA, USA

Dad meets Jonathan.....he always wanted me to find someone nurturing like he was.

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Alison Hobbs

Leslie Bridges

1998, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Sycamore Place, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA

Dad Entitled this painting "Thanksgiving on Mars" - Even Elon Musk hasn't thought that far ahead into the future. I know Dad picked the title with humor.

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Leslie Bridges

1992, San Francisco, CA, USA

For all his wild, non-conforming ways, Dad loved holidays and being surrounded by family. Here he is volunteering to carve the turkey flanked by Hut Landon (my brother).

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