Tag Archives: clowning

I’ve been working on a calendar project for the American Lung Association (ALA). They contacted me about shooting some celebrities in full clown make-up for their “Photo Calendar” which will be sold to raise money for the ALA and can be purchased here. I had the pleasure of working with some incredible people, one of which was Jim Howle. Jim is a master of his craft –transforming a person into a full blown clown. I’m not talking about rainbow wigs here, folks… I mean the real deal. Jim’s talent is self-evident when you see his work come to life.

Jim is a native of Darlington, South Carolina, where his mother was an artist, and Jim was pulled into clowning through art. While attending the Ringling School of Art, he learned of the creation of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Clown College. He applied, was accepted, and was graduated from the original class in 1968.

He then toured with the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey for seven years as a tramp clown, working with some of the great circus clowns such as Lou Jacobs and Mark Anthony. He was selected as the Big Show‘s official artist. He left the show in 1974 to pursue his painting career. Through the Contemporary American Clowns and Red Nose Philosopher series of paintings, the first three Clown Hall of Fame Inductee posters. and other paintings, Jim has captured the heart and soul of clowning. His work is included in the Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute and the Leningrad Gallery. A popular instructor, he has taught at Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Clown College and the University of Wisconsin Clown Camp. He was inducted into the Clown Hall of Fame in 1993.

Pleasure to meet you , Jim… you are truly one of a kind. I am in awe of your talent, my friend!

Featured in the photos above are Katie Cook (CMT), Bucky Covington (Recording Artist), Dan Haseltine (Lead singer, Jars of Clay), Demetria Kalodimos (WSMV News Anchor), Rudy Kalis (WSMV Sports), Jeff Jarrett & family (Wrestler & founder of TNA wrestling), and Chris Sanders (NFL, former Tennessee Titan). Every one of these people were very cool to work with and graciously donated their time to support a great organization. These are all photos that did not make the calendar, so it’s okay to for me to give you a sneak peek. Go by a calendar to support the cause!