appeared in the film, they defended their actions in a statement to Vanity Fair ahead of the film’s release: “If not for the efforts of the remaining founders and their dedication to this mission, Bob’s artistic and cultural relevance-and his expressed desire to become the world’s most beloved painting teacher and friend-would have been lost decades ago with his passing,” they said. Though neither the Kowalskis nor representatives of Bob Ross Inc. was the owner.īecause it is missing accounts from many people who knew both Ross and the Kowalskis and could have provided helpful context, the claims that unfold in Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed can feel a bit uneven. In 2017, he joined a lawsuit attempting to get control of the name and likeness, but lost the fight to get sole rights when a judge ruled that Bob Ross Inc. Steve Ross has tried to regain control of the Bob Ross name. The film claims that Steve has never earned any money off his father’s likeness, although it alleges that Ross, prior to his death, had wanted his son and his half-brother to be in charge of his name. has earned off his father’s name has only ever benefited the company and not his family.
According to Steve, a painter in his own right who also appeared in numerous instructional videos, the millions of dollars Bob Ross Inc. Guiding the story, then, is Ross’ son, Steve, who appears in multiple interviews in the documentary. The company continues through this day, selling much of the merchandise that has cemented Ross as a popular modern figure. Later, through Ross’ work, the Kowalski’s helped to create Bob Ross Inc., through which they sold painting supplies and offered instructional videos. And for years, the situation worked well for everyone involved: Ross drew in audiences with his genial, encouraging and ever chill vibe, while the Kowalskis were satisfied in helping an artist they had sensed was special. “Mesmerized” by the then-unknown artist, as she shared in a 2019 New York Times documentary about the whereabouts of thousands of Ross’ original paintings, Annette and Walt took him under their wing and financially supported him as he became an independent artist.Īs his backers, the Kowalskis were instrumental to establishing Ross’ deal with PBS for The Joy of Painting.
A lifelong fan and student of art, Annette took a painting class with Ross in Florida. Through teaching in Alexander’s workshops, Ross became acquainted with the couple Annette and Walt Kowalski. Instead, Rofé chronicles the fallout over Bob Ross, the brand, and follows the legal battles that grew over the rights to the Ross name after his death at the age of 52.
But the film itself reveals little scandal about Bob Ross, the man (except, perhaps, to note that his famous afro was the result of routine perms). Titled Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed, the name of filmmaker Joshua Rofé’s documentary suggests that Ross had a darker past than what he allowed viewers to see. The question over who controls this legacy-and profits from the sales of Bob Ross merch-drives a new documentary that premiered on Netflix this week. Bob Ross merchandise is everywhere-all over the internet, you can find everything from clothes inspired by Bob Ross artwork to plush toys and coffee mugs bearing the artist’s face. Nearly 30 years after the show ended its 11-year run and Ross died following complications from lymphoma, his popularity endures, among both aspiring artists and ASMR fans, who turn on old Joy of Painting episodes just to bask in his calming presence. Whether remembered for his soft voice, unforgettable hair, gorgeous landscapes or loose, fun approach to painting, the artist has remained indelible in popular culture since first appearing on PBS in 1983 as host of The Joy of Painting.
0 kommentar(er)
