Lowell Naeve's Phantasies of a Prisoner
Posted February 1, 2008 by molly_fair in Inspirations
A few years ago I found a copy of the book Phantasies of a Prisoner, by Lowell Naeve. I've had a hard time finding information on Naeve, but fortunately his autobiography, A Field of Stones exists as a testament to his personal politicization. Naeve was initially imprisoned for being a resister to the draft during World War II. His book is filled with original poetry and black pen dreamscape images of miniscule figures traveling through endless deserts, standing or falling off the edges of cliffs, and wandering trapped in prison mazes or being chased by officials riding on giant ostrich like creatures. This is his blunt statement about the monotony of serving time.
Fantasy is the only true escape, revealed through images of birds flying over gates and walls, prison cells are giant flowers with views to the outside, and ladders squeezing through windows to carry people to freedom. The drawings were later published in Phantasies of a Prisoner in 1958- 14 years after he was released.
Naeve objected to all forms oppression, and his personal identification as an anarchist resulted from his own observations from every day occurrences. He was opposed to the indiscriminant killing of animals for sport or so called necessity, the celebration of war in children's schoolbooks, and US control over foreign resources, which he learned of from his travels in Mexico. After registering for the draft, he refused to serve, and was subsequently imprisoned twice, serving a total of four and a half years in nine prisons.
While serving time, he continued to engage in political activity, and protested against censorship, poor food quality, and the segregation of black prisoners. He also wrote a prison newsletter called The Clink. Naeve resisted through his artwork, created by wiping ink off of copies of Life magazines and drawing with whatever tool he could find.
While serving a year long sentence in Danbury Prison, he decided to ask the warden for art supplies. Surprisingly the warden agreed, but with the ulterior motive of making an example of Naeve as a model prisoner to visiting authorities. In addition the warden tried to make Naeve produce portraits of his family. Naeve refused to comply and said he will instead draw lots between the prisoners and officials to see who will get a portrait painted, refusing to place the oppressors on a pedestal.
He published his books with David Wieck, an anarchist he met in prison and life long friend. Together they later formed the anarchist group WHY?. I've had trouble finding out more info on Naeve, but know that he continued to be involved in activism with his wife, and his son, who was later accused of resisting the draft during the Vietnam War. If anyone has any other info please send an email! I think Naeve is still around in Vermont or Canada, and I would love to interview him!
Comments
Hello -
Enter Lowell Naeve in the search bar. There are many articles about him and his wife Virginia.
I have what I believe to be an original, signed drawing by him. I inherited it from a friend who lived in Woodstock, VT where Naeve used to reside. They knew one another. I live in Woodstock, also.
I can not find any referrence - in "Phantasies....." - to the art piece I have, nor can I find any sample of Naeve's signature.
FYI - His wife is Virginia, they had two sons Brandon and Gavin. I've followed them, via internet research, from Woodstock, VT to Jamaica, VT, Ayers Cliff CN, North Hatley Quebec, and into Florida after Virginia started the Box Project many years ago. http://www.boxproject.org/ourhistory.html
I doubt Lowell is still alive. Here is a video of him: http://www.archive.org/details/woodblock_printer
Let me know if you find out anything more. I have a letter outstanding to a Brandon Naeve, whom I believe to be his son, in Florida. I'll know more if he replies.
Good luck in your quest.
If you email me, I may be able to help you.
Lowell was my art teacher during the 1962-63 school year at the Woodstock Country School in South Woodstock, VT. When I returned the following year I was disappointed to find that he was no longer on the faculty but I did run into him a few years later in New Hampshire - he was on his way to Canada, moving his family there because his son Gavin was turning 18 and that was how they chose to deal with the draft.
I woke up this morning thinking about Lowell and realizing what an influence he had on me so I googled his name and came to this page.
Thanks for your work,
Mark Hurwitt
I have a signed print from Lowell Naeve. email me and I can forward you a photo.
I spent two summers with Lowell and his wonderful family at their home/camp up in Canada. This was in 1968/69. They were amazing people and I think of them often. I learned a lot during those wonderful days. How to throw a pot, paint a 20 foot by 20 foot rooster on the side of a barn, bake bread etc. I went back to visit in 1982 and found them gone...but some pottery from their daughter was still on display and for sale. I bought everything. Thanks for the memories. My parents still have one of Lowell's original scrap metal statues in their living room. Junior Executive of a large corporation.
Lowell was my Mother's cousin (more like a brother)--I have lost touch---Does anyone have an email address or address of Brandon or Gavin??
Lowell Naeve is my great uncle. his sister Lewella (their parents must have had a thing for that sort of name) is my grandmother. He sent me several of his drawings so I could pick one for an album cover 20 years ago. I still have them. Email me and I will send you copies.
I can help you find Lowell and Virginia--if you want to email me
Lowell Naeve is alive and well--still writing and drawing---age 91--contact me at tomorrow@huntel.net
I was at Woodstock Country School for only one year '62/'63. After all these years, I still have wonderful, vivid memories of Lowell Naeve. I would love to either be able to contact him, or at least, get some information about how he has fared in the years since then.
David A. Greene
North Huntingdon, PA
I have a painting (oil on wood 33.5 x 23 cm ) entitled "Vermont Fall" by Virginia Paccassi that has been in my family for nearly fifty years - and is treasure by us all. I'm wondering if anyone can provide contact information for the artist or kin so that we might be able to get some history of the painting? Thx!
Lowell Naeve is still alive and well .He lives in Creston British Columbia. Someone was correct he is 91 years old.He is working on writing and finishing years of literary projects. I am proud to say he is my grandfather,he is a wonderful man.Glad to see he has touched other peoples lives with his writing and artwork.
Yes my grandfather is still alive and well living in Creston BC.So glad to see the man and his work has touched so many peoples lives. He is working on his writing still to this day,Lowell is 91 and my grandmother Virginia is still doing well at 86.
My husband Donn and I were near neighbors of Lowell and Virginia in Jamaica, VT. Donn was also a draft resister and spent time in prison.
Lowell and Virginia's fight to enter Canada opened the door for us to come without a fight. The Canadian parliment spent a day debating whether or not to let Lowell in because of his felony record in the U.S. They decided that since his offense was not a felony in Canada that they could let them in. We were the second couple to come in because they won their fight to enter and we were very grateful for their efforts.
Shawn, when next you are in touch with your grandparents, please tell them that Jean and Donn Reed have thought of them often over the years and it's nice to know they are well. We also lived in BC for 11 years and had we known they were that close would have come to visit.
I was a good friend of your mother's, Shawn, though we lived miles apart. Sorry to hear she passed away. I would greatly appreciate if you wouldn't mind emailing me.
I knew Lowell and Virginia in 1957-59 when my husband was a teacher at the Woodstock Country School. I have a painting of Virginia's of bottles - vibrant and beautiifully composed. After a long search I was able to buy a copy of "A Field of Broken Stones."
Recently I went online to find out what I could about Lowell and Virginia and saw that Juliet wrote that Virginia had passed away. I'm so sorry to hear that, she was a vital and exuberant lady. I would like to contact Lowell. Can you send me his email address.
Lucia Deaville
Hi ...Virginia is still exuberant and she and Lowell do live in Creston as mentioned in a previous email.
Today I'll be interviewing and filming Lowell so will mention your name.
Contact me and I'll help you get in touch.
Hi Maureen,
Please contact me with Lowell and Virginia's email address. One of the prior comments said Virginia had passed away, but evidently that is not true.
Lucia
I also have a drawing that is signed in pencil;the drawing was named "Off the Banks" if you have a copy of his signature,please e-mail, to make a comparison.
Thanks,
Gracian Casas
305-271-8329/786-552-8055
No, Lucia. I meant her daughter, Adrienne, had passed away. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
My father, Albert Henry Ebeling (who was also a draft resister), was in prison with Lowell and is mentioned in his book, A Field of Broken Stones.
Lowell Naeve is my uncle.... my mother's brother. How awesome to find this site! I would love to hear from Gavin, Brandon or Serena.... or any of my Miller cousins or other relatives!! I have one of Uncle Lowell's woodblock prints titled Vermont Winter and also have a drawing that he did while in high school at East High in Sioux City, Iowa. I have copies of both of his books and treasure my times with this wonderful man!!
Lowell & Virginia are old friends of ours from Woodstock VT, the country school days. We were excited to come across this blog, and would love to have contact with them. We're still living in Scottsburg, VA.
Lowell and Virginia are my aunt and uncle. My grandma, Virginia's mother was also an artist (a potter) as well as myself. I have many pieces of their work and appreciate the legacy they have given me that allows me to be a third generation artist.
I am Lowell and Virginia's grand daughter.I live in Brattleboro Vermont and I am flying out to B.C. in Nov. to see them. My mother was their daughter and has since passed but would love to hear from all of you I can say I have all the books and an original painting...
Deirdre: I was at the Farm in Quebec back in the mid 70's and I remember you. Please email me contact info for you, Brandon and Lowell/Virginia. I have lost touch with everyone but I am always thinking about all of you.
We do not have e-mail but Serena does so she will print them out for us.You can reach us by phone we live in Creston British Columbia e- mail is snaeve@telus.net.We're getting pretty damn dotty, we are almost 88 and 92.....Good hearing from everyone hope to hear from some of you. Lowell and Virginia
Send pictures so we know what you all look like....
Last contact from Virgina And Lowell was Feb. l984. At the time grandaughter Dierdre was living in Winchester, Virginia. Life got busy,time went by,and here I am! I Will be in contact.
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I have, what I believe to be, an original Naeve drawing. I bought Phantasies of a Prisoner on eBay thinking I'd be able to 1. find reference to my drawing, and 2. a copy of Naeve's signature. There was nothing of either in the book.
I live in Vermont and have heard that Naeve lives(d) here. Have you had any response to your request for information, or have you uncovered anything further about him?
If you email me, I can send (attach) a photo of the print. I'd like to find out its worth someday.
Interesting man......
Thanks. Jody
Posted by: Jody Himebaugh at February 16, 2008 5:24 AM