Ellie Bogardus - The Italian Period

Occasionally, I get a message from a viewer who happens upon one of the Ellie Bogardus blog postings and has something to share of his or her history with the artist. Back in July, I received such a note: I was used to know her and her husband, the time they lived in Italy, my family still owns some of her works. Few days ago I've found some candles (quite hippy looking!) she had crafted with my mom around 1966!! Lovely person! I remember she was letting me play whit inks and colours (I was 3/4 y.o.), and also with Mammut, their dachshund I loved.

In October, I received another a note on "Turn Back The Pages - More Notes On Ellie Bogardus..." which was his reply to my inquiry for more information: Hi, how can I send u some pics about?!? I'm that "gentleman"... :-)

1988 hand-painted sweatshirt

Alessandro La Villa (who goes by the handle, Bambotron) sent a follow up message with a photograph of a sweat shirt that Ellie had painted for his mother on her "last trip to Cambria." He mentioned that there was once a portrait of his grandmother in an armchair, but at a time in the past someone close to the family had stolen it from her home. He also promised "more was to come."

This past October, Alessandro sent another image with the explanation: This was done for my father (Silvio), after a healt[h] problem for Jean and Bebel (Mammouth)! Jean gave me his authorization to show him naked!!! lol! There was a P.S. again of more to come. The Jean refers to Jean-Marie Bonnard (Ellie's Husband), referred to in earlier posts.

1967 Nursing Diploma

The next day, October 15, Alessandro sent another photograph with the explanation: ... here's another Ellie's work from the "Italian" period. I'm glad to introduce you my "Sicilian" grandmother Agata, in her armchair, Ellie's way! As you can see, it's ink drawn on tissue paper. She also realized a painting  of my Granny, sadly it has been stolen... Anyway, talking with my mother about Ellie it's great, cause she really remembers a lot about... did you know Ellie was also a cookbook writer?!? looks like she has made more than one cookbook, filling those with her "stories" about how she got the recipe and how was the first time she tasted those food. Great people makes a lot of stuffs!!!

Agata, Alessandro's grandmother

It has taken me months to follow up with a post of the information from Alessandro - I need to follow up with him and see if there is more he can share.
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To document another memory of Ellie Bogardus (no images, except in someone's mind) comes from C.H. Crawford posted August 17th on "The Artist's House - Ellie Bogardus": Thanks for sharing. I was visiting Cambria recently and could not remember where Ellie's cottage was located. She was kind enough to allow me, a complete stranger, to stay in the little suite in the back in the late 80"s. It was a fabulous spot right next to the cliff. It was literally just what my doctor ordered. I wish I could have stayed a lifetime. She was very kind to me those few days. We shared soft shell crab out in the gazebo. Magical indeed!