Earle M. Pilgrim facts for kids

Earle Montrose Pilgrim (1923–1976) was an American artist. His art style mixed Abstract Expressionism and Figurative Expressionism. This means his work often showed figures or people, but in a very abstract and expressive way.

From the early 1950s to the mid-1970s, Pilgrim created many different types of art. He made large paintings and smaller, more personal pieces. He used various materials, from paint to experimental film. His art showed his many interests, like unique portraits and ideas about the occult. He used bright colors, abstract shapes, and strong feelings in his art.

Early Life

Earle Pilgrim was born in Brooklyn on March 14, 1923. He grew up at 206 Macon Street with his parents, Leon and Amy Pilgrim, and his sister, Enid. His parents were from the British West Indies.

Earle went to public school until his second year of high school. He was asked to leave school after wearing a top hat and coat to a school dance. This was instead of the required uniform. After this, his father helped him get an apprenticeship with a printmaker.

On March 27, 1943, Pilgrim joined the United States Army. He was part of the 477th Composite Group. He served during the war until he faced a court-martial. This happened because he stood up for himself against unfair treatment from a white officer. While in the Army, he wrote a poem that was published in a newspaper called the Godwin Field Beacon. He was also a member of the Artists Sketch Club.

Art Career

After leaving the Army, Earle Pilgrim moved to Greenwich Village in New York City. He learned how to make jewelry by working with a jeweler named Sam Kramer. He also studied art at the Art Students League. For a time, he even worked at Sotheby's, a famous auction house.

In 1949, a writer named Allan Malcolm Morrison quoted Earle Pilgrim. Earle said that artists like him wanted to live their lives freely. He said they were against traditional ways of living and were very individual.

During this time, he met Lily Touma at the San Remo Cafe. They later got married.

In 1951, the Pilgrims moved to Provincetown, Massachusetts, which was a popular art community. They opened a gallery at 393 Commercial Street and lived in the back. Earle studied with artist Henry Hensche. He painted and made jewelry. Lily made dolls and rugs. She also wrote for a local newspaper. Earle also taught jewelry making in adult education classes.

At his gallery, Earle showed the work of many artists who later became famous. These included Allan Kaprow and Lester Johnson. Lester Johnson admired Pilgrim's work a lot. He said that Earle Pilgrim was one of the first people who liked his art.

Pilgrim also started to show his art in Boston. He had a place at 80 West Cedar Street in Beacon Hill. In 1954, the Pilgrims moved to Boston full-time.

In Boston, Pilgrim lived and worked in large loft spaces. He continued to sell his "Jewelry Originals, Paintings, Curiosa." Many interesting people visited his spaces. These included thinkers like Timothy Leary, Alan Watts, and Ram Dass. Pilgrim also connected with jazz musicians in Boston. Some of them were Sam Rivers, Tony Williams, and Herb Pomeroy. He also met other writers and artists.

Earle Pilgrim's art included jewelry, printmaking, painting, collage, metal sculptures, and experimental films. He started making films in Boston. It was also in Boston that he began to face personal challenges. One time, he took a sudden and unplanned bus trip from Boston to California.

Earle Pilgrim later spent time in hospitals for his health. This was between 1960 and 1962. His wife, Lily, wrote about the challenges he faced. She mentioned that he worked too much without rest. He was painting, filming, and making jewelry. He also ran a shop. It was hard for him to make money from his art. His father also passed away. She also noted the difficulties he faced because of racial prejudice and trying to find his place in society.

Pilgrim was part of a group called "Projection Film-Makers," led by John Brockman. This group showed experimental films. In 1965, Brockman helped organize a big film festival. It featured works by famous artists like Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg.

In his final years, Earle Pilgrim lived in a loft in New York City with his wife Lily. Their loft was above the home of artists La Monte Young and Marian Zazeela. These artists later turned the Pilgrim's loft into "Dream House." This is a special sound and light art installation that has been running for over twenty years.

Pilgrim continued to receive care for his health for about 14 to 16 years. He spent time in different hospitals, including a VA hospital, a state mental institution, Bellevue, St. Vincent's, and Beekman.