May 24 is John Otte’s birthday.
About 12 years back, John had a bike wreck in NOLA, and on blood thinners, he died in hospital there. Later, there was a memorial in Atlanta; Will Brann says he and [one other] were only classmates there in a small group. Will named his efforts to preserve memories of our late great classmate, John, as FOJO (Friends of John Otte). As in: I got my FoJO working (but it just don’t work on you…)
Otte’s mother, Susan Bridges, secured his artwork, and presents a selection on her gallery website. Her gallery is beside the house she restored, where John grew up. Here https://whitespace814.com/artists/john-otte/
I’m asking for memories or stories of John Otte. Not to worry, that part will continue long term. As a folklorist, this moment, I’ll call it Ottelore.
Mine: the last time I saw John, he visited Carlos Museum Bookshop where I am a clerk. He had projects. We talked. He looked around. He spoke more about dj work than art work, and how he loved New Orleans, and he had energy for the future. In the 1980s, he shared with me his enthusiasm for Pee-Wee’s Playhouse and the designs of its staff artist, comics artist Gary Panter. When we were kids, I remember John and his ever-present tennis ball in Junior High, always with him on campus. In Virginia Carnes’ AP Art class, 1980-1, John shined, but I could not keep up. Girls in the class played the B-52s, then riding the wave of their first great album, and I can picture John with that B-52 energy; Ehdi Volk-Mishimoto (formerly Diane Volk) and Edwin Wilder remember John more with Devo (“Are we not men? /D-E-V-O…”)
I truly admired John’s own performance art, expressed in the manikin head he put on his muscle car then exchanged wigs, and in his enthusiasm for the drive-in with that to The Varsity, which was always on his way home. He had particular fun with one carhop there in those days. I thought John saw the world with an artist’s vision.
Here are a few replies and comments from emails this month, edited for this post.
David Woodham: “I was fortunate to stay in touch with John after he moved back to Atlanta, from New York, and I reviewed a real estate lease for him regarding some unique commercial space that he wanted to use, but I don't recall whether he ever took the plunge in that space. If I recall correctly it was some space literally under a bridge, either on Howell Mill, or perhaps Northside drive. I also fondly recall his Mr. Suave line of clothing, sundries, etc. which was very cool. I also recall his art show at Westminster, and my favorite piece was titled "Smoldering Ice," and it was very creative and well-executed." I'll tell you about it in person. He was such a gentle and forward-thinking person; it seems unfair (to us) that he is no longer in this world.”
David Perdue: This all makes me very happy. My wife, Sissy (nee Elizabeth), and I lived on Edgewood Avenue from about 1993 until 2000. Got to know Susan (Bridges) then and think she is the bomb.
We chaired a GA Trust (for Historic Preservation) Ball and had Otte DJ for a shake up of the old guard. He also played at my 40th birthday party to great fanfare. He was a very real and kind person. Driving from Inman Park to Westminster was a journey he embraced. Did he have an old Mustang? (BAT: That’s it, the car I remembered.)
Edwin Wilder: Do I recall correctly, wasn’t John Otte really into Devo? They were the ones with the pyramid shaped red hats. During homeroom they would play announcements, and he would DJ some Devo.
Ehdi Volk-Mishimoto [formerly Diane Volk]: Devo is the only thing that comes to mind, but yes I remember him very fondly.
Sam Bentley: I am so sorry to hear about John and glad that folks are working to preserve his legacy. I did not interact with him after HS graduation, but it seems he had a rich life. I am sorry I did not know he was in New Orleans at the time or we could have connected.
Jay Lyle (when told what Will told me, that Susan Bridges will hang a coat of John’s on the porch on Edgewood for him, like at Inman Park Festival): Cool. So when she hangs the coat there is an impromptu Otte salon?
BAT: Here’s my toast to John Otte and salon. May we all share in his spirit. Let’s keep it up!
[Tip of the BAT hat/acknowledgements to Will Brann, Susan Bridges and to Brian Smith and Russell Gray for support.]
