TOM OF FINLAND (Finnish, 1920 – 1991), Untitled, 1988, Graphite on paper, ToFF #88.10, © 1988 Tom of Finland Foundation
Tom of Finland has been an incredible inspiration to my work
and within the Gay community, as well. —Mike Kelley, 1985
Release Date: September 2012
As the art world knows,
Los Angeles artist Mike Kelley passed away,
an apparent suicide.
A note from the editor,
Tulsa Kinney.
Mike was a friend of the Foundation
and collected Tom’s work.
In 1985, when Mike was at CalArts
he coordinated a lecture with Tom.
When Mike visited TOM House
he shared his joy,
his wisdom
and his sense of humor.
When you left us, Mike, we were in the midst
of working on a new anthology on Tom.
We were writing about you
and how those that create, inspire.
Thank you for giving so much to the world.
Tom of Finland speaking at California Institute of the Arts in 1988, Part I.
Part II.
“Tom of Finland has been an incredible inspiration to my work and within the Gay community, as well.”
-Mike Kelley, Professor/Artist, California Institute of the Arts, 1988 Graduate Lecture Series
