Hello Friends and fans of Rodney Pike. I am his wife, Lydia. I wanted to take a minute to thank all of you for your kindness and support of Rodney over the past year or so. I don't know if you all know it but Rodney suffers from severe anxiety and depression and until he stumbled up Freaking News recently, he had lost all hope of ever finding something he could do and feel good about, subsequently leaving him on disability. Since that time, he has done all these awesome images you've seen here and in his gallery. Rodney credits his art as having "saved his life." His passion for what he does and so many new friends and fans who look forward to the next caricature, gave him something to get up for everyday.
Of course none of what you see in his gallery can be sold. They are only practice work and studies of technique. He can not sell it if he does not own the copyright on the original image. There are some that he has done for customers for in-kind trades or pro-bono for people who have helped him is extraordinary ways to publicize himself or have given him guidance along the way. There are some real commissions which he has been able to get money for - always a good thing and certainly helps pay for all the technology behind the work. It is Rodney's dream that his work becomes so well known and sought after that he is able to make a living off of it and completely replace his disability income and health insurance. We all know that with time, this is entirely possible because his work is unique and extraordinary in so many ways. There is nothing like it out there.
Unfortunately, friends, Rodney's dream may not come to pass. In fact, it is possible that you may not see anything new from Rodney for some time, if ever. Not that he does not want to. If anyone out there is familiar with Depression at any level, you know that when you get 'kicked in the stomach" or someone continually attacks you emotionally, you loose the desire to do even those things that brought you joy. Rodney has been and is under constant emotional attack by his ex-wife. She has turned both of his children against him and despite our having provided much more support than the court would have required over the years, she continues to try to squeeze more and more money out of him. She knows that we do not have much and certainly have nothing to spare. But now, using his art social media and his blog against him, she noted he posted that he got some 'commissions' and she has accused him of being 'under employed' and wants more money.
Consequently, just the anticipation of yet another ugly court battle with that woman has Rodney emotionally paralyzed. Those who wonder why you have not heard from him, he is thinking of you all and speaks of you all, He wants to 'Hang out" but can't bring himself out of this melancholy state and he can not see beyond the doldrums. Needless to say he is artistically muted as well. It is all he can do to post previous work and maintain a slight presence on Google+, his blog and facebook. What this woman does not realize (or perhaps she does) is that in her attempts to get any extra money he may have the ability to make, she is effectively rendering him unable to do anything and he is ready to throw in the towel. She will benefit nothing, unless her goal is to destroy him completely.
Please be patient as Rodney works through this. Know that your words of encouragement and your continued support are being heard and appreciated. Let's keep lifting him and encouraging in his art. The world needs humor. The world needs laughter. The world needs the unique art style of Rodney Pike. Let's keep reminding him of that.
With kindest regards and sincerity,
Lydia C. Pike
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day and be inspired!
