Art Clokey, American animator, director, producer, and screenwriter (b. 1921)

Arthur "Art" Clokey: A Pioneer of Clay Animation and Creator of Beloved Characters

Arthur "Art" Clokey, born Arthur Charles Farrington on October 12, 1921, and passing on January 8, 2010, was an iconic American animator who profoundly shaped the landscape of television animation. He is widely recognized as a pioneering force in the popularization of stop-motion clay animation, a meticulous and intricate filmmaking technique where objects are physically manipulated in small increments between individually photographed frames, creating the illusion of movement when the sequence of frames is played back. Clokey's enduring legacy is primarily defined by his creation of the beloved green clay character, Gumby, and his loyal orange equine companion, Pokey, for whom Clokey also provided the original voice.

Clokey's journey into the world of animation began in 1953 with a groundbreaking experimental film titled "Gumbasia." This innovative short was a direct result of his studies at the University of Southern California (USC), where he was profoundly influenced by his professor, Slavko Vorkapich. Vorkapich, a Yugoslav-American film theorist and montage specialist, taught a unique concept called "kineto-grammar" or "film poems," which explored abstract visual rhythms and the expressive potential of non-narrative filmmaking. "Gumbasia," composed of abstract clay forms morphing and moving rhythmically, served as a foundational experiment that not only showcased the nascent possibilities of clay animation but also directly inspired the creation of Gumby by demonstrating how clay could be brought to life on screen.

The Birth and Enduring Appeal of Gumby and Pokey

Following the creative insights gleaned from "Gumbasia," Art Clokey, collaborating closely with his wife, Ruth Clokey, developed the distinctive clay character of Gumby, a flexible, humanoid figure, and his faithful horse, Pokey. Their initial introduction to American audiences was a significant milestone, as they first appeared on the highly popular "Howdy Doody Show" in 1956. This exposure on a major children's program quickly propelled them into the public consciousness. The positive reception led to the development of their own dedicated series, "The Adventures of Gumby," which originally aired from 1957 to 1968. This series cemented Gumby and Pokey's status as familiar and cherished presences on American television, captivating generations with their imaginative adventures, moral lessons, and unique visual style.

The enduring appeal of Gumby and Pokey experienced a remarkable resurgence in the 1980s, largely thanks to American actor and comedian Eddie Murphy. Murphy, a cast member on the iconic sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live," famously parodied Gumby in a series of popular skits. His portrayal of Gumby as a jaded, cigar-chomping, ego-driven celebrity, who often exclaimed "I'm Gumby, dammit!" breathed new life into the characters, introducing them to a new generation of viewers and rekindling nostalgia among older fans. This cultural touchstone underscored the timeless nature of Clokey's creations and their ability to transcend their original context.

Davey and Goliath: Animation with a Moral Compass

Beyond the whimsical world of Gumby, Art Clokey's second most renowned production was the stop-motion duo of Davey and Goliath. This series, featuring a young boy named Davey Hansen and his talking dog Goliath, was notably funded by the Lutheran Church in America (which later merged to become the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). Launched in 1960, "Davey and Goliath" distinguished itself by focusing on moral and ethical themes, aiming to teach children important life lessons such as honesty, courage, and compassion through everyday situations. Each episode presented a dilemma that Davey and Goliath would navigate, often learning from their mistakes and ultimately embracing positive values. The series ran for several decades in syndication, becoming a staple of educational and faith-based programming for children across the nation, showcasing Clokey's versatility in using stop-motion for different purposes.

Premavision: The Legacy of a Creative Empire

To manage and expand the reach of his iconic creations, Art Clokey founded Premavision, Inc. This company became the central entity overseeing the extensive Gumby and Pokey franchise, which encompasses a wide array of merchandising, licensing, and production activities. Premavision also includes a manufacturing subsidiary, Prema Toy Company, which was instrumental in producing various Gumby-related merchandise, including the famous bendable Gumby figures that became a quintessential toy for children. Through Premavision, Clokey ensured that his animated worlds, brimming with imagination and distinctive artistry, continued to entertain and inspire audiences, maintaining the integrity and legacy of his pioneering work in stop-motion animation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Art Clokey and His Creations

Who was Art Clokey?

Art Clokey was an American animator and pioneer of stop-motion clay animation, best known as the creator of the iconic characters Gumby and Pokey. He also voiced Pokey and created "Davey and Goliath."

What is stop-motion clay animation?

Stop-motion clay animation, often called claymation, is an animation technique where clay figures are molded and manipulated frame by frame. Each tiny movement is photographed, and when the sequence of images is played rapidly, it creates the illusion of smooth motion.

What was "Gumbasia" and how did it lead to Gumby?

"Gumbasia" was an experimental short film created by Art Clokey in 1953, influenced by his USC professor Slavko Vorkapich's abstract film concepts. It featured kinetic, morphing clay shapes and demonstrated the viability of animating clay, directly inspiring the design and movement of the character Gumby.

When did Gumby and Pokey first appear on television?

Gumby and Pokey first made their debut on "The Howdy Doody Show" in 1956, which then led to their own series, "The Adventures of Gumby," starting in 1957.

How did Eddie Murphy contribute to Gumby's popularity in the 1980s?

Eddie Murphy's parodies of Gumby on "Saturday Night Live" in the 1980s significantly boosted the character's popularity and introduced him to a new generation of fans, as well as rekindling interest among original viewers.

What was "Davey and Goliath" about?

"Davey and Goliath" was a stop-motion animated series created by Art Clokey, funded by the Lutheran Church in America. It featured a boy and his talking dog, exploring moral and ethical lessons for children through their everyday adventures and dilemmas.