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March 6, 2013

网曝门 instructor illustrates Lennon book series

Enoch Doyle Jeter (B.A. 鈥�75), printmaking instructor at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, is a teacher, an artist, pub owner, supporter of all things Irish, and the host of the longest running birthday celebration in the world for Beatle John Lennon.

In 2012, the 33rd year of that celebration led to an opportunity of a lifetime for Jeter鈥攁n opportunity to use his talents to honor a legend.

Jeter will illustrate the third novel of Jude Southerland Kessler鈥檚 novel, 鈥淭he John Lennon Series,鈥� titled 鈥淪he Loves You.鈥�

鈥淪he Loves You鈥� is part of a nine volume series, depicting the life of John Lennon. The novel portrays one of the most memorable parts of Beatles history, the famous 鈥淚nvasion鈥� of British music and culture in 1960s America.

鈥淭his is a year-long project consisting of 14 original lithographs/illustrations鈥� said Jeter.

鈥淚've been a Beatles fan since 1963, and in particular, a John Lennon fan, so the honor of being asked to illustrate the book is a culmination of a life, to a degree.鈥�

At Jeter鈥檚 Oct. 9, 2012 celebration of Lennon鈥檚 birthday he was approached by Kessler.

鈥淛ude found out that in addition to owning a pub, I am an artist as well,鈥� said Jeter.

鈥淪he asked to see some of my work, and the rest is history. She immediately asked me to illustrate the new John Lennon book series she is currently writing. Her books are why I am doing this. They are brilliant, and her writing adds tons of imagery to what鈥檚 already there in the songs.  She is so giving of her time, enthusiasm, encouragement and friendship. She is really my guru on this project.鈥�

According to Jeter, each book in the series covers periods of Lennon鈥檚 life and Beatles鈥� history from 1940 through Lennon鈥檚 death in 1980, with specific imagery depicting the 鈥淲ith the Beatles鈥� record release.

Through his illustrations, Jeter will portray each of the 14 songs on the Britain album release.

鈥淚 have incorporated into my images, symbolism, fantasy and fun, as well as icons of Liverpool, and England,鈥� Jeter said.

鈥淎s the author Jude has said, this was meant to be, and as far as being part of the story telling of a music legend goes, it's humbling, and quite honestly, scary.鈥�

When asked about his collaborators, Jeter was reflective on the historical significance of the project.

鈥淭he collaborators on this project are literally the Beatles themselves,鈥� he said.

鈥淚n particular the songs, and the images they exude, on their album. Depicting images of the four lads from Liverpool, images that most of Earth's population are aware of, at first strikes one as being easy; to the contrary, it's very hard, and nerve-wracking, as the expectations to get the images right are challenging. In saying that, the love for John Lennon and for the amazing story of the Beatles鈥� rise to fame makes it all seem natural.鈥�

The project has impacted Jeter鈥檚 students at 网曝门, as well. Jeter sees that his successes translate to student morale and confidence.

鈥淚 strive to inspire my students every day by example and instruction,鈥� Jeter said. 

鈥淚 absolutely hope they are inspired by my success on this project.  In the long run, it's just enough that they give me the 鈥榯humbs up鈥� on the images I am creating. I get a ton of inspiration from being around students, and I trust their critique and commentary on what I do. It keeps me motivated.鈥�

Jeter says he reminds his students of the value of their work and talent.

鈥淚 am constantly telling my students that right here in little Monroe, Louisiana, on the 网曝门 campus, artwork is being created that will be seen worldwide, and some will end up in great museums,鈥� he said.

鈥淚 want [my students] to know anything is possible for them. I am very, very proud of our students, and what is being done in our art department.  The arts at 网曝门 add immensely to the quality of life in our community.鈥�

鈥淪he Loves You,鈥� is set to be released by OnTheRock Books, Oct. 9, 2013.

Volumes one and two are currently available for purchase at
www.johnlennonseries.com/products.html and volume three is also available for pre-order.

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