Positive Magazine / Spring 2011 / Things That Go Rumph in the Night

Things That Go Rumph in the Night

Reflecting on the impressive career of Jim Rumph

Just for the fun of it, that’s how Jim Rumph lived during his mischievous 51 years on the planet. He left in his wake a cosmic trail of whimsical, clay time capsules that lampooned and immortalized the culture and personalities of the day. If you’re over 40, you have probably seen Rumph’s work. His creations were readily available in specialty stores and by mail order in the early 70s. He was a classic renaissance man who created more than 300 different pieces of pottery including mugs, planters, cologne bottles, decanters, pipes, ashtrays and peculiar sculptures.
 

In addition to his signature nymphs, gremlins and gargoyle-like creatures, many of his creations were send-ups of popular characters in the early 70s. Rumph was so inspired by Star Wars, Superman and Star Trek movies that he stayed up all night sculpting tankards with his favorite characters that included Darth Vader, the Man of Steel and Mr. Spock.

He also mimicked the politics of the day with Republican elephant and Democrat donkey tankards with the opposing mascot tied up inside the vessel. His depiction of Richard Nixon is classic Rumph design with an extended Pinocchio nose and elephant ears. “Mug shots” of his heroes Joe Namath, Isaac Asimov and W.C. Fields were wonderfully true to the individuals they represented.
 

During the late 60s and early 70s, Jim Rumph would sell his creations at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Santa Monica, California. The early one-of-a-kind planters and sculptures are very desirable among the expanding group of Rumph collectors. Rumph’s increasing popularity can probably be attributed to the wide variety of pieces he created and the continued interest in the culture of that period. Many of his pieces can be purchased on eBay or at local flea markets for $10 to $20, while one-of-a-kind, store displays and larger pieces can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. 
 

Jim Rumph was born in Missouri on August 17, 1942, but spent most of his teenage years and adult life in California. He died after being hit by a car while walking his bike across the street in the middle of the night in Los Angeles on September 1, 1993. Rumph was a man who immersed himself in life and lived with gusto and reckless abandon. His phone calls to friends would often come at 2 a.m., causing them to wonder if he ever slept. A friend of Rumph’s, Verne Langdon, wrote on therumph.com website: “His infectious laughter could rise to a hysterical crescendo and will resound in my heart forever.” 
 

In all of his zaniness he was often described as softhearted and gentle. He was a man who appreciated the gifts of life and creativity. He created his own award, which he presented to friends. One of the inscriptions on the award was attributed to Buddha and read, “The phenomena of life may be likened unto a dream, a phantasm, a bubble, a shadow or lightening flash; and thus they ought to be contemplated.” The same can be said for the person and the artist that was Jim Rumph. 
 

Editor’s Note: Most of the mass-produced pieces were signed by Rumph and feature a mythical creature’s paw print and the year of production. For more information about Jim Rumph and his art visit wwwtherumph.com.