Volume 9–2 (Low Res).pdf

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The Saga of The Two Mo's: By the
time you finish reading this color
section of U&Ic you are likely to be
much better acquainted with two
singular artists.The fact that their
names share a syllable in common is only
a coincidence.The real reason for coupling
Mo Lebowitz with Mozart (Wolfgang A.) is
that the former is a graphic designer/
artist/conceptualist/writer with a passion-
ate fixation on the latter. For his guest
appearance in U&Ic, Lebowitz has chosen
to not only design, but also write,the entire
color section as a tribute,a love letter; a
paean of praise to his favorite of all sub-
jects, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, genius
composer of the 18th century.
Mo Lebowitz is not only extraordinarily
knowledgeable about Mozart and his
music in the large sense—the history and
form—but he is nosy and funny besides.
He has uncovered juicy morsels about per-
tinent people and relationships; he names
names, quotes from letters,tells who said
what about whom, how they looked and
how they behaved.All in all, he paints a
lively, lovely portrait of a beloved subject.
We have reason to believe that if
Mozart were alive today he would be equally
admiring of Lebowitz.They would have a lot
in common—both energetic, happy fellows
who love good food, good wine, good friends,
good conversation and hard work. You can
deduce a good deal about Lebowitz the
designer from studying the design and
typography he has selected for this love-
project of his. But we would also like to fill
in some pertinent details about his per-
sonal and professional life.
About Mo Lebowitz: He was born in 1932 in Washington, D.C.
He graduated from the University of Maryland, served two years
in the Air Force, and subsequently went to work as an artist/art
director for studios and agencies in the Baltimore-Washington area.
In 1961 he came to New York City, was employed by several
studios,agencies and business organizations until he set up
his own shop, Mo Lebowitz, Inc., in 1966. He has, ever since, operated
as a one-man corporation, with no additions to the staff
and no plans for expansion.
Aside from commercial projects for clients like CBS,Lightolier,
Young & Rubicam, Woman's Day, Sport, The Glass Oven Baking
Company, Ladies' Home Journal, International Distillers and Vintners
of France.and International Typeface Corporation, Lebowitz
operates his own private printing press. The Antique Press is his
hdbby assemblage of over 300 fonts of wood and metal type
families, three letterpresses and a variety of old printing equipment.
With these old mechanisms he produces "copious amounts
of broadsides, booklets and other ephemera in pursuit of graphic
and typographic excellence," reports Lebowitz re: Lebowitz.
Working alone has not kept him out of the highest echelons
of the professional world. He has won over 350 awards in
national and international exhibitions.He has lectured to students
and professionals throughout America, Europe and
Australia. He has served as juror for every major graphics group
in the U.S.,and has been an instructor in graphic design at
The Cooper Union and The School of Visual Arts, New York City.
In addition to his devotion to Mozart,Lebowitz's passionate
pursuit of the best things in life has turned him into a gourmet
cook, a wine connoisseur extraordinaire and a highly discriminating
specifier of typography. He has chosen to design this Mozart
opus in a number of ITC faces because,in his own words: "their
classicism, their variety and patrician good taste are the very
attributes of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart himself."
THIS PAGE WAS SET IN ITC FRANKLIN GOTHICT.AND ITC GALLIARD"