Patricia Oberhaus
I See The Water
Patricia Oberhaus was a Berkeley artist and avant-garde filmmaker known for her erotic drawings and illustrations that appeared in counterculture books and underground newspapers of the period
Patricia Oberhaus had 3 children (two daughters, Robin and Sue and one son,) and one long-term partner and step-father to her girls of 14 years, Peter Neufeld. She was an “unusual character”.
Her art speaks for itself. She was bold in her assessment of American culture, as in her article and accompanying drawing about Beatlemania which captured the liberation of women’s sensuality in real time, published in the Barb 9/10/65. The original was purchased for $5,000 by a Mr. Daniel A. Kildare for $5,000 shortly afterward.
Despite some early financial success, Patricia seems to have died without any resources and hundreds, if not thousands of pieces of artwork are unaccounted for. If still in existence, they would likely be found in the Humboldt area, where she lived until her death in the early 90’s.
Patricia Oberhaus had 3 children (two daughters, Robin and Sue and one son,) and one long-term partner and step-father to her girls of 14 years, Peter Neufeld. She was an “unusual character”.
Her art speaks for itself. She was bold in her assessment of American culture, as in her article and accompanying drawing about Beatlemania which captured the liberation of women’s sensuality in real time, published in the Barb 9/10/65. The original was purchased for $5,000 by a Mr. Daniel A. Kildare for $5,000 shortly afterward.
Despite some early financial success, Patricia seems to have died without any resources and hundreds, if not thousands of pieces of artwork are unaccounted for. If still in existence, they would likely be found in the Humboldt area, where she lived until her death in the early 90’s.
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| Patricia Oberhaus, “Artist Tells of Virgin Rites at Beatle Bacchanal,” Berkeley Barb, Vol. 1, No. 5, September 10, 1965 Detail |
Now, THIS is something different. AND good! Thanx. Never heard of her before. What else did she record?
ReplyDeleteHello where did you get your info I have one of her drawings I'd like to find out more about?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your time,
Bryan Vaughan
You can contact me at www.berkeleybarb.org. I know as much as anyone who didn't know her personally. She was featured at an exhibit as The Art House in Berkeley in 2015 as part of the 50th anniversary of the Berkeley Barb.
DeleteSo good to see that something new has come out about Patricia. A few years ago there wasn't a thing online about her. Glad to see that has changed. Several of her pieces were printed in the Berkeley Barb and can be seen in the digital archives at www.berkeleybarb.org. 9/10/65 & 9/9/66 featured the two pieces about the Beatles, and I think it was Vol. 1 issue 18 (12/10/65 maybe?) that has her Dylan piece on the cover.
DeleteIn 2015, when we were planning the 50th anniversary celebration of the Berkeley Barb we featured some of Patricia's artwork (copied & printed by Lincoln Cushing) and Peter Neufeld came to the reunion party. I too found out about her eccentric personality, but hadn't yet come across this recording. In fact, just a few years ago you couldn't find any information about her online. I'm happy to see that has changed.
ReplyDeleteKnew Patricia and Peter when they lived in Pt. Richmond when I was a sophomore at Cal in 1963. We picked up whale meat at the whaling station in Richmond. Had a e3licious meal. Continued to see her when she and Peter moved to Berkeley. Adventure wa always around the corner. The shop in Pt. Richmond was a den, first into to her drawings and bead stringing. She could be warm and funny and cutting. Dominated Peter whose I I gravitated to. Always wondered how they survived financilly, but it was easier to survive on little in Berkeley in the early 60s. Was bohemian, of another era. I remember Peter cooking the best shortribs (was the cheapest of cuts then). Lots of distance between them. Self absorption was her middle name. Hope the girls who I slighty new have survived and thrived. Never knew or met the son. Her drawings never changed as I remember, Beardsely like, subject remained the same, breasts and puebs. Peter seemed sad. Pat had a great need for amusement, and collected people. Knew nothing of her early life. hope she did not suffer alone. Always remember her sitting in a big red velvet Victorian chair. Sometimes felt the depression in the house. Girls were very bright.
ReplyDelete