Joe Ades, known as the “Gentleman Peeler” (because of his fine suits and British accent I presume) was a fixture in Union Square Greenmarket where he would sell $5 carrot/potato peelers. Our meeting was a funny one. I sat in front and drew him as he asked me nicely (then not so nicely) to get out of his way, after all he was working and really I was in the way. I’ve always liked the energy in this drawing as, to me, it really feels like I remember him. I drew Mr. Ades back in 2004 and have never forgotten him. As I prepared this post I looked him up and found out that he passed away last year. I’m sure the Greenmarket is not the same without his unique craft and personality. Here is an article from the New York Times about him.
by Greg Betza
I love this!!
I’ve seen him!