I was immersed in Peter Good’s art just through my existence.
I come from a small family. Both of my parents were artists — my dad, Paul Zelanski, was a professor at UConn for almost 40 years. He taught Peter; my mom, Annette (Harding) Zelanski ’65 (SFA); and Peter’s wife, Janet Cummings Good ’66 (SFA). We chose friends to be our family, and the closest were those connected through UConn, both faculty and alumni. I grew up with the Goods — some of my earliest childhood memories were playing at their house. We shared meals and attended parties, concerts at Jorgensen, and so many art openings.
I remember always being in awe of Peter’s work and knowing I ultimately wanted to work for him. I kept in touch with Peter while I was at UConn. When I graduated, I wanted to make sure I earned my spot at Peter Good Graphic Design (which was the business before he and Jan started Cummings & Good). I got his advice before I took my first job at Newman Design Associates, and when I was ready to leave there, I essentially showed up at his office like a stray cat that they fed and never left. I would find a corner of a desk to work at just to be close to his greatness. Peter was so incredibly generous and kind, and such a thoughtful teacher.
He would let me come with him to client meetings and presentations. He confessed he never liked public speaking, and I quite enjoyed it. I know how lucky I was that he allowed me that experience as a young professional. I have so many memories of driving over the river and through the woods together, just talking about ideas, design, concepts, books, music, and art. Those are my most treasured memories, the quiet moments. It’s not the published work that I remember the most — yes I smile every single time I see the Hartford Whalers logo, especially on a young person, the next generation appreciating his design — but for me, it was always the process. It’s the thinking, the research, the discovery, the humor, the making of things.
