More Art

Art is subjective. A good way to explore it is by jumping into the pool, looking at a large collection and seeing what resonates with you personally. You're often surprised to like both a contemporary photograph and a 400-year old painting. You do you.

Here's art that spoke to me at the CMA on Sunday.

John Singer Sargent, "Carmella Bertagna" (1880)

Frank Stella, "La vecchia dell'orto" (1986)

Lucas Foglia, "Amanda After A Birthday Party, Jackson, Wyoming" (2010)

Richard Anuszkiewicz, "Dual Red" (1979)

Alison Saar, "Nocturne Navigator" (1998)

Erika Stone, "Lower Eastside Facade" (1947)

Columbus Museum of Art

While in Ohio I accompanied my good friend Emma to the Columbus Museum of Art. As we entered the museum I was delightfully surprised -- the first thing we saw was a large work of glass art by none-other-than Lino Tagliapietra, the world-famous Maestro whose work I collect. In fact, I had dinner with Lino and his wife two months ago.

I learned Lino made the large piece ("Endeavor") specifically for this location in 2003. It fills the space with bright colors and dynamic energy. 

The CMA accurately reflects Columbus and possesses terrific art. I'll post more pictures soon.

Motorcycle Rally

I travelled 600 miles so I could attend a vintage motorcycle rally in Ohio today. It's the largest one in the country, full of people selling, doing and riding everything you can imagine. It was fun!

Human Behavior

Two centuries ago novelist Gustave Flaubert wrote something wise. 

He said: "A man judging another is a sight that would make me burst with laughter if it did not fill me with pity."

Art

"Artists are the only ones who do any good in the world."

  - Albert Camus, "Notebooks 1942-1951" (p.81)

Herman Munster

Today is actor Fred Gwynne's birthday. He would have been 96 years old. (He died three decades ago.)

Everyone recognizes Fred from his iconic performance as Herman Munster in "The Munsters," a classic TV show from the Sixties. Even though it only ran for two seasons its impact was deep and lasting due to syndication. 

Aside from an amusing role as a Judge in "My Cousin Vinny," my favorite perfomance of Fred's was "Car 54, Where Are You?" That was an earlier Sixties TV show which included Al Lewis (Grandpa on "The Munsters"). I saw Al Lewis in person in the 1980s when he owned a restaurant on Bleecker Street in Manhattan. Every day he stood there smiling at everyone. What a nice guy.

Life is funny and moves in unpredictable directions. For example, Fred Gwynne was born into a wealthy family, attended a fancy prep-school (Groton) and graduated from Harvard University. He acted in respectable plays by Shakespeare. One would never guess he'd be best-remembered for clownish Herman Munster, but there you go. :)

Long Hair

Do you have long hair? Have you ever had it?

Long hair is more work than short hair but I believe the trouble is worth it. I'm paying more attention to my hair right now and enjoying the effort. There was a learning curve at first but I've jumped that hurdle.

What's your hair look like?

In Print

Imagine my surprise when I opened the new July issue of BMW MOA magazine today and saw my motorcycle. Not one like my bike but my ACTUAL motorcycle!

Displayed on page 11 is my red S1000R with my name and quotation alongside it. I took this photograph recently with my best digital camera (Nikon D5200); you may recall seeing the image about a month ago.

This is a sign it's time to ride!