  Saturday
evening, July 28th from 8 to 10 I had my art show called, "New
Digs". "New Digs" consists of several works in
different media. There's the overall show of new pencil drawings
and a retrospective of older ones, work in raku, poetry, slide show
and performance piece. "New Digs" was meant to
represent the archeological task of searching, digging and putting
together a discovery, to that of creating a work of art or poetry.
Much of my work in the past is about a civilization that lived in the
Adirondacks thousands of years ago and I discover the ruins of their
existence. In 1982 I stumbled upon an Ancient Adirondack Camp
and I made a pencil  drawing
of it, in the following six years I came across many artifacts but it
wasn't until 1988 that I discovered the Ancient Adirondack
Observatory. Magnificently preserved on a ledge looking out to
the mountains. I drew many sketches from different angles and
began construction of a wooden model before I did my pencil drawing
which won a first prize jury award. By now it was pretty much
agreed that people did live here up to 6 thousand
years ago, but where was their hub, their center of commerce and
civilization. It wasn't until 1999 that I found the Ancient
Adirondack City.
As a result of all these startling
discoveries I began to really dig deep. While excavating I began
wondering if we could advance in time, the way that we are able to go
back in time, archeological speaking. That's when I discovered,
"Observing Adirondack Castles in the 21st Century". A
look into the future of the mountains, into how transitory mankind is
in respect to nature. At the same time as that I began exploring
looking, and seeing things differently, I began unearthing ideas for a
book of how I see Whiteface The reception was fun, Sue prepared some wonderful desserts, Baklava, Presidential Pecan Cookies, a tray of cheeses, fruits, dips, pate and a wonderful punch. I dressed nicely with a silk shirt on because I wanted to create a contrast by not only slowly changing my clothes into a hiking outfit, but also having the fabric be seen in contrast.
I'll get to what I choose (money), who won, and what they won, later. At 9PM I began to change my clothes,
slowly. First I took of my shoes and pants and put on hiking boots and
jeans. Went back in and mixed, I noticed that several people noticed
this change. I then did some rounds around the gallery and left again,
this time coming back with a fuchsia colored t- shirt on. More and
more people were taking notice now, but I continued to just make the
rounds then went and put on a blue jean shirt, that I usually hike
with. I came into the gallery I opened the door and walked out of my opening, Emily follows me and waves goodbye. Corrine picks up her journal on the table by the door, opens it and begins to write, voicing her writing in a clear and reflective manner to all in the gallery, "Dad left tonight on another journey, what is he searching for? What are we all searching for? I looked into his eyes when he kissed me goodbye. Knowing that he would return from the far horizon of words and drawings." Emily came back into the gallery and urged Corrine to "Lets go see what Daddy is doing". |
Mountain
change from time to time. It must have been through my
love of books, binding and creating stories that I began to experience
unusual vibrations from the land that I live on. Through dreams
and inner voices I came to believe that I lived on an Ancient
Adirondack Library and that it was time to do my "New Dig"
right here. This page will try to recreate that event.
We
had a silent auction as well......a different kind of silent auction
however. It was for an unknown object and this is what the sign said,
"If by some chance an object is revealed this is your chance
to claim it as your own. Write your name and what you are willing to
risk for the UNKNOWN." There was a column for
"name" and one for "risk". I can tell you there
was less money risked than other things, here are some entries,
"My Innocence", "A ride on my horse",
"Stoneware vase", "a poem", "Something
private and unknown to me at this moment", "A time of
peace", "A sharing of creative energy".
and
went over to one of the pedestals where I had all my hiking gear on
display. I picked up the scarf and put it on, put the knife and brush
into the backpack and slipped that onto my back. I then put my camera
bag on, turned and walked to the door. Sue was working the lights and
she slowly turned them off, one my one until there was only one spot
light focusing, on me and the
kids by the door.