THE ARTFUL MIND THE SOURCE FOR PROMOTING the ARTS SINCE 1994
ARLO GUTHRIE
Free!
DECEMBER
2016
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL FLOWER
Abbondante, Oil on Canvas, 13.5 x 13 in
Diana Felber Gallery, West Stockbridge 4 November - 31 December
Jennifer Pazienza jennpazienza@gmail.com, jenniferpazienza.com
Happy
2 • DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND
eff! J , y a d Birth xoxox h.
ox
ROBERT FORTE Swing States Send in the Clown, acrylic and oil on canvas, 30" x 30"
SAINT FRANCIS GALLERY
Conjuring, acrylic and oil on canvas, 40" x 30"
Friday - Monday 10 - 5pm
Through December 19, 2016 Rte 102, Lee, Massachusetts ROBERTFORTE.COM
THE ARTFUL MIND ARTZINE DECEMBER 2016
Dedicated to future days and nights in the sun and a handful of memories to write about.
ARLO GUTHRIE AT THE MAHAIWE Interview...H. Candee Photography... Michael Flower ... 20
WENDY DARLING
Interview...H. Candee
... 10
LISA VOLLMER PHOTOGRAPHER & GALLERIST Interview...h.Candee ...26 THE LUCKY FIVE
Interview... H. Candee ...34
FICTION: Old Jewish Tailor Woman Richard Britell ...39 Grandma Becky’s Recipes Laura Pian ... 43 Berkshire Handmade Claudia D’Alessandro....44 Paintin’ the Town Photography and Event coverage by Natalie tyler
....46
Contributing Writers and Monthly Columnists Claudia D’Alessandro Richard Britell, Laura Pian, Natalie Tyler Photographers Edward Acker, Lee Everett, Jane Feldman Sabine von Falken, Alison Wedd Publisher Harryet Candee
Copy Editor
Marguerite Bride
Editorial Proofreading Kris Galli Advertising and Graphic Design Harryet Candee
Quote Meister Bruce MacDonald
Mailing Address: Box 985, Great Barrington, MA 01230
artfulmind@yahoo.com 413 854 4400 ALL MATERIAL due the 5th of the month prior to publication
FYI: ©Copyright laws in effect throughout The Artful Mind for logo & all graphics including text material. Copyright laws for photographers and writers throughout The Artful Mind. Permission to reprint is required in all instances. In any case the issue does not appear on the stands as planned due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, advertisers will be compensated on a one to one basis. Disclaimer rights available upon request. Serving the Art community with the intention of enhancing communication and sharing positive creativity in all aspects of our lives. We at The Artful Mind are not responsible for any copyrights of the artists, we only interview
4 • DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND
THE MUSIC STORE
As the days grow short and light dims, we look more to the power of music for solace and for inspiration. Small, independent stores are failing across the country, victims of on-line shopping and massive corporate super stores. Times are changing. But we remain mindful that the benefits of shopping locally are many. And more than ever we are thankful for our many loyal and hugely supportive customers, whose musical endeavors we are committed to support. We provide networking for our local teachers. We continue our support for for many of our local schools' art programs and performance groups. And we are able to showcase some of the fine work that independent instrument makers and luthiers are creating ONE AT A TIME right here in Berkshire County including: - Undermountain Ukuleles and Guitars: extraordinary beauty and value, exactingly handmade, one at a time. - Our own Dr. Easy's Drunk Bay Cigar Box guitars, simply the most amazing bang for a box ever heard and featuring ten brand new boxes so far for 2016, - The Rowe Stick Dulcimers - strum sticks par extraordinaire, provided for sale and for donation to outreach and Veteran's programs, - The lovely Stockbridge made Serenity Bamboo Flutes and Walking Stick/Cane flutes and - Whitmer Acoustic Guitars, lovingly made one at a time in Pittsfield from fine tone woods and - Don Waite's Gadjo Guitars - gorgeous and daring for a KILLER price! The Music Store has, for more than sixteen years, enjoyed helping the community, near and far to make music. And this is a rewarding and satisfying enterprise for us. As always, we offer wonderful musical instruments and accessories at competitive pricing. But there are just some things that we like to share with YOU, including support for our newest music makers, Great Deals, and New and Used Instruments for everyone. Come and join the fun . . . We welcome the lovingly Berkshire County INDIVIDUALLY (NOT factory) made: Undermountain Ukuleles AND Guitars. Play and own an ABSOLUTE ORIGINAL! Composite Acoustic guitars (the forever guitar!) and their peerless travel guitar, the Cargo, a favorite of our own Dr. Easy, David Reed, made of carbon graphite and impervious to most changes of temperature and humidity. You can see it often in his hands in performance locally and abroad. Guild Guitars - Light, powerful, affordable, beautiful SOLID woods, gorgeous tone! Beautiful Breedlove Guitars, including Koa, Zircote and Ebony Limited Editions and the 2015 Dealer's Choice Award Winner Oregon Concert! TERRIFIC UKULELES! 60+ DIFFERENT models: Soprano, Concert, Tenor and Baritone, acoustic and acoustic/electric, six string, resonator, the Maccaferri-like Makala Waterman Uke (made all of plastic for easy portability almost anywhere!) the remarkable U-Bass, and the Solid Body Uke Bass prototype by the Magic Fluke Co.! How about a Cordoba Gypsy Kings' Ltd. Edition?
Experience the haunting sound of High Spirits Native American Flutes! How about a West African Djembe? Try a 'Closeout Corner' instrument to suit almost any budget. ALVAREZ GUITARS - great tone and great value. Guitars of SO many brands and types, including Luthier Handmade Instruments from $150-$5000 . . . Ever heard of Dr. Easy’s Drunk Bay Cigar Boxes? Acoustic/electric cigar box guitars, exquisitely made, which bring the past into the present with a delightful punch, acoustically AND plugged in! You can even hear them in concert if you catch Dr. Easy's act in local venues! Harmonicas, in (almost) every key (try a Suzuki Hammond ‘Mouth Organ’). Picks (exotic, too!), strings (!!), sticks and reeds Violins, Mandolins, Dulcimers, Banjos, and Banjo Ukes! Handmade and international percussion instruments! Dreamy locally made bamboo and wooden flutes and walking stick flutes! And the new Berkshire County Rowe Stick Dulcimers, easy to play and adore, the sales of which benefit Veteran's homes and outreach programs. And there is more to delight the eyes, intrigue the ears and bring warm joy to the heart! We remain your neighborhood music store, where advice and help are free and music is the universal language. Working with local luthiers and repairmen we offer stringed and band instrument repair. And we just may have something you haven’t seen before (have you heard the Electric Cigar Box Guitars?). We match (or BEAT) many on-line prices for the merchandise that we sell, and do so IN PERSON, for the most part cheerfully (though we reserve the right to glower a little when asked if we can ‘do better’ on the price of a pick!)! Happy MUSIC MAKING! And may this festive season bring light to you and yours. The Music Store, located at 87 Railroad Street in Great Barrington, is open Wednesdays through Sundays and by appointment. Call us at 413-528-2460, visit us on line at www.themusicstoreplus.com, on Facebook as The Music Store Plus, or shop our online Reverb store at https://reverb.com/shop/TheMusicStorePlus.
Cheri’s Cafe....SXM don’t worry, be happy
2017
A GREAT EDITORIAL LINE-UP is predicted! • Tell us your out there! • Advertise your event and business with
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Holid ay Sho w
Eunice Agar
November. 4 - December. 31 Diana Felber Gallery West Stockbridge, MA EUNICEAGAR.COM
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 5
ARTFUL CALENDAR DECEMBER 2016
ART
Original watercolors, house portraits, commissions, fine art reproductions. Seasonal scenes always on exhibit at Crowne Plaza, Pittsfield; Studio visits by appt.
510 WARREN STREET GALLERY 510 WARREN STREET, HUDSON, NY 518-822-0510 510warrenstreetgallery@gmail.com / 510warrenstreetgallery.com “Changing Light”, New paintings by Kate Knapp, Dec 2-Jan 1; Guest Artist: Paintings by Al Margolis; John Lipkowitz, Dakota territory. photographs on display thru Dec 2016; (Friday & Saturday, 12 - 6, Sunday 12 - 5 or by app)
MILLERTON MOVIE HOUSE 48 MAIN STREET MILLERTON NY • 518-789-0022 / WWW.THEMOVIEHOUSE.NET Shadows & Light: Donald Bracken: Thru January 25, 2017. Bracken's more recent work acrylic paintings done over last few years that depict abstract worlds based on air, water, and earth, and the rhythms and motifs of the natural world.
NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM 9 GLENDALE RD, STOCKBRIDGE, MA • 413-298-4100 Hanna-Barbera: The Architects of Saturday Morning: November 12-May 29, 2017. Based on all of the wonderful animation that Hanna has done throughout her life. She was an amazing film animator at MGM studios.
CLAIRE TEAGUE SENIOR CENTER 917 SOUTH MAIN ST., GT. BARRINGTON, MA • 413-528-l881 See the newly rehung permanent collection. Eunice Agar paintings. Regular Hours: Monday- Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:30pm
DEB KOFFMAN’S ARTSPACE 137 FRONT ST, HOUSATONIC, MA • 413-274-1201 Sat: 10:30-12:45 class meets. No experience in drawing necessary, just a willingness to look deeply and watch your mind. This class is conducted in silence. Adult class. $10, please & call to register.
DENISE B CHANDLER FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY & PHOTO ART • 413-637-2344 or 413-281-8461 (leave message) *Lenox home studio & gallery appointments available. *Exhibiting and represented by Sohn Fine Art, Lenox, MA. DIANA FELBER GALLERY 6 HARRIS ST., WEST STOCKBRIDGE, MA • 413-854-7002 dianafelbergallery.com HOLIDAY SHOW, Nov 4 - Dec 31. 10% off everything in the gallery til end of year. (Open 11-6pm, closed Tues.)
Laura Von Rosk, Untitled (River), 2016 622 Warren Street, Hudson, NY. / 518-828-1915 Open Daily 11 am to 5 pm, Sunday noon-5 Winter Exhibit: Kate Hamilton, Allyson Levy, Laura Von Rosk, Louise LaPlante, Andrea Moreau, Elizabeth Coyne and Eileen Murphy ARTISTS' RECEPTION: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, 5-7PM THROUGH JANUARY 22, 2017
FRONT STREET GALLERY 129 FRONT ST, HOUSATONIC, MA • 413-274-6607 Kate Knapp oils and watercolors and classes open to all.
GOOD PURPOSE GALLERY 40 MAIN STREET, LEE, MA • 413-394-5045 Good Tidings Holiday Show thru Jan 2. Featuring work by Ann and Walter J. Pasko among others and one of a kind holiday gifts.
JENNIFER PAZIENZA http://jenniferpazienza.com; jennpazienza@gmail.com Holiday Group Show at Diana Felber Gallery in West Stockbridge, MA thru Nov 31. JOHN DAVIS GALLERY 362 1/2 WARREN ST, HUDSON, NY • 518-828-5907 art@johndavisgallery.com
LAUREN CLARK FINE ART 25 RAILROAD ST. GT BARRINGTON, MA• 413-528-0432 Lauren@LaurenClarkFineArt.com www.LaurenClarkFineArt.com BIG MOVING SALE now through December 31st. 6• DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND
L’ATELIER BERKSHIRES 597 MAIN STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS www.atelierberks.com. • 510-469-5468, natalie.tyler@atelierberks.com The First Annual Small Works Holiday Exhibition, The Gift, Nov 12-Dec 31. Holiday Cocktail Party on December 15 7pm-?
LISA VOLLMER PHOTOGRAPHY NEW STUDIO + GALLERY 325 STOCKBRIDGE ROAD, GT. BARRINGTON • 413-429-6511 / www.lisavollmer.com The Studio specializes in portrait, event, editorial and commercial photography : by appointment. The Gallery represents Sabine Vollmer von Falken, Thatcher Hullerman Cook, Carolina Palermo Schulze and Tom Zetterstrom. (Open daily from 11-4pm closed on Wednesdays) MASS MoCA NORTH ADAMS, MA Alex Da Corte: Free Roses, thru 2016.
MARGUERITE BRIDE HOME STUDIO AT 46 GLORY DRIVE, PITTSFIELD, MA • 413• 841-1659 or 413-442-7718 MARGEBRIDE-PAINTINGS.COM FB: MARGUERITE BRIDE WATERCOLORS
POP UP ART 437 NORTH ST, PITTSFIELD • 413-841-1659 Marguerite Bride and Scott Taylor will be sharing the old Ferrin Gallery space month of Dec. Three POP UP Galleries, sponsored by the City of Pittsfield Cultural Development Department will be open and staffed by the artists themselves starting December 2. Besides Bride and Taylor, Diane Firtell will be located at 431 North Street and will feature her own art plus work by assorted artisans in an “Holiday Artisan Marketplace”. 139 North Street, see work by Sean McCusker, Morris Bennett and Anne Roland. The POP UPs open ThursSaturdays 12noon – 6pm and/or by appointment. The galleries will close Dec 23.
R&F HANDMADE PAINTS 84 TEN BROECK AVENUE, IN MID-TOWN, KINGSTON, NY • 845-331-3112 Last Picture Show—FORCES & artifacts Works by Carol Bajen-Gahm & Pamela Blum thru Sunday, January 15
SCHANTZ GALLERIES 3 ELM ST, STOCKBRIDGE, MA • 413-298-3044 schantzgalleries.com A destination for those seeking premier artists working in glass
SOHN FINE ART GALLERY, PRINTING, FRAMING & WORKSHOPS 69 CHURCH STREET, LENOX MA • 413-551-7353 Contemporary photography by local and international artists. We also offer photographic services, archival pigment printing and framing services. Beneath the Surface, group exhibition of photogrpahy nov 11 - Jan 22, 2017 ST. FRANCIS GALLERY RTE. 102, SOUTH LEE (just 2 miles east from the Red Lion Inn) Friday thru Monday 10-5pm. Holiday Show including work by Robert Forte & others
CLARK ART INSTITUTE 225 SOUTH STREET WILLIAMSTOWN MA • 413-458-2303 / WWW.CLARKART.EDU Photography and Discovery: Thru February 2, 2017. This exhibit explores how photographers considered these subjects during the medium’s first seventy-five years. The exhibition—the first presented in the Eugene V.
Thaw Gallery for Works on Paper in the newly renovated Manton Research Center—is the first extensive presentation of the Clark’s growing collection of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century photography.
VAULT GALLERY 322 MAIN ST, GT. BARRINGTON, MA • 413-644-0221 Marilyn Kalish at work and process on view, beautiful gallery with a wonderful collection of paintings WILLIAMS COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART 15 LAWRENCE HALL DR #2, WILLIAMSTOWN, MA • 413-597-2429 Thru Jan 29, 2017: Getting a Read On Basquiat and Black Lives Matter
EVENTS / WORKSHOPS
THE BOOKSTORE A BERKSHIRE LITERARY LANDMARK: THE MOUNT 2 PLUNKETT STREET LENOX MA December 15, 2016 5 PM: Join for a conversation with Matt Tannenbaum as he shares stories and lessons learned from the past 30 years of running this literary landmark in the heart of Lenox. Matt will be joined by New Yorker cartoonist, Bob Eckstein. THE VANDERBILT HOUSE A CHRISTMAS CAROL, as an interactive dinner theatre experience.The historic Vanderbilt House in Philmont, New York will present unique dinner show on Sat, December 17th at 7:00 PM and Sun, Dec 18, 5:30 PM. $50.00 per person excluding tax and gratuity. Reserva-
tions are required 518-672-9993.
MUSIC
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH MUSIC THE MAHAIWE 4 CASTLE STREET GREAT BARRINGTON MA • 518-392-6677 www.cewm.org The Art of the String Quartet; April 15, 2017 6 PM
FISHER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AT BARD 60 MANOR AVENUE ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON NY • 845.758.7900 / www.fishercenter.bard.edu December 23, 2016 8 PM: The Hot Sardines: Holiday Stomp, one of the best jazz bands in NYC today(Forbes) .Debut on the Sosnoff stage with Holiday Stomp, a big, brass-filled concert of yuletide classics with a jazz twist.
NO. SIX GALLERY 6 DEPOT ST, WEST STOCKBRIDGE, MA Kenny Aronoff: December 18, 2016 3:30 PM - 5 PM World-renowned drummer and Stockbridge native Kenny Aronoff will be speaking and signing copies of his new memoir Sex, Drums, Rock ’n’ Roll
THEATRE
HELSINKI CAFE 405 COLUMBIA ST, HUDSON, NY • 518-828-4800 info@helsinkihudson.com Ballroom Theives, Dec 17; Hayes Carll and Allison Moorer: Dec 29
PROCTORS 432 STATE ST. , SCHENECTADY, NY Nov: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; .ZZ Top: Feb 26, 2017, 8pm; March: Wicked; April: The Sound of Music Send in your events by the 5th of the month prior to publication. Welcome text files and images:
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“American theatre is threatened by the same rigor mortis as the society. For both to survive a new flexibility must evolve. To achieve this the playwright and the audience must take risks. . . . the theatre needs distinct, ruthless visions . . . to shock itsaudiences from their life-sleep . . . that numbing complacency by which they survive the nation’s spiritual decay by pretending it doesn’t exist.” -- John Lahr, 1981
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 7
ROBERT FORTE
ROBERT FORTE, FLOOD WATERS, OIL ON CANVAS, 36" X 36"
Robert Forte's paintings continue to explore themes and ideas drawn from experiences in his life and in the world around him. The canvas used as a vehicle of expression as opposed to representation provides Forte with the excitement that makes painting an ongoing adventure and a source of limitless possibilities. Artists that have become increasingly inspirational are the great expressionists Soutine and Schiele and contemporaries such as Kitaj and Doig. There has always been an element of spontaneity in Forte's work, but this has become more necessary to achieve the expression that he seeks. Although oils have made up the bulk of his work, Forte is finding that acrylics, employed without extenders, provide an immediacy that is challenging and intriguing. What initially might seem to be an undesirable effect can be captured and used to redirect the painting and open up previously unforeseen possibilities. In 2016, Forte was accepted into Atlantic Gallery in the Chelsea arts district of New York City. Accordingly, Robert has been focusing on works for the Atlantic Gallery exhibition schedule for 2017. The first exhibit, opening on January 12, will be a members' group show in which Forte will be showing three new works in oil and acrylic. A second members’ group show will follow, its theme, freedom of expression, seeks to channel the fears and emotions created by the current political scene into an artistic outpouring. A highly successful "Connections" show this year, in which members invited artists to participate, is in the planning stages for next year. Finally, in October 2017, Robert will have his own show at Atlantic Gallery. Robert will be exhibiting his work in a group show at the St. Francis Gallery October 7 through December 19. The gallery is located on rte 102, South Lee, MA. Robert Forte - www.robertforte.com.
8 • 2016 DECEMBER THE ARTFUL MIND
FINE LINE MULTIMEDIA LIVE PERFORMANCE PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
Fine Line Multimedia provides single or multi-camera video of music, dance and theater performances. Services include: scripting and storyboard art, videography with professional high definition cameras, high quality audio recording, sensitive lighting design and creative editing with the latest non-linear editing system. For the past 45 years Fine Line Multimedia has provided audio/video performance production for The Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood, Berkshire Performing Arts Center, National Music Foundation, Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, United Way of the Berkshires, Arlo Guthrie, Rising Son Records, Bobby Sweet, World Moja, Phil Woods, Grace Kelly, Heather Fisch, Opera Nouveau, Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company and many more. Fine Line was established in 1970 by Lee Everett in Lenox, Massachusetts. Everett came to the Berkshires after studying Advertising Design and Visual Communications at Pratt Institute and working for years as an Art Director in New York. He taught Art in local schools and began a full-service multimedia studio in Lenox specializing in the Performing and Visual Arts and other business and industry. With Photography, Graphic Design, Advertising, Marketing, Audio/Video Production, Website, Social Network Creation and Administration together under one roof, Fine Line can satisfy the artistic communications and promotional needs of a wide range of clients. Please look at some examples from our portfolios of work on our website and use the contact information on the site to get further information, to see more samples, photographs or video reels, for professional and client references or for a free project consultation. Fine Line Multimedia - 66 Church Street, Lenox, MA; www.finelinelenox.com Contact: Lee Everett, 413-637-2020, everett@berkshire.rr.com
DIANA FELBER GALLERY HOLIDAY SHOW
10% off everything in the Gallery ‘til the end of the year! We have loads of gift ideas: original jewelry, pottery, both functional and decorative, wonderful glass objects and gorgeous carved wooden bowls. In our main gallery, we are featuring a wall of photography, including imagery by Michael Flower, Martin Greene, polaroid transfers on silk by Jean Germaine, Maurine Sutters’ fun beach trash and “Inflatables”. We also have beautiful oil landscapes by Robert Watson, and pastel views of Chesterwood, by Michael Filmus. Small abstract paintings by Joe Goodwin, whose work was shown to great acclaim at the Berkshire Museum are hanging too. Jim Youngerman’s clever “6 Cows at an Elsworth Kelly show” is still, amazingly, available. Should it sell, you can still get other unique and clever drawings/paintings by Jim. Murray Zimiles is a new artist here that you’ll be seeing more of in coming years. He recently got a triptych installed at the 9/11 museum. His landscapes with or without animals will definitely intrigue you. Shellie Schneider and Lorraine Klagsbrun have cooked up a few new collages, and Stephanie Anderson has given us a magnificent peacock that is both painted and collaged. David Skillicorn created a few smaller abstracts, based on his usual larger ones, which we will show come Spring. Larry Zingale has given us a series of sweet pastel landscapes and Deb Koffman graces our walls with her thoughtful, cut paper storyboards. Jennifer Pazienza’s lovely Fall landscapes are also represented. Nobody can paint crowd scenes like Eunice Agar. Finally I have hung the “Gravity of Flowers” by Kathleen Cammarata, amazingly detailed flower corsages, etc. So, please, come down to West Stockbridge and feast your eyes on all the magnificent art, etc. in the Gallery. Did I tell you I have 2 sweet (literally) potatoes by Janet Rickus, and a couple of smaller, delightful “framed” landscapes by Warner Friedman. Diana Felber Gallery - 6 Harris St, West Stockbridge, MA. Fall Gallery Hours: Open Thursday – Monday, 115pm. 413-854-7002, dianafelbergallery.com, Diana@dianafelbergallery.com
FRONT STREET GALLERY KATE KNAPP
LYNNE M. ANSTETT PHOTOGRAPHER ARTIST VISION
Whether I’m traveling far from my native New England, hiking, or standing in my own back yard, I’m drawn to the endless variety of beautiful things outdoors. It is a hurried world. Photography, to me, is a way of paying visual attention and tribute to what is otherwise often missed or taken for granted – the quiet dignity of buildings, the magnificence of sky, water and land, the mystery of old things, and the countless daily proofs in nature that the world is made for our eyes. I aim to share what I see, by chance or by design, that is beautiful to me. The camera allows me to do that. My work focuses on farms, environmental portraits, landscapes, structures and edibles. I like to explore beyond the traditional scenes and formats as well. I launched a project two years ago to photograph “The Massachusetts’s Berkshires and Beyond”, taking a close look at the diverse beauty of neighborhoods including outdoor recreation, art, history, farms and more. I designed an Art Poster Calendar format to bring these images to life. Look for the 2017 calendar now in artist shops, hotels, bookshops and museums throughout the Berkshires. My photography has been exhibited with the motif Cultural Pittsfield 10 x 10 Upstreet Arts Festival at the Sohn Fine Art Gallery, Lenox and Hotel on North, Pittsfield; Ethel Walker School Bell Library, Simsbury, CT; Whiting Mills - Open Studios, Winsted, CT and at The Gallery on the Green, Canton, CT, where I am juried artist member. I’ve lived in Litchfield County, CT all my life but in recent years have been residing part-time in the Berkshires. Lynne M. Anstett - Photography - Website: http://www.gicleeone.com/Lynne-Anstett-Giclee-Photography, ImageryArtWorks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LynneMAnstettPhotography/, Author of: Love Bound, The Journey – Lynne’s original poetry and photography, ImageryArtWorks@hotmail.com, 860-888-3672
Pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors…..abstract and representational…..landscapes, still lifes and portraits….a unique variety of painting technique and styles….you will be transported to another world and see things in a way you never have before…. join us and experience something different. Painting classes continue on Monday and Wednesday mornings 10-1:30pm at the studio and Thursday mornings out in the field. These classes are open to all...come to one or come again if it works for you. All levels and materials welcome. Private critiques available. Classes at Front Street are for those wishing to learn, those who just want to be involved in the pure enjoyment of art, and/or those who have some experience under their belt. Perfect if you are seeking fresh insight into watercolors, and other mediums. A teacher for many years, Kate Knapp has a keen sense of each student’s artistic needs to take a step beyond. Perfect setting for setting up still lifes; lighting and space are excellent. Peek in to see! Front Street Gallery – Front Street, Housatonic, MA. Gallery open by appointment or chance anytime. 413-528-9546 at home or 413-429-7141 (cell).
LARRY S. FRANKEL LEAF DROPLET, LARRY S. FRANKEL
Larry S. Frankel is a fine arts photographer specializing in landscapes and cityscapes. He has always be interested in the photograph and its relationship with truth and time. Does a photograph portray truth? Can an image expand itself into a different dimension of time and space rather then be based upon the fraction of time it took to create it? What are the underlying differences between painting and photography? Larry uses various techniques dealing with these ideas to alter landscapes and cityscapes in to imagery that represent a new reality. His images have been widely exhibited and he has several pieces in the permanent collection of the Hebrew Union College Museum. In addition several of his written articles and photographs are published. He has also served as an artist in residence for photography at the Hudson River Museum. He received his B.S. from Boston University and his Masters of Arts in Photography from New York University/International Center for Photography. Please visit his web site, larryfrankelphotography.com to view his imagery.
Mazel tov on Baby Boy JAXSON, Samantha and Jordan... xoxoxo love you!
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 9
WENDY DARLING INTERVIEW BY HARRYET CANDEE
Harryet Candee: Wendy, at this point in your life, what are you engaged in that makes you feel fulfilled… what makes you feel like you’re using your artistic abilities to their fullest? Wendy Darling: My mission is one of Love and connection. Wherever it is needed, useful and absolute! I love the freedom of being able to create with many different mediums—living by example in the Light of Love, with the gift of being able to assist others in the connections they need. My ministry work is top on my list right now. I assist folks with different issues, and I love officiating weddings. I am working on doing a podcast called It Is All About The Love. The artistic mediums I’m using right now are music, writing and creating original clothing from vintage pieces; they are all one-of-a-kind right now. I am also working on my book, and publishing more music. I have some design work I am pursuing, and I am hopeful that the right connections show up to make them happen.
Are they new endeavors for you? Wendy: My newest experiment has been painting with acrylics, which I had never done before. I was asked to
10 • DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE ARTIST, WENDY DARLING
paint a table for client’s house. It was an image of familiar mountains and sunset reflecting in the water, with the Goddess spreading her Love and Light over the sacred land, and dragonflies of our ancestors within the forest. More recently, I have been creating collage work with my dear friend and other artists, in her Stockbridge studio. Does this overlap with the art that you are accustomed to making? Wendy: I believe that there is an overlap in everything I do, because they are different expressions of one vision.
So, you have lived here almost all your life. What time period of life in the Berkshires was the most wild and fun for you? Wendy: I have a feeling it has to do with the high and mighty music era, and all the amazing people you met and partied with. I don’t think we thought of it as partying; we were making music and creating art, living out our dreams, raising our families. In some ways, I feel my life reads like a fairytale, and had some incredible ups along the path, and many of those took place
during my young adult life. I grew up in upstate NY (Scotia) and had a wonderful childhood. Living on a seven-acre apple orchard and farm, I lived in the fields and forests, played with the wee ones, fairies and nature sprites. I was a dancer, and danced from the time I was three until I was fourteen. I then shifted to gymnastics in school, and joined my first band, Mixed Company. We would travel to the Berkshires every summer, where we would all (6 of us) stay with my grandmother at her cottage on Pontoosuc Lake in Lanesboro. It was paradise, and has been a treasure in my life since I was born—and it still is. The great times are too numerous to mention, and the friendships everlasting. I began the journey with my soulmate David in 1965. He was in a local band called The Marksmen. Soon, many more bands began to gather, and friendships formed with the Berkshire Beatles, Continentals, Quarrymen, Destiny’s Children and many more. We had so much joy to share then, and we all remain friends to this day. The Music Inn was an incredible venue for some great music, and stands out as a very special place in my youth. However, for me, Los Angeles was the high point in my music era—parties, dinners, shows, jams… with all kinds of amazing stars. I bought David a Teac four-track from
Minnie Ripperton wearing my silk original design for “Krishna Fashions” in her promo shot
Wendy’s seed belt, made when she was 14 years old
Glenn Frey, at his house; I answered an ad in the paper. Another time, David was setting up for a gig at the Troubadour and George Carlin walked in and sat next to me. As we spoke, he asked to buy me a drink, and soon asked if I was free for dinner. I explained I was there with my husband who was setting up for a gig. We found out we were neighbors in Pacific Palisades and continued our wonderful conversation until I had to leave… it was a gift! He was so smart, conscious and funny! I have so many great stories like this… I will share a few. One New Years Eve, my friend Minnie Ripperton and George Benson were set to play Disneyland. Minnie invited us to be her guests. They closed the park to all others without a ticket, and we had a small concert by two of the best. And the rides were open all night long… no lines! What a great time we had… such a wonderful memory. Another great Minnie memory was when we went to Barry Gordy’s house to visit, and we began to jam around and sing. Minnie whispered to David, “Do not sing anything original; he will be recording it!” We laughed and had the best time! We lived in the guest house on property owned by David’s manager and our friend. He also managed the Eagles,
Wendy: 1972 Gypsy original creation in photo shoot from Greylock 1979
REO Speedwagon and others. We were invited to all of the amazing parties, weddings and wonderful events. One day a friend asked me if I would bring a line of clothing to the Roxy, as Kiki Dee wanted to see my stuff. I said of course. Upon arriving, a tall, blonde guitar player with a Scottish accent walked her over. Kiki looked at the rack and bought a few things, and the guitar player Davey Johnstone bought almost everything on the rack and asked if I had more. The next night I invited him for dinner and made chicken cacciatore, my way, hahaha, and he was hooked. Best he ever had, he said. We became best of friends instantly, and he and David would jam often. Elton was on a solo show with Ray Cooper, and Davey was playing with different folks… he and David had ideas of creating a band; they recorded two of David’s songs in the studio of Dee Murray. Ultimately, Elton wanted his incredible band to tour with him again, and Davey has been with him ever since. He was seventeen then, and is now his musical director as well as his amazing guitarist, and my beloved friend of 40 years. What a lifetime of fun we have had, and continue to enjoy. These are a few of the adventures we had along the way, since the music in the Berkshires began. We did come full circle when we
came back to the Berkshires to raise our family, write music and begin a new musical venture.
I love the description of how you went into the Lighthouse dances at the Boys Club in Pittsfield dressed to kill—British style, was it? Tell us a bit about this fun time. Wendy: Well… I went to high school in Scotia, NY and spent summers in the Berkshires, where I met David, my first Love. I had been designing and making my clothes since I was twelve. I was tiny, and nothing ever fit, so I began to make my own clothing. By the time I was a sophomore in high school, I was making a new outfit every night… tearing apart my mom’s old clothes, using curtains, pillow cases (skirts were small back then, haha)—I was obsessed! One of my designs was made out of vinyl, and consisted of a jacket, mini skirt and spats… remember spats? Spats were sleeves that went over a shoe or short boot, to create a knee-length boot, which then matched my outfit! I would make a dress from a knit, and make big bell sleeves and tights out of the same fabric to match. I made jumpsuits, ruffled blouses and velvet blazers, gaucho pants and bolero Continued on next page....
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 11
1972 Gypsy original creation in photo shoot from Greylock 1979
vests with sleeves on the blouse that trailed behind me when I walked… To say I was out of the ordinary would be true. I loved dressing up in my original creations, and would do it even to go to the store! Wearing them to school did not always bode well with our conservative principal, but I was an honor student, so there was little he could do. If my dresses were too short, I would wear a granny gown or a jumpsuit… I drove him mad, I am sure! When David was with The Marksmen, I designed some clothes for them too! The Marksmen would play at the Boys Club dances, later called the Lighthouse dances. I would come in for the dance, a stranger from out of town, unknown, dressed in a killer mini dress with petti pants, fishnet stockings to match and little French-heeled shoes. I was fifteen and blonde, with Twiggy eye makeup, and a Yardley twist. I would just show up in my one-of-a-kind fashion expression and disappear like Cinderella at midnight, mysteriously. That may have left people with a lot to talk about. People who I may or may not have known will share stories of their experiences while watching me over the years… it is so fun to know the other side of things sometimes. Are times still as fun for you, or have you settled down a bit, perhaps moved on to a different lifestyle? Wendy: Fun is all relative. I have an amazing family
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Wendy’s satin three piece outfit “Black and white satin 3pc is from that fashion show, it was a soft sage silk satin I had designed specifically for Minnie and she gave it back to me as a gift before she passed.”
now: my husband of thirty years, Eddie, and three daughters who fill my heart with joy, gardening projects, chickens—and I’m still working the creative process in the Berkshire hills.
From the Renaissance woman that you are, can you explain how the road you’ve taken has made you who you are today? Wendy: I had no desire, that I remember, to be a designer. What I remember most was nature and how it felt to be one with it. I was naturally spiritual as a child, and noticed how it helped me to be so positive. I was always imagining my world in the woods, the streams, the fields, the barns, the apple trees. I did dance and sing as a young child for years, loved performing, did a lot of painting… even on the walls of our home. My dad was a saint, and allowed me creative reign. I got my first guitar at fourteen, playing and writing songs and poems for years. Going to Woodstock was surreal, and I remember when we were with Jerry Garcia and he told David he was the best singer he had ever heard, and then gave him his backstage pass for us to see Santa. I have many other great Woodstock memories… met Janice and Grace backstage… many other stories too. So fun! I then opened my shops, designed for a NYC company that sold globally, saw my work in print, was designing and selling my stuff to many rock stars and folks in the music business for years. It was like
second nature. In 1981, I opened my shop on North Street and did some designing for the Berkshire Ballet’s Nutcracker. In 1985, I lost the Love of my life to a brain aneurysm. In Sept. of that year, Arlo asked me to design tee-shirts and posters for him and go on the road. Two years later, I took a job at DeSisto School so I could be home with my kids. In 1994, I was working with the Berkshire Opera until shortly before it closed, doing a myriad of things, wardrobe-related for sure! I worked wardrobe at the theaters and at Williams College, I designed a few lines of clothing and jewelry, showing sometimes at galleries and festivals. Enjoyed my time at SNL, then opened a pop-up shop and continued to keep creating. Through it all, my spiritual beginnings were always at the heart of my life. From all the good, and all the bad, what wisdom can you give to our younger generation of women, so they are not afraid to forge ahead, trailblaze and be confident? Wendy: My father actually taught me how to live, through the example of his own spiritual commitment and unconditional Love. He accepted me and supported who I was, even if he had a different plan for me. Take care of your future by taking every opportunity to educate yourself in every way possible. Only then you will be able to follow your heart and do what you Love. In my spiritual practices, I kept yoga, meditation and hav-
David and Wendy in 1979 She is wearing her original antique scarf top made in 1972
Maya Rudolph, Minnie’s daugthter, and I backstage at SNL
ing no regrets at the top of my priority list. When bad things happen—and they will—remember, it is not personal. Keep your path honest, clear and filled with Love and deep gratitude at every moment possible.
How did your interest in making clothing and jewelry come about? I mean, some people only think about doing this, but you did it, and it worked, and worked and worked!! What sparked the initial impulse to “go further?” Wendy: I was small, so I had to re-make my clothes. I could never find what I wanted ahead of a curve; I needed to create it. Soon, others wanted me to create something for them, and then I saw the opportunity to build something special for others: a place with the coolest stuff from around the world, handcrafted, unique. I wanted to begin to bring all that I loved to others. From imported fabrics, designer and vintage clothing, to herbs and spiritual books, dance wear… every new venture was exciting. I strongly believe in the law of attraction and deliberate creation, and lived my life seeing it work for me.
Tell me about your marriage to this wonderful man, a true musician, who unfortunately and sadly left us way too soon. Who was he to you? Wendy: David Carron was my first Love and I his. He was a Pittsfield native. We met on Pontoosuc Lake and
had a summer Love for years, with weekend rendezvous, until I graduated in 1969. He was a singer extraordinaire, an Irish tenor and an amazing performer. I designed his band clothes early on, and encouraged him consistently with his musical endeavors. In 1969 we went to Woodstock, where he and the Quarry played the free stage, and their drums were the cover of the Woodstock 2 album. We each travelled our own paths, creating all the while, and then we moved to LA together in 1975. We lived years of joy, magic, gifts, adventures, family, music, Love and more Love. I have the deepest gratitude for all of our time together. We always thought of each other, wanted to be together, enjoyed every moment and created well. In 1980, he wanted to leave LA and go back to MA where he wanted us to have a baby and raise cows. His grandfather was the caretaker of the cows on Mount Hope Farm in Williamstown. We left LA for Becket in 1980, had five incredible years, and a baby, but never got the cows. He passed in 1985. Tell us about some fond memories of your times with this man. Wendy: We spent a lot of time in nature, on blankets, watching clouds and talking about our dreams… always romantically involved… always! We spent all of our time together, worked together, played together, prayed together, did yoga together, ate together… all of it was delicious and filled us up. We spent our summers at my
family’s lake house, even when we lived in LA. It was a sacred space for us and I carry that always, even today. It is a great gift to share this space with some of the best musicians in Berkshire County and my beloved friends. David was a Berkshire musician, first in his hometown band of The Marksmen, who recorded a metal record with songs by Joe Torra around 1965. When David joined the Quarry, they played the Filmore East, Woodstock, Texas International Pop Festival and on to Family Dog with the Grateful Dead. Then it was Shenandoah, which became Arlo Guthrie’s backup band in 1974 and graced the stages of many a Berkshire venue. Then, out in LA with John Weider from the Animals, he created Galaxy (which became Gulliver). Their album Ridin’ the Wind was a treasure of love songs to me, along with a few of John’s songs. It was such a gift, as was the Love we shared. We were living large—in life and in LOVE! In 1981, I opened a couple of shops in Pittsfield and David pulled together Blind Date, one of the Berkshires’ premier bands, filled with local talent. He also was asked to play Jesus Christ in Berkshire Public Theater’s production of Superstar. He starred with Maureen O’Flynn, Glen Barrett, Tom Rindge and Bruce MacDonald. I designed some of the costumes while I was pregnant with Lana. Blind Date did well; they toured, played Trax in NYC, made some live videos and CDs Continued on next page...
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 13
David’s Gulliver album cover photo shoot
Dick and Minnie in Gainesville
Minnie right before we met in Gainesville 1971
and were working on an album when David passed in 1985. David and I had also been singing at the Gathering, and recording. I believe we somehow know when we need to gather with family; we know that our time may be limited and close… I believe David knew this, and wanted to return to be with all those he loved before he left. At thirty-four, I had to begin my life again with two children and a broken heart… a very challenging time, but miracles keep appearing and coming. Here is just one of them. I believe that David knew how hard this would be for me. In a magical way, he brought a young man into my life that would be by my side, help to raise our family, and work hard every day. He had a dream that he would marry a woman whose name was Wendy; she lived on the other side of Pittsfield. He had come to visit his step 14 • DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND
brother, who I had rented the attic space to. When I met him at the door, he knew at that moment that I was the woman he had dreamed of. Being that I had just lost my husband and this man was very young, I suggested he go live life, meet people and enjoy his youth. I went on the road with Arlo and he waited—he knew something I did not. In 1989 we moved in together, and to our surprise, in 1991 my doctor told me I was pregnant and was due February 5th (David’s Birthday). In shock yet not surprised, I knew at that moment David had sent him to me. We are still in Love and together, twenty-seven years later. Lauren Clark carries your beautiful jewelry. Where else have you shown and sold it? Wendy: I have had my jewelry in the Berkshire Mu-
Tye dyed the satin then created a swirl pattern for the skirt and sewed it together in 1971 during my Gypsy reign.
seum, the Red Lion Inn Gift Shop, the Sanford Smith Gallery, Christine’s and Berkshire Soul and Spirit, but right now it is just at Lauren Clark Fine Art and in my shop in Lanesboro. It is unique, and I like it to be exclusive for Lauren as she has always been a true supporter and a very fine curator. Can you describe your jewelry to us? Wendy: Of course! It now includes a ten-year span of my work. I stopped most of my jewelry designing in 2008, so now it is my collection. It is sterling silver and gemstones, precious and semi-precious, from large chunky necklaces to petite stones caressed in sterling. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings mostly. It is eclectic, one-of-a-kind stuff, for the most part. I choose stones by their healing powers, and create with intention
Wendy designed the wedding attire for her friends in LA, both in bands…floral and solid silk 1978
in all of my design work. Keeping it affordable is very important to me.
What do you hold as dear to you on this planet? Wendy: To me, our world and all that is in it is precious. A healthy planet, CLEAN WATER, LOVE & PEACE for all of the children is key. There are so many things going on now—animals unable to protect themselves, our oceans, environments… I am an original flower child, and believe in taking care of our planet, our universe, ourselves and the golden rule. Simple, organic, pure, good food and clean water are gifts that we are so lucky to have here in the Berkshires… so far.
Do you have any fears that we might relate to, and maybe some positive possibilities to go along with them? Wendy: I choose not to be fearful, but to believe that our Creator has us covered for all of our needs. Instead of fear, I choose to create well, to put out there what I want and live by example. Fear and worry bring the opposite of what we wish… it is a slippery slope I hope to not slide down. We have to remind each other when we go to a negative or fearful place that we need to align with the vibration of that which we are wanting, not of that we are not wanting. Deliberate Creation. I do not wonder why Donald Trump won the election. Everyone was focused on him… hating, not wanting or waiting… he had all the focus, and the universe responded. When Bernie had all the focus, he was the one to beat Trump. I believe that vision was dashed by dishonesty in our political arena.
“We had just done a fashion show at the Hilton for my shop Gypsy 51 North St. We had a great photographer Bill Smythe who took the fashion show black and whites circa 1984. The next day I gathered some models (my friends and I) and we got into some cool vintage from the shop, took out the old rowboat and parosal and had a ball! I have some great slides from that shoot, done at my lake house for promo.”
What religion do you practice, and what is the kernel of wisdom in it that calls to you? Well, I have talked about it throughout my whole interview. I am a spiritualist, a seeker of truth, a believer in Love, and I believe we are all energy and all have the power to create well, if we use the universal laws of attraction and creation. IT IS ALL ABOUT THE LOVE. What does a day in Wendy’s life look like? Wendy: Oh my… by my husband’s standards, a very full social calendar… heh heh! I am a connector of people, being a reverend, and I assist people daily and always hope to give a positive spin to any questions or fears. I am also an artist, so I work on some aspect of my art during each day… music, designing, photography or painting. I have two dogs, a cat and twenty chickens. My husband cares for the animals, and I usually get to play with them. I sleep very well, and when I awake, I take fifteen to twenty minutes to begin my day with an intentional meditation. I do my yoga… a simple salutation to the sun; I make oolong tea with lemon. I take my supplements and have yogurt or oatmeal, then shower and get dressed. I begin by looking over FB and try to post something uplifting, then go on to do my work, some eBay and Etsy photos of things I am selling, or write in my journal and work on my life story. Deal with any business stuff, wash the eggs and store them, do errands if necessary and create a wonderful meal to nourish us. I spend the evening doing some work… it always varies. Then I check FB again, watch a TV show if there is one I am interested in (do not really watch TV), go out to support our arts, music, theater, galleries with
friends and go up to do my evening ritual: wash, brush teeth and face, prayers and a good intention set before falling asleep. I experience some small variances when I travel, and always have Love in my heart.
Have you travelled a lot, and do you have a favorite place and a favorite travel story? Wendy: No, actually I have never been outside of the US, but have been all over the US, except Alaska. Hawaii—Maui, to be exact—is my favorite place that I’ve visited. When David had finished recording his album, we left for Maui. We had the most amazing two weeks, traveling around the island and experiencing island evolution in all its wonderful phases. Maui has beaches, lava rock, volcanoes, forests, mountains, plains, rainforests, waterfalls, papaya mush and other worldly experiences around every corner! Thirty-two years later, I went back with my family for our daughter’s wedding in Haiku. We rented a condo on the ocean and stayed for two weeks. We had the best time being together, sharing meals and adventures, and of course all the wedding festivities and LOVE. Completely magical! Do you think the art scene is as rich as it was at one time? Wendy: YES! The Berkshires are a hub of creativity, and have grown in the area of the arts by having such a great community. It was always a place where some of the BEST musicians lived and played… with many ven-
Continued on next page...
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 15
Woodstock Quarry Free stage. Woodstock 1969 at the Free Stage. Prankster buses and the Quarry playing. Mick’s drums are the cover of the Woodstock album Original 1971 cotton batiste body suit and wrap skirt with ruffle photo on Greylock 1979
ues to enjoy. The culture here has always been one of the richest—cultivating artists, artisans and the arts! It keeps getting better and better.
Do you keep company with the same friends you had early on in the Berkshires? What do you have to say on the topic of friendship? Wendy: I have met many people in my lifetime, and I am still friends with a lot of those same people. I have very longterm friendships, some going as far back as grade school. I treasure my friends; many are my extended family. I was always one who wanted communication. When I would get it, I would try to shift my behavior if I had done something to upset someone, then there was a conversation and the friendship deepened. We would go to the core of the issue, and resolve any problem with reinforcing our Love for each other… I have always believed it is all about the LOVE.
Who have you designed wardrobes for? Wendy: Theatre experience was probably good for that, but I’ll bet the pressures were and still are immense. Well, for me, I never had the intention of being a “designer.” It just fell into my lap as I made my own wardrobe and people liked it. When I began to design for my own shop in Florida, I was discovered by Krishna Fashions, and asked to design a top from a piece of silk I fell in love with at the warehouse. It was a bubble blouse that ended up selling around the globe for years in all fabrics! Minnie Ripperton chose it for her promo shoot, and it was worn by the playmate of the year in Playboy, 1974. When I went to LA to design for Minnie, others found me and began asking to see my stuff. For the next five years, I would be doing things for Minnie, Stevie Wonder, Glen Frey from the Eagles, Gary Richrath from REO Speedwagon, Sue Sadd and
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so he began to work on the whole building—all six shops. We called the endeavor Renaissance Fair, and owned many of those shops as well. We catered to the university students and professors. We had the Magi spiritual books, and herbs; Moonspun Fabrics imported fabrics from all over the world; Dramboui had the coolest vintage clothes, rock tees and posters. Rainbow Dancer was Capezio and Danskin retail. We had the best buying trips to NYC and the McAlpine Hotel, where the boutique show was held… it was really more like a big party! We made great friends and found the best stuff for our shops!
the Next, Davey Johnstone, Elton John, Kiki Dee and others. It was fun and not intense… I was not Bob Mackey working for Cher; I was an original with some unique designs. It was just word of mouth really, and friendships formed. Sometimes I felt under pressure, as I would wait until the last minute to begin. I guess I worked well that way!
I know you had many wonderful stores in your time. What were they all about, and who did they cater to? Wendy: I decided not to go to college, but to go to the University of Florida in Gainesville, where my brothers were studying, and open a shop across the street, in 1971. My first shop was a small closet called Second Hand Rose, where I sold vintage clothing. Then I opened Gypsy. It was high fashion, and my brother remodeled the entire shop. It was gorgeous! We sold some imported designer and one-of-a-kind pieces, outfits from Europe, and accessories. My brother was an architect,
If you were to make a tapestry for history’s sake, what would it look like? Would you have helpers? And if you could have anyone help out, who would they be and why? Wendy:It would be a fairy quilt, with elfin beings and forests, sunsets and magic… clean waterfalls and little dwellings… our earth sprites and protectors of our waters. So much has happened in history, so many I could name who I would want to work with me on the quilt. I would choose the best crazy quilt maker. Do you believe that women are the stronger sex, or men—or are we all equal? I think we are all created equal, but women have an intuitive gift for the most part, and are more apt to notice and use it. We know it is all about the Love; many men are confused and think it is all about something else.
Have you been drawn to body-piercing and tattoos? Wendy: They are such a fashion statement these days; I don’t know where to look first on a person! No, not in the least.
Tell me about the female influences who have helped develop your career. What strengths and weaknesses did they have that you might have learned from? Wendy: My next door neighbor Viola Reed was a gypsy and a vintage collector. She showed me great art, and the coolest clothes. She gave me my first kimono, and
Agate and Amethyst necklace by Wendy Darling (right) Turquise necklace set, Wendy Darling
a jersey 40s dress that I played in as a child and wore as an adult, then cut into a mini in the 60s. She taught me about fantasy and magic, animals and plants… She was awesome and very spiritual! Also, my grandmother was the one who took care of us every summer at her lake house. She had a great work ethic, and was the head baby nurse in the maternity wing at Pittsfield General. She made all her daughters’ clothes, and clothes for us, so she was my sewing influence. My mom would help me buy fabrics for my new ideas, and she always supported my art… even on the stairway and my bedroom wall. Murals of sunsets and nature, or rock stars painted in the 60s style with dayglow on half the face and black on the other, so day or night it was awesome.
If you had three wishes, what would they be? Wendy: 1.) Lift world vibration to heal and stop all wars. 2.) End the pollution of our planet and lift consciousness through Love and understanding. 2) Create protection and abundance for ALL OF THE CHILDREN.
In the years that music was at its local high point, with Arlo Guthrie here, what was the party scene like? Wendy: No worries about drunk driving, I am sure. Barn parties and music jams, mini-festivals on Maple Hill or at the Quarry, sometimes in a mansion… it was not crazy at all, really.
What do you remember about Arlo? He is a private man of few words, kind, funny and loves good Indian or Mexican food, and hot peppers!
“Davey, my life long friend of 40 years is Elton John's lead guitar and musical director. We are the same age and he began with Elton at 17. We met in LA cause of my clothing and I brought him home while Elton was on tour solo for a year...he and David recorded a few of David's songs with Elton’s band during that time. We are still best of friends.”
What stands out in your memory that you can share about him—as a musician, composer and friend? Wendy: He works well with others and is an amazing storyteller and awesome musician. He enjoys jamming with his buds, and is a loving friend. Were you around for Alice’s Restaurant and his other music/video projects? Was he known back in the day by everyone around, and friendly to all? Wendy: Arlo is from Brooklyn, and I met him in the 60s, but grew to know him in the 80s. I have spent time with him, his wife, family and friends. My late husband
David and I were at the filming of Alice’s, at the church where Alice and Ray lived. We were in the reception scene. Arlo loves to be in nature, take photographs, and has a deep spiritual constitution. His wife Jackie and he had a wonderful family and a good life together. He was always kind and friendly.
Was Alice Brock one of your friends? Who else were you friends with that we can now look back and say “Wow, those WERE the days”? Wendy: I did not know Alice in the early days, but knew Continued on next page....
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 17
Wendy provided THEatre COmpany with wonderful costumes for the play “From Door to Door”, in May 2016 at Lauren Clark FIne Art in Great Barrington, MA.
Ed and Wendy
T-Shirt from Arlo Gurthrie’s Silver Anniversary
her later on and am a friend of hers today. I go waaaaay back with some Berkshire peeps, too many to name them all. I am still friends with most of the people I grew up with. I spent a lot of my time with David and the Quarry, which at that time were David, Mick Valenti, Dan Velika and Mike Fury. After Woodstock, they played the Filmore East, Electric Circus and other festivals and fun places. Jimi Hendrix was a personal friend of theirs. They had many successes, and then David went to LA and made an album, had a top-40 hit for Alice Cooper and was living the dream of making good money from his art. He left us way too soon, as did many. Do you know Arlo’s family? Wendy: I do know his family, I know all of his children and some of his cousins. We have shared some wonderful celebrations and precious times together.
He reminds me of Bob Dylan, for some reason. What was that entourage like? I mean, the secret side of it. What were the rebellious goals and ambitions of the 18 •DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND
lot of you, as a group up in the Berkshires? Wendy: How I wish I was there… Dylan and Arlo are friends. David and I were lucky enough to have been at the Dreamaway when Dylan, Joan Baez, Arlo and a few others were there jamming, hangin’ and eating mama’s meatballs and sauce in the 70’s! We met Dylan again and hung out when we were in Malibu at a friend’s son’s birthday party. He and his son came—they lived across the street. While in LA, we met many famous people and became lifelong friends with some of those people. As a Berkshire group, we were artists, musicians, flower children and lovers of life…. the Music Inn was our stomping ground! What a life we had as kids growing up in the Berkshires in the 60s.
If you could live in any kind of dwelling, describe what it would look like, its benefits and perks, and where it would be? Wendy: I wish I knew where… I do love the Berkshires…but there are many places I have never been. I have always dreamed of a home in the trees with a view facing west, and a spring-fed lake. Natural wood, stone
A cloud photo taken at my lake house 2015 around 1:11pm feather in a cloud
and many windows, porches and decks… designed like the Isabella Gardner Museum, with gardens in the middle and glass on the top, with the ability to look into the courtyard garden from the walkways that connect the rooms. All tucked away with simple luxury, people I Love, great art, surrounded by beauty and filled with LOVE. To dedicate a few lines of poetry from your heart to your life, what would you say? Wendy: When we live each day in the spirit of love… one that holds the whole world and the beauty of…. friendship and brotherhood, compassion and care…. our lives will be full, beyond compare. Thank you, Wendy!
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 19
ARLO GUTHRIE INTERVIEW BY HARRYET CANDEE
Harryet Candee: I thoroughly enjoyed your recent concert at the Mahaiwe Theatre. Thank you for sharing your stories, which are meaningful, certainly timeless, and humorous! How was it to be playing with your group once again in the Berkshires? Arlo Guthrie: We’ve had a reunion or two over the years, but this was better!
When you were deciding what music to play for your Berkshire audience, what thoughts came to mind? Arlo: I’ve worked out a setlist for the entire tour, and not for any one venue. It’s been working out pretty well.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL FLOWER
Were all the decisions left up to you—even the lighting design that graced your stage? Arlo: I guess I have the final say-so, but generally, after working with a crew for years and even decades, I don’t have to think too much. When was the last time you performed Alice’s Restaurant? Arlo: Sometime during last summer, after the official end of the 50th anniversary tour.
Is it true that radio stations tend to play Alice’s Restaurant on Thanksgiving day, more so than at any other time? Arlo: I have no way of tracking that kind of stuff. I’m
just happy it’s become a tradition on many stations.
While in the Berkshires, before traveling off again to do your next show, do you get to enjoy old friends, old stomping grounds, all those Berkshire things you always enjoyed? Arlo: Absolutely.
And how do you think the Berkshires has changed since the time when you were growing up and living here? Arlo: It’s probably more different in some places, but where we live, it’s basically the same. I feel the Berkshires are alive more then ever with
Concert 2016, Great Barrington at the Mahaiwe Theatre: Arlo Guthrie piano, guitar, harmonica, vocals | Abe Guthrie keyboards, keyboard bass Terry Ala Berry drums | Carol Ide guitar, percussion, vocals | Steve Ide guitar, vocals
music, art and cultural venues. Seems like this is a mecca for such activity, and brings newcomers, knowing that their artistic goals can be achieved relatively easily. Have you felt the same thing to be true? How so? Arlo: There are things about locations that I am less able to verbalize, and more comfortable just enjoying. It always felt like I was home here. And so far nothing has changed in that regard. I still feel very much at home—and thrilled to have so many artists feel the same thing.
How have the Berkshires helped you in your life? What makes this area stand out for you? Arlo: The light, the seasons, the water, the forests, the roads and the people all stand out.
Okay, enough of Our Town… where do you mostly reside these days? I spend about nine months on the road, and the rest at home. I guess that means I mostly reside in a 45-foot tour bus.
Do you have a full schedule of performances lined up for the next year? Arlo: This tour will run through May of 2017. Then I’ll begin working more with family members until May of 2018.
Are there any plans to change anything you already do on stage? Arlo: I just change clothes..
What is your opinion of social media today, and how does it affect your work as a musician, singer and composer? Arlo: Being a musician and an entertainer isn’t really affected much by social media. Being a folk singer means I indulge in the original social media.
Change is certain for all of us, in various ways. We grow from good and bad changes that we may not have control of. Over the past few years, what major changes have you gone through? Arlo: That’s not a question, that’s a request to write a book.
Okay, looking back at your family lineage, who was the most meaningful and significant person for you, in terms of who you are today? Arlo: My maternal grandmother was the one in my family who “got me.” It was a blessing to have had someone who was able to encourage me, without having to do anything other than enjoy me being me. How do you incorporate today’s music Continued on next page...
Sold out! Photograph by Michael Flower
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 21
Steve Ide, Carol Ide, Arlo
Mahaiwe Theatre, Gt. Barrington, MA
into yesterday’s music, so you are current? Is this important at all to you? Arlo: I don’t think about being current, which makes it a lot easier.
How have you educated your children, to help them to be involved with music? They must have built-in respect for and curiosity about the people in your family, for their talent and wisdom—such as your father, mother and maternal grandmother, Aliza Greenblatt? Arlo: Aliza Greenblatt, who we knew as “Bubbie” was a Yiddish poet and songwriter. I loved her dearly, not because of what she did, but rather because of who she was. In a short synopsis, please educate our young readers. We do not want history to be forgotten, and maybe in your case, it should be repeated! Who was your father, and what did he teach you about expressing through music? Arlo: Google it—makes it easier.
Do you think the music of today has the same importance as the music of the past? Arlo: Probably, yes. Especially for younger people who are discovering it.
Do you think the music scene may be too watered down these days—maybe not enough music to dance to, or sing to? Arlo: I was never much of a dancer. Nor was I ever much of an academic. I just like playing music.
22 • DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND
photograph by Michael Flower
Where do you think the music scene in America— or internationally—is headed? Arlo: I don’t think it’s directional.
Aside from the fact that you love folk music, what other venues of music do you find comforting or interesting? Arlo: I like everything I can discover. I like the old guys—Beethoven, Bach etc., as well as Lead Belly and Sonny & Brownie… I listen to a lot of stuff. I even enjoy the new-age stuff from guys like Jim Wilson. Is there any kind of music you absolutely disdain? If so, why? Arlo: None I can think of. I don’t like bad music though.
The way things look in our world today, there may be a return to the time of protests and human rights campaigns, as in the 60s. Are you prepared to make music that defends the human plight and spirit in a way that matches what we face today? Do you have an interest in getting politically involved these days? Arlo: Entertainment is inherently political, even if it’s desperately trying not to be. I don’t think about songs in that way. There are songs about dogs, love, cars, politics, kids, more love, showing off etc. in every genre. Songs reflect life—Life is political. How are you involved with the church in Housatonic, now called the Guthrie Center? Tell
me about the activities that go on there, and who might benefit from them? Arlo: We recently raised enough money to put a new roof on the old building. I sent photos to Alice Brock, who is living in P-town. I will be (or will have done) our annual Fall Fund-Raiser, Nov. 18, 19 & 20, 2016. I stay as engaged as I can without trying to micromanage everything.
When teaching any form of art, a good teacher will integrate historical context and meaning, in order to convey the nature of the art. When a guitar teacher introduces the likes of a string instrument to a student, do you think it’s beneficial to start off with a classical or a folk foundation, or both? Does it matter? Arlo: Decades ago, while in high school, I began teaching some guitar. The main idea was to find out what the students really wanted to know. There’s technique that’s important to everyone, but at some point you have to discover why someone wants to play an instrument, then you can help guide them. I wanted to learn because it seemed like a good idea at the time. An instrument is a friend for life. Where did you study, and who were your mentors? Arlo: I learned mostly by figuring it out for myself. And guys like Ramblin’ Jack Elliott were very helpful. What is it that you enjoy doing when you have free time? Arlo: Photography.
Abe Guthrie Terry Ala Berry on drums
Photograph by Michael Flower
What are your favorite pastimes, things you enjoy doing with your children? Arlo: Eating dinner.
How many guitars do you own, and which is your favorite? Arlo: I have more than I need, and I have different favorites for different things.
Can you tell us the story of going in the helicopter to Woodstock? Please oh pretty please? Arlo: Come to a gig… while it’s still in the show.
Who among your band members have you known the longest? What skills do they have that meet your specific standards? Arlo: My son Abe has been playing in the band for a long time. The three other band members started with me in 1975 when we got together to do a benefit for a health clinic in Worthington.
As an actor, Arlo, what role did you enjoy the most? Why? Arlo: I had a lot of fun being Alan Moon in the TV show “Byrds of Paradise” What do you wish to leave behind for the next world that will endure, stay brilliant and keep educating? Arlo: I’ll let you know what I find when I come back as part of the next world. Carol Ide
Photograph by Michael Flower
Why? Arlo: Why Not?
Continued on next page...
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 23
Terry Ala Berry drums | Abe Guthrie keyboards, keyboard bass | Arlo Guthrie piano, guitar, harmonica, vocals | | Carol Ide guitar, percussion, vocals | Steve Ide guitar, vocals Photograph by Michael Flower Mahaiwe Theatre, Gt. Barrington, MA
What was the most significant historical event for you? And where do Sacco and Vanzetti fit in to your thoughts, since you were involved in an artistic endeavor in 2006 with these two historical characters? Arlo: I remember listening to my father’s record, where all the songs were about Sacco and Vanzetti. What I loved was his attention to the details of the trial and how he was able to tell their story in lyric form. Simply amazing. What is your favorite film(s)? Arlo: Lord of the Rings, because I loved the books also.
What do you think makes a good artist? Arlo: Not being a bad artist certainly comes to mind. If you were able to hang out with any actors or performers, dead or alive, who would they be, and where can you imagine hanging with them? Arlo: No one in their right mind wants to hang out with actors dead or alive. If you had magical powers and could bring something back from your past—
something you lived through and loved being a a part of, what would that be? Arlo: I do have magical powers, but I generally use them in the moment rather than living in the past or future. BTW, everyone has magical powers when they begin to let go of the past and future. And what are your parting thoughts to add to this interview, anything you personally take to heart that you’d like readers and fans to be aware of? Arlo: If I think of anything else, I’ll let you know ASAP.
What is your favorite quote of all time, and why? Arlo: “I’m with you fellas,” from O Brother Where Art Thou? Makes me laugh whenever I think about it.
24 • DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND
Thank you, Arlo! You’re welcome.
Arlo at the Mahaiwe, Great Barrington MA. Great concert! Photograph by Michael Flower
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THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 25
LISA VOLLMER
Lisa Vollmer in the gallery holding her photograph entitled: "Seeing Through", 2016. 16x24 Giclée Print. The wall installation tilted “Water” can be seen in the background.
PHOTOGRAPHER / GALLERIST
INTERVIEW BY HARRYET CANDEE
Hi Lisa, and congrats on the new gallery. I want readers to know how wonderful and exciting it all is for you to have a space of your own in GB to show your photographs, and to represent other great works of art. Tell me, how did this all begin for you when this new space was just a twinkle in your mind’s eye? Lisa Vollmer: Thank you. Yes, having a new studio + gallery is very exciting. It is an absolute dream come true. This all started last November. I had just come back from a visit to Germany and Ireland when I was driving through Great Barrington and noticed that a contemporary barn within the White House Square development was available. Whenever I come back from traveling I see things from a different perspective…it energizes me and inspires me to move forward and take risks. Travel makes me more aware of the passage of time, and this time it felt as if everything had been leading up to this 26 • DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA VOLLMER PHOTOGRAPHY
moment; the years of working as an assignment photographer; the personal projects I had explored; the time spent observing other businesses grow. It was the right time for me to start something new. The freestanding building and the beautiful Berkshire landscape spoke to me and I immediately saw the possibilities. My mother and I had always wanted a space where we could invite people to view and discuss art. We wanted to make our own work available to the public. From the moment we made the decision to open the photography studio + gallery everything happened like magic and we started to hear all the positive feedback from our community.
What were your initial intentions and motivations that took it from an idea, to a plan, and ultimately the creation of the gallery? Lisa: My intention was to find a way in which we could show our artwork in a public space while con-
tinuing to work as photographers. We wanted to initialize the new gallery by representing a select number of artists with whom we have worked and built a relationships with over the years. We are using the new space as a meeting place and comprehensive photography business. This includes a studio where we take portraits for professionals and create beautiful images for commercial use. We use the space for the production and post production for most of our work. We also work on location photographing events and building image portfolios for local designers, including architects and builders. This shared vision motivated us to take this step now while we were confident that we could bring all of these elements together into a compelling whole...
What design ideas for the space have you incorporated to make your gallery different and exceptional?
Lisa: We carefully chose the location to ensure that the gallery becomes a destination. We are creating an experience for the visitors that reflects who we are, so it has a European feel. It is a quiet and mindful space to view artwork, and we are gratified in the belief that our intentions are realized by the experiences of our guests, some who have said, “the visual impact is inspiring, it lifts the spirit…so beautiful, stirring, caring…inspirational, and full of introspection…absolutely beautiful.”
How have you worked with the space to advantage the ease of displaying art? Lisa: The space is approx. 550 square feet which is small for a gallery space, and we have designed it specifically to support all phases of our multi-purpose model. The light is beautiful and wraps around the building. The north side is perfect for displaying artwork and on the south side the sunlight beams through the windows in the afternoon, creating an amazing natural light studio ideal for portraits and commercial assignments. We have workshops and special events planned throughout the year which will take place on our property both indoors and out.
Can you tell us what were your biggest hurdles you had to pass, challenges you have met, and in what were some of the ways you were a great problem solver? You can go into examples, and details, it helps us all to learn from you. Lisa: The biggest hurdle for me was the unknown. I was so excited to begin this new venture and had put so much energy into this. When the time came to
"Water" from the color series by Lisa Vollmer. Dye Sublimation Print, 2016.
open the doors I thought: wow we did it - we are open - but in fact the real work was just beginning! The reality of what I had gotten myself into hit me… once I started showing up daily and working in the space those fears subsided.
When reviewing other’s work for an upcoming show in your space, what requirements in terms of style and taste do you seek? Lisa: Authenticity and the ability to understand the
artwork one creates. The artist intent and the transference of this to visual communication is what we seek. We show artists who clearly demonstrate passion, curiosity, talent, and commitment to the work.
Is it not difficult to have a gallery of art these days with so many other things to distract us, and so much negativity around us in the world? Does it
Continued on next page....
Gallery view of the inaugural show: Portraits of Trees, Photographs by Tom Zetterstrom.
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 27
"Water" from the color series by Lisa Vollmer. Dye Sublimation Print, 2016.
not require considerable courage, focus, and persistence to gather all the pieces to make your gallery as unique as your art, and to take the risks and confront the challenges to make this a successful and sustainable business? Lisa: It feels good to have created something so positive. This space has already welcomed so many designers and creators that have felt comfortable to talk about the conflicts in the world through the lens of art. Our guests often share their world views while looking at the artwork, and their inspirations for what they are working on and towards. The gallery will is growing and we are building a collector base that in time will be tremendous. Sustainability will come from word of mouth referrals combined with our commitment and passion for what we do.
A portrait of Ken De Loreto by Lisa Vollmer Photography, 2016.
28 • DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND
Your mom is a great photographer. What was her involvement in the making and the continuation of the gallery? Lisa: Yes, my mother is a brilliant photographer and the best mother one could have. I have learned most of what I
know about photography, art, business, life-you name it- from her. We have worked together for over 20 years and it is an honor to have her by my side as my mentor, my support network, and now business partner. She has been there from the inception of the gallery, and her 30 + years of business experience, client list, and name recognition are of tremendous value. She makes things happen and pushes me to be my best. It is an incredible feeling to share her artwork here in the gallery and to benefit from visitors’ feedback. So far, are you satisfied with your progress? Lisa: Yes, we could not be happier with our decision to expand the photography studio and to form a new business together. We have learned so much this past year and are so grateful for all the support we have received.
Surely this project has been a transformative experience for you. Has your life changed since opening the gallery? Lisa: This really has been life changing. I could not be happier going to work every morning. The passion and commitment it takes to have an idea and then to bring it to life has taught me a great deal about patience and compassion, and I feel a greater sense of understanding and appreciation for what other business owners do. I certainly feel as though I signed up for a business crash course. Having a
A Portrait of John Davidson by Lisa Vollmer Photography, 2016.
Sabine Vollmer von Falken in the gallery with her photograph entitled "Maeve” 2002.
business open to the public forces one to meet deadlines and constantly move forward. When taking on a venture like this all one’s strengths and weaknesses surface so clearly. These are constant reminders that one has to learn to listen to other people, to seek mentorship, and to embrace feedback.
Has the gallery enhanced, inspired, or challenged your personal art making, and your commercial photography? Lisa: Yes, to all. It certainly has inspired my commercial work. Just before we opened the gallery I had started working with McTeigue & McClelland on creating beautiful images for their stunningly fine jewelry. The space just worked perfectly for this assignment. Beautiful natural light and a serene place to work provided the ideal environment for my unique process to unfold. . The jewelry pieces inspired me and pushed me to go beyond the predictable. This is when I began to make sense of how the bringing the natural environment into the studio could enhance the presentation of these pieces. Continued on next page...
Photography by Lisa Vollmer for McTeigue & McClelland fine jewelry. 2016.
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 29
"Water" from the color series by Lisa Vollmer. Dye Sublimation Print, 2016.
"Water” by Lisa Vollmer. Dye Sublimation Print, 2016.
What perks have been revealed that were surprising to you? Lisa: The pure excitement of visitors coming in surprised and in awe of the art has moved me the most. The gallery is a magnetic venue for selling art, with the added joy of meeting and enjoying new people who share a passion for the expression of culture and the negotiation of community.
Will you share with us what is on the horizon in terms of upcoming shows in the works? Lisa: On view is Our Gift Show which includes artists: Sabine Vollmer von Falken, Carolina Palermo 30 • DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND
Schulze, Tom Zetterstrom, Thatcher Hullerman Cook, Genève Brossard, Natalie Tyler. This will be up until the end of the year. The current exhibition focuses on a variety of photography genres. For example Sabine Vollmer von Falken’s “Salvadore Dali” was taken in 1967 on a trip to Spain and my work entitled “Water” was taken in 2013 and printed and installed in the gallery this year. Early next year we will open with a self-portrait show to launch our workshop series. I will spend the month of February and March creating artwork and discovering new artists to show.
The response to your openings indicates a great amount of support for your vision for the gallery.. What effect does this have? Lisa: It feels tremendous and I am so grateful. I would like to take this opportunity to thank a few people who helped us bring this to life. Nancy Shulman of the Small Business Development, Peter Thorne who designed and built the beautiful furniture, Pamela Read Hardcastle, the most talented floral designer and creative, Eric Gabriel for the lighting, Larkin Signage, Andrew Stuart for painting, Adam Medina, Bridghe McCracken for the inaugural tree, Craig Arthur Westcott, Natalie Tyler, my aunt Riki von Falken, Reggie Brantner for carpentry, Robin Schmitt of Tokonoma for framing, Naji Nejaime, Aroma, Valerie Maynard for furniture, Anne Fredericks, Julianne Bresciani, Carolina Palermo Schulze, Nick Mongiardo for art installation, There are many more to mention. I would like to thank the artists and collectors who have come through the gallery already. I’d especially like to thank my clients who have supported me over the years and continue to work with me… and thank you Harryet! Thank you, Lisa.
LISA VOLLMER PHOTOGRAPHY INC. STUDIO + GALLERY website: http://www.lisavollmer.com email: contact@lisavollmer.com phone: 413 429-6511 325 Stockbridge Road Building #2 Great Barrington, Ma 01230
LISA VOLLMER
Photographer and Gallery owner Lisa Vollmer was born in Berlin, Germany, and grew up in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts. She attended the Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School and later achieved a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After working for a renowned printing lab in NYC, Laumont Photographics, Lisa traveled back to Berlin to earn a Master’s in Art. Upon return to the US in 2003 she managed the lighting studio for the Maine Media Workshops, and then spent a decade working as an assignment photographer and consultant in Great Barrington. In early 2016 she opened the Lisa Vollmer Photography Studio + Gallery, together with her mother and fellow photographer Sabine Vollmer von Falken. The gallery officially opened its doors on April 30th, 2016. The inaugural exhibition, Portraits of Trees by Tom Zetterstrom, attracted hundreds of visitors to the new gallery space on 325 Stockbridge Road (Rt.7) in Great Barrington. The second show opened on July 15th, featuring works by Thatcher Hullerman Cook, who collaborates with humanitarian aid and development organizations that work with refugees and other people affected by war, economic upheaval, and natural disasters. These international non-governmental organizations have sent him on assignment to over 60 countries. The third exhibition featured Lisa Vollmer’s complete work entitled “Water”. The current gift show will be on display until December 31, 2016. This exhibition features works by Lisa Vollmer, Sabine Vollmer von Falken, Carolina Palermo Schulze, Tom Zetterstrom, Thatcher Hullerman Cook, Natalie Tyler and Genève Brossard. The gallery will host workshops and guest lectures and will feature work from well-established contemporary photographers throughout the year. The photography studio is open by appointment and specializes in portrait, commercial and editorial work. HOURS: Open Daily 12-7pm (Holiday Hours) closed on Wednesdays Private gallery viewing.
GOOD PURPOSE GALLERY GOOD TIDINGS HOLIDAY SHOW
The Good Purpose Gallery in Lee celebrated the opening of the holiday show, Good Tidings, on November 18th with a lovely reception. The artists and artisans joined the opening and there was much merriment and mingling. The holiday show will run through Monday, January 2nd. The Good Tidings Holiday Show features the striking artworks of Anne and Walter J. Pasko. Anne’s work encompasses a broad range from serene to wild – from monochromatic paper collage to vivid and highly textured mixed media paintings with found objects and acrylics. Her husband, Walt, has devoted his creative energy, for the past forty years, to the painting of landscapes directly from nature. Although their artworks differ in form and nature, direct attention is drawn to each, as if by means of contrast. Anne and Walt exhibit very well together. The gallery is also showcasing one of a kind holiday gifts created by local artists, during the Good Tidings Holiday Show. Add some ‘unique’ to your décor by purchasing and supporting a local creative artist. To name a few: Michael Vincent Bushy’s – beautiful handmade journals; Sennin Esko’s (Mountain Spirit Jewelry) – much sought after jewelry; Jan Charbonneau’s (Berkshire Fabrications) – gorgeous, cozy, upcycled mittens along with her stunning purses made from silk ties; innovative CATA direct gifts, Linda Baker-Cimini’s active and creative mind continues to produce fantastic and whimsical drawings for her books and posters. Good Purpose Gallery - 40 Main Street, Lee, Massachusetts. 413-394-5045, gallery@cipberkshire.org. Gallery hours: Open 10am - 4pm Daily; closed on Tuesday. For more information on the Gallery, visit our website: Goodpurpose.org.
EUNICE AGAR
DIANA FELBER HOLIDAY SHOW
I am a representative painter of nature and human nature, making landscapes, close ups of nature, and genre paintings of crowds of people in public spaces. My style ranges from loosely painted and drawn images to more tightly controlled work, the choices depending on specific subject matter, size, medium and mood. Place is very important. I have worked in Tallahassee, the Tyrol (northern Italy),Tubingen, Germany, Mexico, Monhegan Island, Downeast Maine and the Berkshires. Oil is my primary medium but I also use casein and watercolor, draw in pen and ink, pencil and charcoal and make block prints and etchings. Pieter Bruegel's very large landscape drawings from his trips through the Alps to Italy and back that are in the Metropolitan Museum led me to make large landscape drawings. These in turn influenced the textured quality of my large landscapes in oil. An attraction to trees either alone or in densely wooded areas, bushes, plants and flowers in a tangled grassy mass that have to be drawn with a fast, dense line led me to paint the textured surface of close up views from nature. The results looks abstract but are actually detailed depictions of botanical forms. They have been a been a major focus of my work for the past three years or so and can be seen in such subjects as a disintegrating shed roof covered with moss and lichen, the windblown branches of a tamarack, and a small painting roadside bushes and grasses and a field of flowers and grasses. My paintings in the Holiday Show at Diana Felber Gallery in West Stockbridge includes figurative work and landscapes done in Maine. The Holiday Show is on view through December 3l. Diana Felber Gallery, 6 Harris Street, West Stockbridge, 413-232-4000, is open Thursday – Monday, 11 – 5.
“Life, like a dome of many colored glass, Stains the white radiance of Eternity.” --
Percy B. Shelley
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 31
LAUREN CLARK FINE ART
THE GIFT
JEWEL THIEF BY SUSAN FOX
L’ATELIER BERKSHIRES ART GALLERY
Join us in celebrating our first year anniversary with a festive Cocktail party and small works Holiday Exhibition, THE GIFT. Unique paintings, sculptures and furniture by Berkshire Artists and beyond. Holiday Cocktail Party on December 15 7pm-? at L’Atelier Berkshires Art Gallery. Exhibition Runs: November 12December 31, 2016 Give the gift of art. Make this holiday season, one to remember. At L’Atelier Berkshires you will discover fresh and innovative contemporary art. Unique paintings, sculpture and furniture on exhibition in a historic Great Barrington building. Sculpture casting and mold making services are available for artists and designers. L’Atelier Berkshires Art Gallery597 Main Street, Great Barrington, Massachusetts. For more information contact: Natalie Tyler, 510-469-5468, natalie.tyler@atelierberks.com, www.atelierberks.com
After three great years on Railroad Street, Lauren Clark Fine Art and Framing on the Edge are excited to announce we are moving uptown! We have found the perfect spot in Great Barrington to continue doing what we do best-curate great shows, show top notch artists from the Berkshires and beyond, invite performance artists to do their thing, and welcome our wonderful clientele from all over the globe. The new digs, at 325 Stockbridge Road, will also provide us with beautiful outdoor space for sculpture and events beyond what we have been able to do in our present location, not to mention there’s lots of parking right out front! In addition, the gallery and framing will now be side by side for customer convenience. And in case you haven’t noticed, our framing business has been easing into a new name for about a year now, and as of January 2017 will be officially called Framing on the Edge, still under the auspices of Lauren Clark Fine Art with the same quality of frames, same great service and same great team of Lauren, Leslie and John. Sooo…since we are moving and we don’t want to have to take everything with us, we are having a BIG MOVING SALE now through December 31st. Sale items will include select pottery, blown glass, jewelry, paintings, fine art prints, framed mirrors, and ready-made frames. The gallery and framing studio is open from 11-5:30 every day but Christmas through the end of the year. For more information call the gallery or visit our website. Lauren Clark Fine Art - 25 Railroad Street, Great Barrington, Massachusetts. 413-528-0432; Lauren@LaurenClarkFineArt.com /www.LaurenClarkFineArt.com.
“Don’t work for money – don’t work for fame. Work to be good at you do. It’s the quality of the work that is important, not the salary or size of your billing.” - Alfred Lunt, 1940
32 • DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFULMIND
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF!!
ELIXIR
Thanksgiving behind us, it’s "Tis the season," and I truly revel in this time of year! There are many festivities during this time, and I enjoy them all, because they are all focused on the celebration of LIGHT! As far as I am concerned, this is our true purpose, to celebrate that Light that is within us, within others, and all around us! For me this is a daily practice all year, so I am happy when multitudes are also engaging in this practice. ELIXIR will be adding to this festive time with roasted chestnuts and hot cider being served outside on evenings throughout December, as well as providing special orders for people to take to their various holiday parties. Some of our offerings will be holiday spice cakes, magic carpet cookies with spices from along the Silk Road, along with our favorites, pain au chocolat & traditional currant scones. For savory nibbles, hummus plates, black bean rolls, vegan nori rolls... Think of having your holiday celebrations here at ELIXIR as we provide intimate private dinners and tea parties. Please call us for the details. This time of year can also be stressful and we offer a relaxing nurturing atmosphere for you to sit with a steaming pot of tea and a balancing meal, while you gather your composure before your next errand or visit. As we approach the shortest day and the longest night, remember the Light the burns steadily in the heart. We wish you all a joyful, blessed season and look forward to sharing some of this celebration of the Light with you! From Nancy Lee chef/owner ELIXIR and the staff… PS we have been interviewed on our local WSBS and the link is here: http://www.welltalkradio.com/ shows/elixir. ELIXER – 70 Railroad Street (next to Triplex, Great Barrington, Massachusetts; organictearoom@gmail.com. Elixergb.com; 413-644-8999. Open Sunday, Monday and Thursday 10 am – 6 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am – 8 pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
“American theatre is threatened by the same rigor mortis as the society. For both to survive a new flexibility must evolve. To achieve this the playwright and the audience must take risks. . . . the theatre needs distinct, ruthless visions . . . to shock its audiences from their life-sleep . . . that numbing complacency by which they survive the nation’s spiritual decay by pretending it doesn’t exist.” -- John Lahr, 1981
"Wishing all a joyful celebration of the LIGHT this season and always!” Thursday 10-6, Friday10-8 Saturday 10-8, Sunday 10-6, Monday 10-6 closed Tuesday & Wednesday
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70 Railroad Street, Great Barrington, MA www.Elixirgb.com organictearoom@gmail.com 413. 644. 8999
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Gourmet Organic Vegetarian Fare with an international flair
JENNIFER PAZIENZA
The Italian word for abundant, Abbondante, speaks to the wish I have for all of us this Holiday Season and always—abundant joy, abundant health, abundant faith and abundant hope. May the Light and Love of the Season surround you always. My work is held in Public and Corporate Collections in Canada and in numerous private collections throughout the US, Canada, the UK and Italy. I regularly exhibit in the Berkshire area. You can see Abbondante along with several others in the Holiday Group Show, 4 November-31 December at Diana Felber Gallery in West Stockbridge. To learn more about my work, or for inquiries please visit my website. Jennifer Pazienza - http://jenniferpazienza.com; jennpazienza@gmail.com.
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 33
THE LUCKY 5 (RIGHT TO LEFT:) KIP, BRIAN, MATT, JONATHAN, AND DON
INTERVIEW BY HARRYET CANDEE
Harryet Candee: Hey Kip! First, can you tell us the meaning and origin of the name of your group, The Lucky 5? Kip Beacco: Sometime around the mid to late 1920s, the great Louis Armstrong had a couple different configurations of bands he named The Hot Five and The Hot Seven. This kind of name has been around, I imagine, since then or most likely earlier. It's a tradition, so we thought, let's embrace that, and I suppose we feel pretty lucky to be able to play the music we love for folks. The name should be credited in part to our friend Scott Clark, who was our drummer back four or five years ago. He came up with the 'lucky' part of the name. What were the original intentions of the group at its birth in 2010, and has it stayed on the same path or ventured on to a different direction? Was it easy to control its growth? I know there are so many new demands on musicians… Kip Beacco: This band has gone through a few personnel changes. Matt Downing and myself founded the band and started out searching high and low for
34 • DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND
FIREFLY IN LENOX
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEE EVERETT
a tuba player, of all things. We were thinking early New Orleans jazz band, tuba, plectrum banjo, clarinet etc. We did find a couple of tuba players, but unfortunately nothing ever really gelled, so we put Matt back on upright bass and moved on. Since then we've gone through a few stylistic changes, including that early dixieland style, moving next to a Fats Waller piano-driven band with tenor saxophone and clarinet as well, then western swing with twin fiddles and pedal steel, and eventually morphing into this gypsy jazz and swing style we are currently playing. Some of this growth has to do with taste and influence, and some is in part due to the players at hand and the chemistry we have together. Honestly, the hardest part of all of this is finding the right set of people that flat out just want to play. Each and every opportunity that comes along, you have a group of musicians around you who say, “Yes! Let's go!” We just want to play. If you don't have that, you have a real uphill climb as a band. What are your thoughts on the local competition? Is it healthy? Enough work for everyone? Have
you cornered the Berkshires? Brian Kantor: There are only a select few groups doing the same kind of thing as us in the Berkshires, and we all get along pretty well. I wouldn't say we've cornered the Berkshires, but we definitely have our name out there in a good way. Jonathan Talbott: Everyone who competes with us ends up mysteriously disappearing.
Kip Beacco: We are very busy, considering the area we travel in. All of us have at one time been in various bands that have traveled around the country, as well as Europe, the UK, Canada. All over. Currently, we are mainly a regional band—NYC to Boston, Albany etc.—but have been very fortunate to remain busy pretty much every weekend of the year and then some. I don't know that we've cornered the Berkshires, but we've certainly carved out our own space here when it comes to the kind of music we play. What was the most loved gig of all time for you all, and why?
Don Mikkelson: I don't have one gig that is the most loved, but there are moments from many of them that are unforgettable. I was really lucky at a young age to get to play with truly great and legendary musicians. At least I was smart enough to have an inkling of how special that was. Ultimately, it wasn't the fact that they were legendary that made the moment, but the beauty of the music being created. I feel really fortunate to have had those experiences.
Kip Beacco: I love it when a gig happens where all of the musicians show up seriously ready to play, to dig in and make it the best possible, and have a common vision of the music. I'm really enjoying this unlikely conglomeration of musicians constituting The Lucky 5, as we gradually get better and better, and more often have those gigs where everything clicks. Brian Kantor: The venue that comes to mind for me with The Lucky 5 is The Rosendale Cafe, in Rosendale, NY. The audience there always tends to be so attentive, and tuned in to what we're doing. Feeding off the good energy of a great crowd helps us do what we do best, play that high-energy swing music. Also, it's a full-on vegetarian restaurant with delicious food—total bonus!
Jonathan Talbott: If the audience is enjoying the music, then I am enjoying it. The purpose, as far as I am concerned, is to give others pleasure, and if the whole mood and energy of everybody in the room is vibing, than I'm very happy. Do you do any original music? Kip Beacco: We write quite a bit of our own music. In addition to writing tunes, we also write arrangements and add 'lines' to old songs. For example, we'll take an old song by someone such as Charlie Shavers—a great swing and jazz trumpet player from the 30s through the 50s—add some lines arranged for trombone, violin and guitar, and put our own mark on that song. We do that all the time. So most of what we do has our own voice added to it.
Can you give me an idea of the music that lights your fire? Which of the jazz greats do you take your inspiration from? Kip Beacco: If you took Louis Armstrong and Count Basie, added Django Reinhardt and some Benny Goodman, sprinkle in some Stuff Smith, Charlie Christian and Charlie Parker, well you'd have something that might describe what excites me these days. There's so much… where to start? Where to end? Jazz has come from New Orleans, traveled to Chicago and then Kansas City and New York City. It's a wonderful story, and fascinating to examine. We've all fallen in love with this story and the music that has developed along the way. Then of course, we all have our individual influences that contribute to our overall sound. I am a huge Bill Monroe fan, being a mandolin player myself, so that influence is in everything I do, whether it's on guitar, or singing, or clarinet. You name it. So these are your musical heroes. Any others come to mind? Kip Beaccon: If we are talking about heroes, major influences, and I have to boil it down to a handful of names it would be Bill Monroe, and again, Louis
LUCKY FIVE BAND, LENOX, MA
Armstrong, Django Reinhardt, Lester Young and Chuck Berry. How's that for a band!? Oh wait, we need a drummer and bass player. 'Papa' Jo Jones and Walter Paige. Now I've got Count Basie's rhythm section w/ some heavy hitters joining the group. Watch out!
Tell me a little about the other band members, please. Kip Beacco: The Lucky 5 consists of Jonathan Talbott on violin, Kip Beacco on guitar, Don Mikkelsen on trombone, Matt Downing on upright bass, and Brian Kantor on drums. We all sing, with Kip doing mainly the lead vocals, and a heavy helping of backup and gang-style vocals by all. (See bios at end.)
PHOTOGRAPH: LEE EVERETT
What gets the juices really flowing when you are playing a gig? Brian Kantor: I believe listening is the major factor in performing at our highest level. When one shuts out all the mind clatter, and listens intently to not only their own performance, but to what the other musicians are playing, things really seem to pop. An engaged audience is icing on the cake!
Don Mikkelson: We do some gigs where we're just part of the dining or party experience, etc. I think of it as us being the wallpaper. Then we do gigs where a roomful of people are quietly, attentively listening to every note we play. There is a huge difference between them, and rising to the occasion of that inspires our best performances. Continued on next page...
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 35
THE LUCKY 5 AT THE CURTIS, LENOX
solos are effortless and creative, the rhythm is locked in. The most apparent factor is when someone else plays some neat idea, it inspires me to respond in kind. Kip Beacco: For me it's timing and tightness. When the band is on, the mix is just right and the timing is on auto-pilot, it seems to really take off. A great audience of course is a huge factor.
Kip, what do you favor, singing or guitar, or is it a toss-up for you? Kip Beacco: I love both. I'm a fan of doing both as much as possible. Too much instrumental music is a turn-off for me. There need to be vocals in there. Singing moves me more than guitar, when it's on.
What is Gypsy Jazz, and who is Django Reinhardt? Please educate us. Kip Beacco: Django Reinhardt was a brilliant French jazz guitarist, probably one of the first important figures in jazz music to come out of Europe. The man was a musical genius. No one has equalled him as far as creative spirit and originality since, in my
36 •DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND
PHOTOGRAPH BY LEE EVERETT
opinion. The term ‘gypsy jazz’ is contributed to Django and the style of jazz he basically invented, along with violinist Stephane Grapelli. The two had a band called the Quintette du Hot Club de France. In the gypsy jazz world, Django is considered God.
How can we educate the young in this classic music, clumped all under one umbrella called JAZZ? I mean, so many smaller styles come out of this one genre. To learn to appreciate jazz, where would one start? Don Mikkelson: Every once in a while I hear someone say that they don't like or understand jazz. There are so many flavors and styles, I suspect that the person saying it does like some musician or style that falls under the jazz umbrella after all. My advice, in answer to your question, is to start with what you like. Music is created to be enjoyed. Brian Kantor: Just like with other broad-stroke genres, ie. rock, electronic, hip-hop, etc., there are subgenres that go much deeper into other realms, that often don't really seem connected to the broader term. Ornette Coleman, Nina Simone, Sun Ra, Pat
Metheny, and Bix Beiderbecke are all jazz musicians, but if you played their recordings side by side, they don't seem connected in any way. In my private lesson practice, I try my best to present all these diverse sides of any musical genre my students take an interest in. If a student of mine were to take an interest in jazz music, I might steer them to listen to Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue," Charlie Christian with The Benny Goodman Sextet, Django Reinhardt, Eric Dolphy's "Out to Lunch," and a handful of other classic jazz LPs along the whole spectrum of different jazz music, to see what they respond best to.
Kip Beacco: For me the term 'jazz' is a confusing descriptor or label. It seems to me that the term 'jazz' brings about notions of a more modern jazz, lounge jazz, jazz that one need be very intellectual about, and have a deep cognitive experience to understand and enjoy. Endless improvisatory solos that go on and on. None of which is a bad thing, of course. It's beautiful music, a very high level of musicianship. The highest really. But my collection of jazz is basically just dance music. It has a solid danceable rhythm, it cooks and it swings. Listen to early Louis
Armstrong, the Hot Five and Hot Seven groups of his. Count Basie with Lester Young, the Benny Goodman Sextet recordings, Charlie Christian and Teddy Wilson. Fats Waller! To explore this music from its early origins in New Orleans and follow it right up through the years is just an amazing journey. I know for myself, having started out playing rock and roll music with an electric guitar, the early jazz music of Armstrong hit me hard. It feels like it has the same attitude as rock and roll. It's just a different group of instruments with different timing and phrasing. But it's all really just the blues anyway. It will speak to you if you like music played from the gut. It's organic and it's real. I think young people just need to hear it some and they will get it. I know I did when I was finally exposed to it.
But, are you still in love with rock and roll? What are the similarities and differences? Is it easy for a musician to cross over from rock to a jazz sound? Kip Beacco: Like I said, rock and roll and jazz is all really just the blues. I am more in love with rock and roll now than I was as a kid. My tastes have changed slightly, but I still love Chuck Berry. I still love Angus Young and AC/DC. Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley. I would not say it is easy to cross over from rock to jazz, but the transition makes sense, absolutely. It's not that far removed. There is just another language to learn. New vocabulary. Like going from English to Italian, maybe. You need to learn some basic phrases to get around. Then you build on that. Take a Chuck Berry riff and add a little Louis Armstrong line to that, change up the way you pronounce certain words, you know. Swing your eighth notes more. It's a long process, but not impossible. Do you feel The Lucky 5 is bringing history back? I do, and I think it is such an important part of the cultural scene of the Berkshires. Your thoughts? Kip Beacco: My only hope is that we can play a small part in keeping alive a long tradition of this incredible art form, and maybe in our own way we can add a little something to it. Whether that be a handful of great songs that build on the tradition, or maybe someone sees us playing and gets inspired to pick up a horn or a guitar or something and figure it out for themselves. What would be The Lucky 5’s biggest aspiration? Brian Kantor: I would love for Lucky 5 to play the Newport Jazz Festival someday.
Kip Beacco: I would love to have an original song of ours in a big film or television series. I believe we have that in us.
If there was an art opening you were going to play… and the art shown was to be your choice, who would you show? Why? And what songs would you choose? What kind of wine and bites would you select? Who would be the MC? Where can you picture this all taking place—if there were absolutely no restrictions. Jonathan Talbott: I'd have George W. Bush painting live, kinda like Bob Ross, but he'd be naked. The food would be Middle Eastern and it'd be on national TV.
THE LUCKY 5 AT LENOX, FINE LINE MULTI-MEDIA BUILDING PHOTOGRAPH
BY
LEE EVERETT
Brian Kantor: I would show Klimt, play a wide variety of songs from Django to Fairport Convention, serve Argyle Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley— and you gotta have cheese, right? Steve Martin would MC, and it would be in the Egyptian Room at the American Museum of Natural History.
Kip Beacco: Picasso and Django would go very nice together don't ya think? With barrels of red wine.
Who do you have to thank for the development and marketing of The Lucky 5 these days? Kip Beacco: We have recently been fortunate to have our friend Beth Carlson come on board to help us get our business side of things tighter. We have been doing it all by ourselves up until this year, but now we have in Beth a highly organized, ruthless, persistent, get-things-done business person. Beth is helping us hunt down leads, get the press and marketing we need. Helping us bring it to the next level. Are rehearsals every day? Kip Beacco: We typically rehearse once a week, but we play so often that we are in a kind of 'rehearse on the job' groove. In the off season we rehearse more. From about November to April or so we are a bit
slower with gigs and tend to do most of our writing and arranging. We're in that season right now and it feels great. We've got a bunch of new material we're sinking our teeth into at the moment.
Do you have warm-up exercises? Brian Kantor: In a perfect world, I take twenty minutes to play through some rudiments, get my hands moving, and limber up, but I don't always get that opportunity. I do find it much easier to play at my best when I've devoted a bit of warm-up time.
Jonathan Talbott: I have warm-up exercises at home during a personal practice. Long tones and syncopated scales. I've gotten quite used to playing a gig without doing anything more than tuning before leaping right in. Don Mikkelson: Yes, I have a routine I try to do daily. The trombone is a harsh mistress; if you don't give it daily attention, you suffer! What are the things the group most commonly agrees and disagrees on?
Continued on next page...
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 37
BAND MEMBER BIOS:
Brian Kantor: I would say we all agree that we'd like to be able to travel more, and play festivals, to bring our brand of Hot Jazz to a wider audience.
JONATHAN TALBOTT Jonathan Talbott is a composer and multi-instrumentalist living in upstate New York. Jonathan has brought his skills in violin improvisation to a wide variety of musical projects, including the energetic ska of Mother Fletcher, and renowned jazz drummer Bobby Previte's Voodoo Orchestra. Jonathan is a cofounder of the trio Quiet In The Head, of which Steve Walter of The Cutting Room, NYC, said, "A truly unique sound... phenomenal musicianship, imagination and talent.”
Jonathan Talbott: I do not think there is too much we disagree on. We all have fairly different backgrounds and styles of playing, but for the most part seem pretty content about the way it all comes together in our music-making. I think arrival times and gig fees bring up the most debate… haha. How do musicians like you think out of the box? Jonathan Talbott: More out of the box thinking has to occur with respect to how to make a living. Musicians these days have to be their own publicity agents, marketers, managers, umm… online presence and means of revenue... It can get complicated and overwhelming, as compared to music-making, where you can play some tritones and sound out of the box… heh.
Brian Kantor: For me, thinking out of the box is when I leave my trusted arsenal of musical abilities behind, and happen upon new ideas on a gig. It's easy to rely on all the stuff you may have practiced at home, but trusting that there's more unchartered musical territory at your fingertips is where it's at for me. Granted, this is not always the easiest thing to achieve, and won't always happen, but when it does, look out!
Do you think music may change, now that the election is over? I’m being vague, I know, but you can be more specific, in any way you like. Kip Beacco: For me personally, there is no change in the music. If anything I'm more grateful that I have this outlet or vehicle, to escape the state of our union and what's going on with all of this craziness. Of course, I would say this about anything that has got me down… the hard times. The hardest part of life is “the space between songs,” basically any time you are not doing what you love to do. That's a line from a song written by my friend Phil Saylor. When we're not playing, a lot of us musicians and artists are left to deal with the realities of life. Not always fun, never easy.
What’s the most fun for you about being on the road gigging? Brian Kantor: I feel incredibly lucky to see so much of our country, and other parts of the world. Still waiting for music to take me to Japan, Hawaii, South Africa, and South America.
Jonathan Talbott: There's a sense of freedom... which is of course kinda a false sense. One is still attached to the grid, dependent on money; one returns to other obligations. But it’s a fun sense! Also, the long showers in a hotel. Kip Beacco: The best part of the road for me is being able to engage 110% in the music and the band. To live it without interruptions and distractions from 38 • DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND
THE LUCKY 5 AT LENOX TOWN HALL PHOTOGRAPH BY LEE EVERETT
everyday life. That and being with your friends—that is, when everyone is getting along. For the most part The Lucky Five always get along. That's the beauty of this band, and it shows in the music, I believe.
What are the overall long-term plans and goals of the group? Kip Beacco: We are working on new songs and compositions all the time. One immediate goal is to start traveling again, branching out farther and farther. More festivals. Get back to Europe, the UK and more. Who knows where the music will take us? This band is collectively ready to do some more exploring, geographically. It's been a slow process, as we all have day jobs and other bands, wives and children and various projects brewing at all times. Thank you guys!!
DON MIKKELSEN Don Mikkelsen has played trombone professionally for many years, recording with artists such as Peter Gabriel, Louis Bellson, and Grand Master Flash, and performing with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nancy Wilson, Sammy Davis Jr., Marvin Gaye, Elvis Presley, Peggy Lee, Michel Legrand. Don has also produced several jazz recordings for artists including Jimmy Cobb and Ryan Kisor. After many years in NYC, Don is delighted to be living and playing in the beautiful Berkshires.
MATT DOWNING Matt Downing has played upright bass for over seventeen years. He has played bluegrass, country, folk and swing music with The Hunger Mountain Boys, Jim & Jennie and the Pinetops, The Blue Ribbon Boys, The Two-Man Gentleman Band, King Wilkie, Neko Case, Jim Lauderdale, The Wiyos, The Woodshedders, Lauren Ambrose & The Leisure Class, Sam Quinn & The Japan Ten, and of course now The Lucky 5.
KIP BEACCO Kip Beacco has been playing music for many years. A multi-instrumentalist, Beacco has played drums, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, clarinet and tenor saxophone. Beacco's most notable bands over the years include Colorado's The Grassroute, The Hunger Mountain Boys, Lauren Ambrose & The Leisure Class and currently The Lucky 5.
BRIAN KANTOR Brian Kantor is originally from Long Island, NY and relocated from NYC to the Berkshires with his wife and cat nearly two years ago. When not drumming with The Lucky 5, Brian can be found on tour with Fruit Bats, Nina Persson (of the Cardigans), or with Paul Loren. You can also hear Brian's drumming on many records, and in music for the films Paper Man (Jeff Daniels, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone), God's Pocket (Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Christina Hendricks, John Turturro), and The Other Shore - The Diana Nyad Documentary. When not drumming at all, Brian can be found in his kitchen whipping up a mean veggie lasagne!
UTICA, NEW YORK, 1959
“Old Jewish Tailor Woman”
The first job I ever had was in high school working in the afternoon for an elderly Jewish woman who was a tailor. Her work consisted mainly of repairing the tattered garments of the residents of the slums where her shop was located, but she also took in washing which was sent out to be done and came back the next day. My job was to mark in all the clothes when they came in, and check them off when they went out again. This old tailor woman whose name was Mrs. Potash, I soon discovered was an extremely remarkable and eccentric woman. She was very devout, but her God was not some unfathomable power off in the cosmos somewhere, for her God was an entity involved in the most mundane aspects of every day life. She consulted God about what to have for lunch. For Mrs. Potash tailoring was a kind of religious mission, she felt that her store, her sewing machine, even her life were given to her by God for the sake of taking care of poor peoples clothes. I left the shop for home each day at five, but Mrs. Potash would not go home until midnight. She returned to the shop by six in the morning to start her day. She lived on the other end of town so every day involved walking through the slums of our city late
at night. At one point I started to be concerned about her. I couldn’t decide if she was fearless or simpleminded. I said to my mother “You know Mom, Mrs. Potash walks home at one in the morning from down on Liberty Street. “ My mother said, sensing my concern, “Don’t worry about her, the police know she is there.” But gradually I came to realize that she was not only fearless, but that she felt instinctively that no one would ever even think of harming her. One time an old notorious gangster came into the shop. He was probably as old as Mrs. Potash, and known to be a difficult character. He didn’t come into the shop for any criminal purposes however; he came in because a button had popped off of his fly. He asked her to repair his trousers but she was a woman of very few words and in response to his request she simply drew a circle in the air with her needle indicating that he should undo his jacket. Understanding that she meant to fix his fly button on sight, as it were, and without him going to the changing room he stammered in embarrassment, ”Don’t you want me to go to the changing booth?” “And why is there a need to take off your clothes?” she said, again telling him what to do with a gesture of her needle. That remark, “Why is there a need”? was characteristic of her. If I did something wrong in the shop she would say, “Why is there a need to make a mistake?”
The Don undid his coat revealing that he had a revolver stuck in his belt band. Mrs. Potash, when she saw the gun, pulled it out of his pants and holding it in her hand gave him a good talking to. “Don’t you see that the gun is running your trousers, I can fix these buttons for you, but before you know, the waste band will be completely ruined. A holster you need.” Finished with her lecture she handed him the gun to hold and proceeded to sew a button onto his pants. He was so terribly uncomfortable, he held the gun in his hand on the side of his body away from the window lest anyone should see, and was in an agony of suspense the whole time worrying that someone might come into the shop. This event was made the more strange by the fact that it was August, there was a hot steam trouser press in the shop, the room was scorching, and over the years the old woman had take to wearing very little clothing to work in the summer. Her usual outfit was a shift, or sort of sundress very low cut in both the front and the back. I will not offer any sort of explanation or analysis of this event. In certain respects I have to admit that I still don’t understand some powerful symbolism in it. But I saw it with my own eyes, and I wanted you to see it also. Events like this should not be forgotten. ~ Richard Britell
LAUREN CLARK FINE ART Visit Us at Our New Digs! 325 Stockbridge Road Great Barrington, MA
Opening January 2017 Give us a call or check our website for the exact re-opening date
www.LaurenClarkFineArt.com 413. 528. 0432
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 39
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JANE FELDMAN Scents by Skanda offers handmade natural fragrance selections for men and women. Using the finest essential oils from around the globe, we create scents for meditation, yoga, and custom blends for personal aromas. Specializing in exotic oudh and musk fragrances from South East Asia, traditional Hindu attars, agarwood, and more. We carry a full line of oils that include but are not limited to sandalwood, patchouli, jasmine, tuberose, rose, vetiver, blue lotus, oakmoss, palo santo, himalayan cedarwood, and many more! Call 413.717.2498 for sampling by appointment, or find us on Etsy, Facebook, and Instagram
FRONT ST. GALLERY
www.janefeldman.com JANEFELDMANPHOTO@GMAIL.COM 917-710-5546
ELEANOR LORD ARTIST
STILL LIFE By KATE KNAPP
Changing Light”, New paintings by Kate Knapp, Dec 2-Jan 1 510 WARREN STREET GALLERY
510 WARREN STREET, HUDSON, NY 518-822-0510 510warrenstreetgallery@gmail.com / 510warrenstreetgallery.com (Friday & Saturday, 12 - 6, Sunday 12 - 5 or by app)
Painting classes on Monday and Wednesday mornings 10-1pm at the studio in Housatonic and Thursday mornings 10am - 1pm out in the field. Also available for private critiques. Open to all. Please come paint with us!
gallery hours: open by chance and by appointment anytime 413. 274. 6607 (gallery) 413. 429. 7141 (cell) 413. 528. 9546 (home)
40 • DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND
eleanorlord.com
“Fantasy, abandoned by reason, produces impossible monsters; united with it, she is the mother of the arts and the origin of marvels.” --Francisco de Goya
LARRY S. FRANKEL larryfrankelphotography.com
413. 645. 3246
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 41
POP UP ART
MARGUERITE BRIDE
Very late breaking POP UP art news….Marguerite Bride and Scott Taylor will be sharing the old Ferrin Gallery space at 437 North Street in Pittsfield during the month of December. Three POP UP Galleries, sponsored by the City of Pittsfield Cultural Development Department will be open and staffed by the artists themselves starting December 2. Keep you eye open for the festive banner. Besides Bride and Taylor, Diane Firtell will be located at 431 North Street and will feature her own art plus work by assorted artisans in an “Holiday Artisan Marketplace”. At 139 North Street, see work by Sean McCusker, Morris Bennett and Anne Roland. The POP UPs will be open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 12noon – 6pm and/or by appointment with the artists. The galleries will close Dec 23. Bride will be featuring framed and unframed originals, reproductions, ornaments and other festive fare. Expect to find some pretty great discounts on selected items. Marguerite Bride – Home Studio at 46 Glory Drive, Pittsfield, Massachusetts by appointment only. Call 413841-1659 or 413-442-7718; margebride-paintings.com; margebride@aol.com; Facebook: Marguerite Bride Watercolors.
42 • DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND
“It is very certain that to accomplish anything in art requires assiduous application, unwearied study, continuous observation, and in addition to all that, natural aptitude” -- Tomasso Salvini, 1893
Grandma Becky’s Recipes Grandma Becky & Laura
Ru
! h c a l e g by Laura Pian
It’s that time of year again. A clean, fresh chill fills the air. All the leaves are down, up sprout the indoor holiday trees and the colorful menorahs. Bells are ringing, dreidels are spinning. And best of all, the rich aromas of the holidays fill warm kitchens everywhere! This year, two big winter holidays coincide and we light the first candle of Hanukkah on Christmas Eve. This is a rare occurrence, only happening 4 times every century! No matter which of the winter holidays you observe, everyone loves a sweet treat to go along with holiday cheer. My Grandma Becky’s rugelach was an absolute treat to be had. If you aren’t familiar with the word, “rugelach” (ROOG-eh-lah), it is technically a German pastry consisting of small, rolled-up, flaky mini-crescents baked with preserves, nuts, raisins, chocolate, cinnamon, etc. Its dough is crumbly, dense and chewy, and an awesome treat with coffee or schnapps. No matter how often you put them out intending them to be a nosh (snack), you always end up fressing (devouring) them.
Last month, I joined my two first-cousins, Nancy and Wendy, as we baked-up a batch of our Grandma Becky’s unforgettable rugelach. We were barely able to get a few cookies home to our families without finishing them all fresh from the oven. Grandma’s rugelach were always flaky and light, little puffs filled with sweet love, directly from the heart.
N work ancy & W ing o n the endy doug h
Happy holidays to you all. May the sweet smell of Becky’s rugelach fill your hearts and home with love. Esn Gezunt! ... Dough: 1 cup butter, softened 1/2 tsp salt 1 egg yolk 1 8-oz package cream cheese 2 cups white flour 2 tsp heavy (whipping) cream Filling: Preserves, different flavors Chopped walnuts Chocolate chips Cinnamon sugar (in equal proportions)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all dough ingredients in a large bowl until well mixed. Let dough chill for at least an hour, covered in the refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator and cut in half, keeping one half out to work with. On lightly floured surface, roll dough out with rolling pin until 1/4” thin. Lightly sprinkle surface with cinnamon sugar, and cut into several 4” triangles. Beginning on the long end of the triangle, fill with a little preserves and top with walnuts. Add chocolate chips if you wish. Roll up the long end to the top point. Gently press down to stick and curve the two ends into a crescent shape. Sprinkle tops with cinnamon sugar mixture. Repeat process using different flavors for creative filling ideas. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for approximately 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Heads-up, you WILL drool from the smell of warm butter and cream cheese. Makes approximately 3-4 dozen. THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 43
BERKSHIRE HANDMADE
Innovation. Craft. Music. The Berkshires is known for and has ALL of it. Most of us agree that using locally sourced materials beats importing. We love the idea of supporting local craftspeople before overseas mass-production. We like the idea of HANDMADE instruments, expertly and lovingly designed and made right here in Berkshire County. Local craftspeople are building wonderful guitars, ukuleles, ‘strum stick dulcimers,’ bamboo and walking stick flutes, cigar box guitars and ‘canjos’ - and The Music Store is fortunate to represent some of this wonderful collection! And so, we proudly present our Homegrown Musical Masterworks, extraordinary instruments made locally and often using locally sourced materials as well! In each chapter of this series we will introduce new instruments built by a local maker, so stay tuned to the Artful Mind as the months progress through winter and beyond.
CHAPTER 5
WHITMER GUITARS: A NEW PITTSFIELD TRADITION Claudia D’Alessandro
Guitar building, like so many other musical arts, allows builders to indulge their creative impulses across the visual and musical spectra. Luthier/guitar makers must choose the size, lines and shape of the guitar, the balance of its ‘parts’ (body, neck and head), the materials from which it is made, the finish used to seal it and the accoutrements such as tuning machines, bindings, pins, and inlays which complete it, in the design and crafting of their instruments. And while each decision informs a style which pleases the builder, each also determines the instrument’s voice. A retired engineer, Roger Whitmer has joined the Berkshire County Luthier community with some lovely instruments “with a restarted pre-career hobby.” Approaching the making of his twentieth steel string acoustic guitars, Mr. Whit-
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mer describes some of his building process. “I build three 14 fret body types based on Martin guitar shapes. These are the classical guitar sized OO model, the dreadnought D sized model, and the Grand Auditorium or M sized model which has a 16 inch lower bout and a 10 inch waist. This allows the option of the guitar to sit on the players left leg and provide a different left wrist orientation. My acoustic goal for all three of these instrument styles is to use forward shifted braces and tuned front and back plates to achieve a loud, sustaining, resonant guitar. The forward shifted braces allow for a pre WW2 Martin sound. For all three body shapes, including the OO size, the loudest note in the lower frets is between F# and G# on the bass string. This is a bluegrass cowboy chord orientation. I am intrigued by a 14 foot long sound wave being pumped out of a 4 inch diameter sound hole. In some circles this is known as a “banjo killer”. The braces inside the completed guitar are shaped to create a half or three quarter note difference in natural resonance, top versus back. Sustain and loudness are achieved by selecting individual wood components that ring when tapped. I have gotten the best guitar top perform-
ance from Adirondack Spruce, Sitka Spruce, and Bear Claw Sitka Spruce. These woods have a high strength to weight ratio, when selected carefully, and are resistant to denting from impact. All of the woods I use are aged at least six years. The internal bracing is entirely Adirondack Spruce based on its strength to weight ratio. Backs and sides are Central American Rosewoods, Indian Rosewood, Mahogany, and Oregon Myrtle. This last wood is related to Hawaiian Koa in the Acacia family. The tops and back are individually precision thinned to get a live multi tone tap sound. This adjustment process continues with the braces glued on, and is finished up by working through the sound hole on the completed guitar body. Finally, repairability is enhanced by using hot hide glue throughout construction, and nitro-cellulose lacquer for finish.” What results are aesthetically pleasing instruments, whose rich voicing and good balance prove that there is much, much more to Mr. Whitmer’s guitars than just a pretty face. •••• In next month’s issue: Undermountain Guitars: Ukulele Maker Masterfully Branches Out
THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 45
Paintin’ The Townf d d
ELAINE CHEZ
BERKSHIRE MUSEUM
FESTIVAL OF TREES
VAN SHIELDS AND PEGGy RIVERS
HAPPINESS IS A WARM BLANKET - THE CO-OP
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CHARLOTTE GREER
BUZZ MCGRAW, MEGHAN MCGRATH AND NINA GARLINGTON
d f d f f by Natalie Tyler
HINES AND CHRISTA LAMB AS CHARLIE CHAPLIN
DAN SyMECKA AND ROBERTA WALLER
BRyAN, NORAH AND CHARLOTTE BEAUREGARDE
MAyME STANSFIELD AND CATHy DEELy
BOB POTHIER AND JOSIE BUZZANCO
This year's stunning Festival of Trees with a cinema theme features creative holiday trees sponsored by businesses, schools, and community organizations. The Festival of Trees is a significant fundraiser for Berkshire Museum each year with proceeds that benefit education programs that provide more than 20,000 educational experiences annually.
Happy holidays from Paintin’ The Town! THE ARTFUL MIND DECEMBER 2016 • 47
48 •DECEMBER 2016 THE ARTFUL MIND