PROVINCETOWN PHOTOGRAPH PRINTED ON ARCHIVAL PAPER, 30 X 42” ART COLLAGE 1962 NFS
MARK MELLINGER Sometimes a curse like this pandemic has small blessings attached. Freed from hours of commuting between work in NYC and homes in Yonkers and Pittsfield, I have time to do art. That said, I find the malaise taking away much of the energy needed to use that freedom. In the '60s, I went to Cooper Union Art School and then worked in commercial art and photography. Later I returned to college and careers in bio research and ultimately, psychology. While continuing my practice of psychoanalysis, I spend free moments in my Pittsfield studio. Free also from any dream of fame or fortune, at 75 I can indulge any curious whim in my artwork. I do, nonetheless, appreciate when someone can connect to it. Mark V. Mellinger, PhD - 100 North St. Room 404, Pittsfield MA 01201; markmellinger680@gmail.com / 914-260-7413
LILY OF THE VALLEY, OIL ON BOARD, 12H X 16”W
JANET PUMPHREY
MARY CAROL RUDIN
Janet Pumphrey is a local fine art photographer who lives and works in Lenox. While photography is a representational medium, Pumphrey moves beyond the inherent realism in traditional photography to see the world in a new and more creative way. She appreciates the ability to manipulate photographs through the artistic imagery available both in-camera and in post-processing, turning what was a realistic photograph into a creative, often abstract work of art. Her cityscapes and landscapes are at times painterly and impressionist and at times stark, reflective, and architectural. Janet Hetherwick Pumphrey, Esq. - 45 Walker Street, Lenox, MA 01240; 413-6372777; www.PumphreyLaw.com; Photography website: www.JanetPumphrey.com
Like A River for D.S.
The COVID pandemic is a difficult time for everyone. We are all thinking about the impact it has on all the people and things we love. I know I am among the lucky ones. I can be in the Berkshires where being outside and breathing fresh air and having plenty of space for social distancing is always available but particularly now is a blessing. This painting, "Lily of the Valley, Return of Happiness" is my idea of hope. The attribute of happiness is not mine; it comes from the books of Floriography. As far back as the 15th century in Turkey flowers replaced words to express forbidden feelings. These books were also very popular in Victorian England and the United States. Even today we attach meanings to flowers; red roses are still a romantic expression of love. I see this little Lily of the Valley struggling out of a crack in the pavement. The pavement represents this bleak time, and the Lily represents hope and recovery. MC Rudin - mcrudin123@gmail.com / www.mcrudin.com
I The sages say rivers lead back to the beginning, late winter birth being one with the fire in the sky. How easy to get lost in the unexpected currents, round rocks and the high white water that can sweep one away. Is it true that every Buddhist knows the lessons of form and formlessness, loss and love - the long journey that begins and ends in the river? II At times I think our friendship is like the river, not sure where its starts or ends high mountain headwaters- you so wild, free and so far awaywhere are you going, what’s under the surface, is it safe to follow a current so swift, so ambiguous? Or is there a choice, for I have always shared with you a love for the colors in the cave the sound of cottonwoods in the morning wind, and the mystery of time caught in the copper color of the river, the terra cotta flame.
By Kate Bell
24 • JUNE 2020 THE ARTFUL MIND
Prepared food menu to take out: www.elixirgb.com
