Quick-to-See and Ringgold

 

Image above from 4-23-23 Sunday New York Times Juane Quick-to-See Smith work at the Whitney Museum

Challenge: Compare and contrast Jaune Quick-to-See Smith and Faith Ringgold

The Sunday New York Times has always been a source of inspiration and a vehicle of focus on art and artists. This week a feature of the work of Jaune Quick-to-See Smith to be exhibited at the Whitney reminded me of another artist of whom I had grown to admire, Faith Ringgold. Ringgold has also been featured in the New York Times in recent years.

The New York Times described part the process of Jaune Quick-to-See Smith current exhibitions as follows: “She started placing newspaper clippings on her canvases and painting around and over them. As the idea took hold, she made the layouts more purposeful: juxtaposing excerpts from The New York Times and the Flathead Reservation’s Char-Koosta News, as well as other printed snippets, that, when read together, became suggestive and rhythmic, creating what Smith calls her “rap.” She added found images, bits of fabric, and more expressive passages of paint, all of it simmering behind large, simply rendered icons, like a canoe. In 1992, she hung above one such canvas a series of objects featuring racist Native stereotypes, including a baseball cap from the Cleveland Indians. With a twist of dry humor, she titled her piece, which stretched 14 feet long, “Trade (Gifts for Trading Land With White People).”

Above: Tar Beach II by Faith Ringgold - image also from the New York Times a few years ago. (A quick review shows Ringgold was featured in New York Times several times since 2019).

I can not help but draw a comparison with Faith Ringgold. The New York Times describes Faith Ringgold: Born in Harlem in 1930, Ringgold was the youngest of three children of Willi Posey Jones, a fashion designer and a seamstress who stimulated her daughter’s creative streak; the little girl grew up in a household surrounded by fabrics and textiles. After graduating from college, she produced paintings and posters in the 1960s that focused on the civil rights movement and on race relations in the United States. She also mounted protests against the underrepresentation of women and African-Americans in museum collections. In 1980, she started making quilts — the first one being a collaboration with her mother — and has to date produced more than 130. They are among her best-known works.

So Ringgold (born 1930) represents the Harlem Renaissance while Quick-to-See (born1940 - died 2025) is an artist who recalls the legacy of indigineous people in this country. Both uniquely American stories.

Exploring the context of artists and their work will inevitably encompass historic realities. Those realities will always transend mere facts and dates. I cannot help thinking about the role the artist plays in communicating the impact as well as the reflection of society. Furthermore, I often think about the role museums, critical review and attention generated by artists generate thoughtful public discourse.

Fast forward to June of 2024 and Jaune Quick to See Smith and her son are featured speakers at the Saint Louis Art Museum. Photo below are mother and son with our St. Louis Art Museum director. Sadly Jaune Quick-to See Smith died in January of 2025.

 

Studio Mosaics 2023

 

The Mosaic Art Project

Wesley Morgan

Saint Louis, MO

Each piece is made of recycled

materials and reclaimed 

cardboard and

glue (Elmer's)

 

Price Check

 

I’m shopping for one. I am a complete rookie. Grocery stores have always been puzzling to me. I have a history of completely avoiding the experience. At point-of-purchase I am hopelessly indecisive. I always forget to have a shopping list handy. I have no routine. It ain’t getting any easier.

I worked in the advertising business when it was all about distinguishing between brands and cultivating brand preferences.  The Pepsi Generation vs. The real thing Coke. The Cola Wars and the war in the store. It was about breaking out of perceived parity. Generating loyalty of purchase was the name of the game. I recall sitting in meetings and writing creative strategy. The overriding assumption was that people behaved rationally but with a healthy dose of emotion.

PRICE, not Price/value, seems to be the issue today. Just look at this section of shelves in my local grocery store today. My purchase intent is to buy a breakfast cereal. I find myself baffled with the range of choices. I noticed Post Honey Bunches of Oats offerings product mixes with Pecans, Berries, Almonds, Cinnamon and more.

Assuming I could separate and single out a cereal choice the price/volume decision suggests that I should have a spreadsheet in addition to a shopping list. The shelf talkers are there to add more to the equation. Everyday LOW Price. Great Low Prices Everyday. Priced Right. Finally I need to decide between a 12 oz box, a FAMILY size and a GIANT size (all with the benefit of saving by bulking up the pantry).

I don’t know. I went home with a box of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes (because there Gr-r-reat!).

    

Saint Louis Artists' Guild

Saint Louis Artists’ Guild

The Saint Louis Artists Guild (STLAG) believes that immersion in the arts and creativity improves the quality of life. Their tagline “Inspiring Art Experiences” inspires me and, as such, I was happy to venture out to the Clayton gallery space and be among those artists and art fans at the opening on January 13, 2023 in Clayton, MO.

An easel advertises classes for every age group and suggests that they are an inclusive and inviting home. A Community Painting Wall – Expressionism Art greets you at the Ramp Gallery before the walls reveal a featured display of The Mandala Project: An Artists Collective Nancy Early, Gray Finch, Maria Ojascastro, Valeria Priesto, Mary Beth Tipton was on view with a theme of Vision of Form and Space.

Tim Wagner is poised in front of a painting in progress that exemplifies the collaborative art making process. His wife and two small children and nearby adding a flavor of accessibility to the showing that opens up to several community artist works on view like those of Mark Witzling (director of the Craft Alliance) and Debbie Franke (painter/photographer) and painter Deena Boyer. Of course there is wine and cheese and it feels like a celebration of the creative process. 

 

 

Roses sent to Mary Ross in Lakewood, Ohio, She framed.

(Just to add something I've done lately as I ponder this artists organization).

See You at the Movies

 

I love going to the movies. While the world is still applying an abundance of caution and avoidance of public spaces, I hope people will start returning to the movies. Nothing replaces the movie going experience - not digital streaming or any of a host of other home entertainment options. As I gear up for the Academy Awards next month, I’m glad I made my way a few notable fine films. 

BABYLON is a tale of outsized ambition and outrageous excess, Babylon traces the rise and fall of multiple characters during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood. Brad Pitt and Margoe Robbie. This big screen production is a treat for anyone interested in reflecting on the motion picture business over the last 100 years.

Set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN follows lifelong friends Pádraic and Colm, who find themselves at an impasse when Colm unexpectedly puts an end to their friendship. A stunned Pádraic, aided by his sister Siobhán and troubled young islander Dominic, endeavours to repair the relationship, refusing to take no for an answer. But Pádraic's repeated efforts only strengthen his former friend’s resolve and when Colm delivers a desperate ultimatum, events swiftly escalate, with shocking consequences. Movie goers are treated to a powerful story of the personal dynamics of human interaction in a remote but beautiful corner of the world.

ELVIS  played by Golden Globes Best Actor winner.  The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Austin Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over 20 years, from Presley's rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis's life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge). This movie looks at Elvis in the context of his career decisions. Elivs’ only daughter died, at age 54, just a few days after the actor in the title role won a Golden Globe for his performance.

TOP GUN: MAVERICK fast forwards us on a narrative of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. Maverick encounters Lt. Bradley Bradshaw (Miles Teller), call sign: “Rooster,” the son of Maverick’s late friend and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Nick Bradshaw, aka “Goose”. Maverick is drawn into a confrontation with his own deepest fears. This is movie making with ambition to leverage a franchise/story with box office draw.

THE FABLEMANS finds young Sammy Fabelman who falls in love with movies after his parents take him to see "The Greatest Show on Earth." Armed with a camera, Sammy starts to make his own films at home, much to the delight of his supportive mother. Steven Spielberg, creator of “Jaws” and pioneer of blockbuster filmmaking shares why he is compelled to be a storyteller.

Based on the comical and moving New York Times bestseller, A MAN CALLED OTTO tells the story of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a grumpy widower whose only joy comes from criticizing and judging his exasperated neighbors. When a lively young family moves in next door, he meets his match in quick-witted and very pregnant Marisol, leading to an unexpected friendship that will turn his world upside-down. Tom Hanks is powerful in a personal and great story that challenges us to consider how we view each other,

What's Next?

 

Happy New Year to me. As I write this blog I am watching Scarface, the 1983 movie staring Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeifer with Cuban-born actor Steven Bauer. (Bauer studied at the University of Miami and was a friend of another UM actor, Ray Liotta). The Oliver Stone screenplay and direction of Brian DePalma are a perfect movie for me as I reflect and consider "What's Next?". The movie starts with a bit of historical context about the 125,000 Mariel refugees, many of whom landed in Miami. The movie marks the legacy of drug cartels and violence in my beloved South Florida (notably, Miami Beach). It is hard to believe that was 40 years ago and just after I finished my MBA at the University of Miami.

Like Pacino's character, I find myself in a new place and new circumstances. I broke my contract as a Special Education Teacher for middle schoolers in North Saint Louis and quickly signed on as part of the corps of Kelly Personnel to act as a substitute while I explore options. So far I've been a sub at Special School District Neuwoehner High School and am scheduled to sub at Parkway West High School and Kirkwood High School. I met with the principal of Winfield Middle School about an immediate opening for an Art Teacher. (A welcome change of venue and content area about 30 minutes from my appartment. We'll see if the offer is extended to me.)

Meanwhile, I have been proud of myself as my first year as a widow is about to close. (My wife died peacefully in her sleep on February 3, 2022), My kids and their nuclear families and the Matriarch (my mother in law) have been the foundation of a remarkable support system for me. 

I try to remind myself that I have risen above setbacks and my triumphs have always been as part of an ebb and flow of seemingly random circumstances. I made a note to myself on December 17 that "I should be at an all time low, Instead I am full of hope". 

I am not about to pursue organized crime or seize control of a drug cartel like the lead character in Scarface. I am free to be in the moment, however. I am free to travel a bit (especially when it can coincide with visits to places like Lincoln, Nebraska; Kansas City, Missouri; Ocean, New Jersey; Philadelphia, PA; New York City; Tampa, Florida; Indian Rocks Beach, Florida; Sarasoto, Florida; Cleveland, Ohio. In spite of the less than optiomal weather locally, I can't help acting like I am on a Staycation in my current home town of Saint Louis (with visits to the Saint Louis Art Museum, Laumeier Sculpture Park etc.).

As I continue to ponder the question: "What's Next?" I am letting the here and now unfold and letting the notion of being in the moment prevail. This morning I caught a glympse of the Full Wolf Moon. Today the sun was shining and it was a moderate 33 degrees as I walked around Laumeier Sculpture Park.

Stay Tuned.

 

    

  

Since You've Been Gone

 

What have I been doing since Lynn died?

Make no mistake about it. I have been busting into tears at completely random times since Lynn died quite unexpectedly and peacefully in her sleep on February 3, 2022. “May her memory be a blessing.” (It is.) Life events as routine as a visit to the grocery store or catching the French Open Tennis on television or finding an incredible thank you note from a flight attendant written on a cocktail napkin are continual reminders of what it means to share a life with someone. My children, amazing adults living in Tampa and New Jersey, along with their spouses and those amazing grandchildren (two boys born in vintage year 2016) are ample reinforcement to the notion of how blessed I am.

The Matriarch of our family, the incomparable Toby (aka Toto, TR). has been a pillar of strength. “Stay busy. Spend time with friends and family. We will get through this. You need to take care of yourself.”  I have had a busy and remarkable schedule in six months of phenomenal activity full of blessings and joy. (“Lynn, I know you are watching and you know we love you always.  …This is the day that G-d has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”)

Just a few highlights from my calendar.

Feb 3 Thursday - RIP Lynn (a day that altered my existence).

Feb 4 Friday - Youth service at Shaare Emeth (Lynn, your name is now on the memory wall there). Special thanks to Cantor Seth Warner for the home visit and invitation. 

Feb 5 – 6 – Dan and Netti drove in from Cleveland. Dinner at the Cheshire Inn, Mass at the Cathedral Basilica (Archbishop Rozanski presiding), Art Hill and Saint Louis Art Museum.

Feb 11 - Cemetery in Neptune, NJ burial site family plot next to Papa Sam who passed in 1993. Morgan balance from Rob, Greg (his two boys Wes and Matt), and Dave Drimer (You know I love you like a brother).  

Feb 14 - Birthday cake on Toby’s birthday at the home of Ben/Allison and James.

Feb 28 - Coffee with P. Drake and B. Ellis (I cannot thank these two amazing friends enough for being…just for being).

Mar 3 – Rob in Saint Louis. He secured front row seats at Delmar Hall for John Paul White with Parker Milsap as opening act. Headliner John Paul White offered “How about that Parker Milsap?", adding the jestful comment to the audience before he bagan to play “Ya know…opening acts are supposed to suck.”

March 23-25 – What could be more fun than Dinosaur World and a round of putt-putt golf with RLD in Plant City, Florida. (A lovely chat with Dahlia on the phone with an offer to visit her in Miami is most tempting.) I got a hole-in-one off of Lawton’s heel on #5.

Tues March 28 – Bill Ellis pow wow at Five Guys in Creve Coeur.

April 9 – Masters Mayhem at CCGC with Daryl Vandiver.

April 10 – Coffee with Perry Drake on Sunday at Saint Louis Art Museum

April 23 – Sweet dinner at the Mason Oaks Lane home of Bill and Tara Ellis.

April 28 – Cardinals vs. Diamondbacks with teachers and colleagues of Westview Middle School. (Can’t beat a night at the ballpark).

May 4 – UMSL marketing advisory board meeting at Integrity in U City. Creative Director Morissey brief on the emerging creative class and organzing the work.

May 6 – Opening (judges) at Annual Art Fair Mothers’ Day weekend at Laumeier Sculpture Park.

May 20, 2022 Cleveland - Pier W with Dan and Janie on my birthday. 

May 21, 2022 - Cleveland Museum of Art (one of my favorite places in the world), St. Luke all-school reunion. (So great to see 8^th grade co-caption and QB Dan Caine along with Scott Derringer, Carol Weist and so many other Crusaders.)

May 26, 2022 Thursday Nights - HBE golf league begins at Creve Coeur Golf Course. 

June 2, 2022 - Zoom presentation to Career Rebound (Thanks to Greg Morgan, Wendy Leigh etc.) How Wes Morgan managed to work for 12 top flight advertising agencies, four corporate environmets before becoming a Special Educator.

June 4, 2022 - Celebration of Life for Evan Willnow (Willoughby Farm - Collinsville, IL). He was great. But the truly remarkable thing about Evan was that he made others great. 

June 12 – Laumeier Sculpture Park activity day. Loretto Hilton Center in Webster Groves production of Carmen – Saint Louis Opera Theater.

June 16 AMA luncheon at Maggiano’s with Sharon Harvey-Davis as speaker on Diversity Equity and Inclusion. She was great and so much fun to reconnect with this collegue from past life at HBE. She has recently retired after 20 years with Ameren.

June 17-21 to NJ (on Ben) for extended Fathers’ Day weekend. Liberty State Park, BBQ at Deb/David Schatzow’s, Colonial Terrace 9-hole Golf Course with kids (James, Samson, Marlow, neighborhood kids etc) serving refreshments at 7^th hole T-box behind Ben’s house in Ocean, NJ. And…the amazing day trip to Storm King (New Windsor, NY). And a BONUS day at Elberon Beach Club. Just perfect.

June 21 – Movie at AMC Creve Coeur Top Gun Maverick

June 25 – Cherokee/Lemp antique district engagement party for Samantha Cox and Matthew Whelan.

June 27 - Laumeier Sculpture Park in morning followed by Double Red (my O Negative blood) donation at Impact Life.

June 30 – Legacy Legal Group probate kick off with Ben on remotely. HBE golf.

July 1 – AMA golf (Mogley, Shaughnessy, Cox, Jones, Tom Ferris, Ted Ruzicka, Slam! Principal Tyler Kelly and brother).

July 4 – Fair Saint Louis concerts (Young MC, Color Me Badd, Tone Loc, Just in Time), activities and fireworks at the Gateway Arch. 

July 7 – to SF via Southwest. BART to Denise (Milbrae). Rothko at SFMOA. ATwater Tavern with Johnny Caine.

July 8 – VRBO HQ stocked by Rob (Fritos etc) with Dan, Greg and boys Wes and Matt and GFs Alexis and Bianca). Denise.

July 9 – K-Mo + Mad Wedding (Kevin Morgan and Madelyn Burkhart) at Beltrane Ranch in Sonoma Valley. Storybook wedding.

July 10 – Saint Leo mass with Dan and Alexis followed by donuts and coffee

July 11 – Muir Woods – Redwood forest (w Lauren, Bianca, Greg). 

July 12 – 5:30 am Zita ride to Oakland Airport from Novato. To Longh Beach and connecting to St. Louis. 

July 13 – Elvis movie at Creve Coeur AMC 12

July 18 – Sign something about a bond at Legacy Legal Group

July 29 – SSD Health Fair at Neuwoehner High School (Blood Screen)

August 4-7 – Philly – The Barnes Foundation. Lindsey, Lawton, Ben…

August 8 – Back to school WMS

August 19-20 (plan) – Cleveland – Winton Place, Rock and Roll HoF, CMA, Solstice Steps. Janie.

September 17 – Laumeier Big Diner event.

So, life continues for me with a lot of activity (largely designed to keep me distracted from my new reality). North (Cleveland), South (Tampa), East (Ocean) and West (Novato/Sonoma). Ya gotta see the forest for the trees. Incidental as I am, I am a truly blessed man.