This moved me deeply, Cecil. Thank you for weaving my small comment into something so expansive and resonant. Your reflection on art as a quiet act of hope speaks to the core of why we continue creating, especially in uncertain times. I felt seen in your words—and reminded that even our most solitary gestures are part of a much longer, enduring conversation. Grateful to be in it with you.
Cecil - This is very nice . I've been a fan of yours for many years now and enjoy not only your artwork but also your writings ... some like this piece are very touching and much appreciated - As an artist it hits a note that feels good - thank you - Lori Dorn
Longfellow alludes to that line in "A Psalm of Life," my father's favorite poem. Dad and I both had it memorized over the years. Dad would be 113 were he still alive, but I can hear him reciting it, in my mind. Longfellow says, "Art is long, and Time is fleeting," https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44644/a-psalm-of-life.
Each art piece tells a story yet I may not have the entire story to unwrap but it's there to be interpreted by whomever. Long ago I curated a show at the gallery I was with as I got hold of over a dozen female mannequins. I put out a call to artists, writers, photographers. One artist was in a hospital or hospice as he was recovering from bacterial meningitis, was bitten by a spider, and found out he had full-blown aids. He was not doing well but got out of a coma weeks before. I brought him a mannequin torso and some art supplies and he works so hard on an art piece for the show, perhaps knowing it was going to be the last piece of art he'd ever create. It was a beautiful piece too and I loved that he gave a damn into making it a great piece of art too. His stories live on as does his art work in many collections even though he passed away soon after that show. He had many friends who loved him. His name was James Bettison.
I remember James Bettison's work. I don't think I ever met him personally. His studio burned downed too before that. Here is an article that talks about him.
Thanks for the article. I miss James. We used to go to flea markets to shop for cool junk. He was such a gentle genius and so much fun to hang out with.
This moved me deeply, Cecil. Thank you for weaving my small comment into something so expansive and resonant. Your reflection on art as a quiet act of hope speaks to the core of why we continue creating, especially in uncertain times. I felt seen in your words—and reminded that even our most solitary gestures are part of a much longer, enduring conversation. Grateful to be in it with you.
Cecil - This is very nice . I've been a fan of yours for many years now and enjoy not only your artwork but also your writings ... some like this piece are very touching and much appreciated - As an artist it hits a note that feels good - thank you - Lori Dorn
Agreed - a quiet act of hope. So necessary for artists to do. And dare I might say, it is an act of love too.
Dear Cecil,
I enjoyed your article on "a quiet act of hope."
I was reminded of Seneca and "Ars longa, vita brevis." Here is a good link about that phrase. https://classicaldifference.com/art-is-long-life-is-eternal/
Longfellow alludes to that line in "A Psalm of Life," my father's favorite poem. Dad and I both had it memorized over the years. Dad would be 113 were he still alive, but I can hear him reciting it, in my mind. Longfellow says, "Art is long, and Time is fleeting," https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44644/a-psalm-of-life.
Warmest regards,
Ruth E. Bell
Each art piece tells a story yet I may not have the entire story to unwrap but it's there to be interpreted by whomever. Long ago I curated a show at the gallery I was with as I got hold of over a dozen female mannequins. I put out a call to artists, writers, photographers. One artist was in a hospital or hospice as he was recovering from bacterial meningitis, was bitten by a spider, and found out he had full-blown aids. He was not doing well but got out of a coma weeks before. I brought him a mannequin torso and some art supplies and he works so hard on an art piece for the show, perhaps knowing it was going to be the last piece of art he'd ever create. It was a beautiful piece too and I loved that he gave a damn into making it a great piece of art too. His stories live on as does his art work in many collections even though he passed away soon after that show. He had many friends who loved him. His name was James Bettison.
I remember James Bettison's work. I don't think I ever met him personally. His studio burned downed too before that. Here is an article that talks about him.
https://www.outsmartmagazine.com/2024/02/empowering-houstons-third-ward/
Thanks for the article. I miss James. We used to go to flea markets to shop for cool junk. He was such a gentle genius and so much fun to hang out with.