In Step

A new video is posted on the Media page.  In Step reminds you to measure your steps, stay in line. be orderly and behave.  Someone is watching.  Someone is counting your steps.

Left Right Left Right Left Right

Left Right Left Right Left Right

Left Right Left Right Left Right

Left Right Left Right Left Right

Left Right Left Right Left Right

The Creativity Industry

Celebration, n.d., 14" x 11" Gouache on Rag, private collection, New York

Celebration, n.d., 14″ x 11″ Gouache on Rag

I would like to hear from Readers about your views on the flowering of the creativity industry. The assumption is that everyone is a creator just waiting to be released. Books, seminars, courses abound.  What does this mean?  Your thoughts, please send them to me in the Comments Section or email me at CR@CatherineRedmond.com.  Thanks.

The Monuments Men

The Rape of Europa, a documentary on the wholesale thievery of cultural objects by Hitler during the Second World War, is a spellbinding film detailing the plans by the Fascists to steal the treasures of the countries they conquered.  Hitler had developed an extensive list of objects he craved.  It was in place prior to a single tank or infantryman crossing a border.

The Rape of Europa, Menemsha Films

The Rape of Europa, Menemsha Films

We live in a society that still has to argued, cajoled and convinced that Art has value.  When we consider all the arguments and articles published in the US — Why We Need Art, Why Art Should Be Taught in Schools,  (endless in popular media and academic discussions) whereas our engineering culture is acutely attuned to the value of making stuff that ticks, whistles, honks, moves and especially makes fast profit.  We are a practical lot, Puritan at root, and apt to see these Art things as extra dollops of whipped cream rather than the essence of a living culture.  This is why this film is so important.

What do invaders want?  They want the paintings!

The new film, The Monuments Men has easy Hollywood glam and is entertaining, but I suggest first you see The Rape of Europa.  Viewing the DVD several years ago I discovered that one of the art historians, Kenneth Lindsay, was one of The Monuments Men.  He was my art history professor undergraduate in the early 60s and though I recall his rapture in describing Pisano’s doors for the Baptistry in Florence — I still remember the way his long fingers fluttered in front of the black and white slides on the screen — I have no memory of his ever mentioning his service to culture in the Second World War.

I wonder if men like Professor Lindsay just packed away what must have been thrilling memories and when finally back home wanted only to start a new and normal life.

Last two weeks of Painting on Paper and Canvas, Elizabeth V. Sullivan Gallery, Sparkill, NY

Gouaches on Rag on View, Elizabeth V. Sullivan Gallery, Sparkill, NY

Gouaches on Rag on View, Elizabeth V. Sullivan Gallery, Sparkill, NY

It is the last two weeks of my show at the Sullivan Gallery.
Gallery hours are Wednesday – Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM, Sunday: 10 AM – 2 PM.
For information call 845-359-1263.

Snow Again

Snow Again, 2.3.14

Snow Again, 2.3.14

More snow and today it falls on the edge of being rain. Awful to traffic but so pleasant if you are inside, a cup of coffee and the pleasure of watching it come down. Nature is keeping us alert this season. Write you novel, give a surprise gift to your friend, make snowflakes, smile at your co-workers for a change, and be glad you are part of the grand plan.  The helicopters have returned to their nests and normalcy has returned to Midtown.  Happy Monday!

iPhone in the Storm, 2.3.14

iPhone in the Storm, 2.3.14

Super Bowl Crescendo

Homeland Security

Homeland Security

A huge Homeland Security trailer has been stationed outside our door all week and for the last two days the air is filled with copters buzzing around non-stop, day and night.  Policemen are plentiful.  It feels more like a war zone than a pleasure dome. I wonder at the expense of underwriting this brutal sport that sacrifices steroid pumped steers for our bloodthirsty pleasure. I wonder what this money could do for children who can’t read, teachers who can’t read, the homeless, the hungry and all the other segments of our citizenry who are being squeezed out of what used to be their city.  This is called entertainment.