What a tender and touching piece of writing, Victoria. It's such a treat to join you on this journey to find out more about your father and the people and places that shaped his life.
Thanks, Susie. That was the very last thing I added. I thought, what is the big picture here? What was my own takeaway from that visit and why am I sharing this now? That’s what I came up with.
Thank for sharing this insight—just this tiny glimpse speaks volumes. You remind about how sometimes just being asked to share memories can offer so much to both parties. Talking with people gives us perspectives the archives don’t. Your research strategy and your writing are inspiring, Victoria. I appreciate the example.
Yes. It’s not my default mode. It’s easier to read books! But talking to people is invaluable — esp in their own homes. And I hope it’s true that it was rewarding for them too. Thanks, as always, Etta.
Oh, how I identify with this piece and journey. And the difficulty of deciding what to share and what to protect. Of course I want more, I want that basement, those studios in S America, too. But I also have a visit to a Woodstock NY artists residence that I know I can’t just plunder for my blog. Love the picture of you with that painting behind, and your tender reporting here. I also think you’re helping me understand the value and joy of seeing studios and efforts by lesser known creatives. A sense of my people out there
Yes, all of that. Exactly. I love/hate that word "plunder" -- it's too apt. The studio visits have been really moving to me, and you might be right that they also serve some bigger purpose of creating community, shoring up an important worldview, or something. It feels only half-articulate so far. Thanks for reading and for this comment, as always! I wish I could go to that Chicago opening. I hope you enjoy it.
What a tender and touching piece of writing, Victoria. It's such a treat to join you on this journey to find out more about your father and the people and places that shaped his life.
Thank you! You're another role model of generosity--
To believe deeply in abundance and generosity of spirit. This is sticking with me.
Thanks, Susie. That was the very last thing I added. I thought, what is the big picture here? What was my own takeaway from that visit and why am I sharing this now? That’s what I came up with.
Thank for sharing this insight—just this tiny glimpse speaks volumes. You remind about how sometimes just being asked to share memories can offer so much to both parties. Talking with people gives us perspectives the archives don’t. Your research strategy and your writing are inspiring, Victoria. I appreciate the example.
Yes. It’s not my default mode. It’s easier to read books! But talking to people is invaluable — esp in their own homes. And I hope it’s true that it was rewarding for them too. Thanks, as always, Etta.
Oh, how I identify with this piece and journey. And the difficulty of deciding what to share and what to protect. Of course I want more, I want that basement, those studios in S America, too. But I also have a visit to a Woodstock NY artists residence that I know I can’t just plunder for my blog. Love the picture of you with that painting behind, and your tender reporting here. I also think you’re helping me understand the value and joy of seeing studios and efforts by lesser known creatives. A sense of my people out there
Yes, all of that. Exactly. I love/hate that word "plunder" -- it's too apt. The studio visits have been really moving to me, and you might be right that they also serve some bigger purpose of creating community, shoring up an important worldview, or something. It feels only half-articulate so far. Thanks for reading and for this comment, as always! I wish I could go to that Chicago opening. I hope you enjoy it.