From Venice, an old photo I took of my very favourite creature in the whole wide world. It is one of two lions that stand guard at the entrance to the Arsenal. Many years later, I found out that they are Italian copies of the original Greek lions from Delos, I believe, but no matter, because I love this guy to death. This kind-looking fellow has followed me everywhere and has decorated fridges and sat inside kitchen drawers, but also propped up on a few desks, and even taped to a piano back in France years ago. I think he was also a kind of inspiration for all the sketchy animals I would later use to decorate ceramic cups, bowls and plates.
circa 1988
circa 1988
When I would visit Venice years ago while living in France, I paid homage to him by making hundreds of drawings. I've come to understand that he expresses something of my own personality. It's a look of quiet resignation, and it's for that reason I share it today.
The insanity of the first three weeks of dumb Trump has made us numb. To be fair, most of my friends and neighbours are down-right angry, but me less so. I refuse to lose my sanity, or any serenity I do possess in my life for this nutty and dangerous period.
Like my lion-hearted friend I'm resigned to four years of this swing to the Right, as scary as it seems. I do understand that many people around the globe are getting hurt because of these abrupt changes but to worry about it doesn't do me any good, nor the world. It's true that like everyone I was depressed, then angry, but now, like I said, I'm just resigned to the awful reality of this fact. I will find humour in it, and thankfully, push-back seems to be coming. Que sera, sera.
All these crazy and absurd caricatures is right out of MAD magazine, for any of you of a certain age who can remember it. This morning I awakened to the news that Dennis the Menace has fired half the Board of Trustees for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and he intends to install himself as the Chairman! Our dear leader of this orange culture and humanity mused on his media:
“At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN,”
"....immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision for an Orange Age in Arts and Culture.”
“We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP.”
So there we are folks.
In the meantime, here are two more studies from last week. The days are sometimes clear, but storms often appear most evenings so the painting sessions are a bit dicky, like they say in Britain....
But honestly, a painting session for me has developed into a kind of a therapy session over the past few years under both Democrat and Republican rule. This is how it should always be, just a habit and a hobby. Maybe it's like fishing or tennis.
Evening Prayer Brunswick Heads, 21 January 2025, oil on canvas board 30 X 25 cm
