New Legacy Project Part 2: Still Dancing

Costumed Dancers #1, 1949, crayon on paper

Dear Friends and Fans,
It’s a month since I announced my Legacy Project. You might be wondering where things stand. I now have 29 chapters averaging 2-3 pages plus color plates of artwork spanning 75 years. I’ve chosen to show you two pictures here that represent a theme in my book, i.e. Dance. My drawing of costumed dancers, done at age 6, is the earliest piece of my artwork that I have. My Uncle Phil, an artist, advertising company art director, and collector of 20th century avant-garde books, saved the above drawing and gave it to me many years later when I was old enough to appreciate it.

Dancers #25, 2010, Lokta paper

This second picture, also of dancers, is a collage from 2010 made from brilliant colored Nepalese Lokta paper. Definitely inspired by Matisse. I feel that I am channeling rather than imitating the great master, who late in life created magnificent pictures by “drawing with scissors.” I feel a great affinity with Matisse: we love dancers, paper cut-outs and color.
The third picture here is of a bronze statue of Lord Shiva who practiced the Nataraj dance that symbolizes Shakti, or life force. My book has a whole chapter titled “Dance”,

Shiva Nataraj bronze statue in the Musée Guimet; photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra.

Many thanks to all you who wrote me messages of encouragement. Writing is a solo activity, and it really makes a difference to me to know that you are out there cheering me along. Remember that you can forward this email to anyone you think would be interested.