BREAK'S OVER

    There’s an old joke of finding oneself in Hell, in a small room with a bunch of condemned souls sipping coffee, up to their necks in shit. The newcomer grabs a cup and settles in for eternity. After a few minutes he gets used to the smell and turns to his neighbor and says, “This isn’t so bad.” Then a bell sounds and Satan’s voice comes over the loudspeaker: “BREAK’S OVER! Stand on your heads.”

    I predicted this impeachment inquiry in my Outrage Porn post. I told you another surprise was coming. I just didn’t know it would come while I was standing up to my neck in shit sipping Bustelo. A week is a very long time in Trump World. Predictably, as world leaders (and Greta) met at the United Nations for a climate summit, there was little talk of global warming, starving polar bears, or ice caps melting. The two cults of personality (Thunberg and Trump) took center stage, eclipsing all the science. When Trump’s “beautiful” Ukraine phone call was released to the public all talk of climate change was forgotten entirely. All aboard the impeachment express. Let the planet burn.  

    One of the reasons I needed a break from the daily blog grind was in order to concentrate on The Social Sculpture Park and install a new piece. I can only juggle so many balls. The Mountain Dale SSP has been a great venue for me to install new work and take advantage of the “social” aspect of my art by having an opening for each new piece. It’s a fluid dynamic that allows me to explore a new context and reflect on issues that face this “curated” town. Unlike the retail vendors struggling to make a living, I’m not burdened by staying open when nobody darkens the doorway. My work can be seen (or defaced) 24/7. Quoting Mike, the guy who mows the lawn, “Everybody in town hates your work.” Okay. Tell me what you really think.

    Undeterred with the underlying negativity permeating town, when I have an idea for a new piece I go full steam ahead. The latest is a large metal hoop perched on a concrete pedestal declaring “SMALL ENOUGH TO FIX.” It is an homage to Erna Hutchinson, a long time resident, who’s been here long enough to share her wisdom. She was referring to the many times Mountain Dale has faced renovation since the 1960’s. I look at it as an invitation to “break” a few things also. 

    On Saturday I scheduled an opening to coincide with Marianna Rothen’s installation, also in Mountain Dale. A nice crowd showed up. We drank, chatted, and took photos of one another having fun. One goofy photo that I insisted on taking was Dara Manzi’s dog Albert (who was about to be “fixed”) held up in the middle of the hoop. Everybody was clicking away and laughing at little Albert. In all the foolishness Dara was distracted and Albert ran into the street. All I heard was tires screeching and a loud thump……to be continued.