Death, Art, and the Human Connection.

A little less than two years ago I was working at an event for my job. I was the greeter/guest list lady and very excited to be at my first event, held at a famous artists studio with hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. I bought a vintage party dress and was feeling awesome! Upon my escape from working the door, I was complimented on my attire from this bad ass art man (my inner monologue comes out on my blog). We struck up a two hour conversation talking about art, my life, my future as an artist, Flatbush, his life, his crazy stories about people I learned about in my contemporary art class, and our theories of art now. What is art now? When is someone going to come along and turn everything upside down? We agreed that that the scene was dead.

It was one of those memorable conversations that occur between two total strangers. I really felt something special. He gave me his card and a big hug and kiss on the cheek. I thought hey, wow, maybe we can collaborate on a project together someday, or maybe we can just be friends. Anyway, I never saw him again. Shortly after he became very ill (as it turns out he was 80 years old). He spent months in the hospital after having heart surgery. He passed away after his wife fought hard to bring him home to his studio one more time, where he died shortly after.

Why do I know this? Well, I read his obituary after being informed by a coworker. I also tried to bid on one of his drawings at this year’s charity art auction. I was prepared to spend money that I shouldn’t be spending. The piece was beautiful and from one of my favorite periods of his work. I told my mom about it expecting her to talk me out of it, but she only encouraged me to bid more on it! I was way outbid, but that’s OK. My coworker gave me his wife’s information and she invited me to take a look at more pieces. I’ve been trying to save money, blah blah blah, but I couldn’t not go. His wife took the time to show me pieces all over their apartment from all through the years. I decided on a beautiful, beautiful piece and in the middle of all this, we realized that this was the day he had passed away one year ago.