Month: October 2013

Vanishing Manhattan Gas Stations Hosts The Duckman’s From Vermont

When Sharon and I recently visited NYC, we went to Chelsea to see Burtynsky and Nevelson/. On the corner was this gas station that had been converted to an art piece before it will turn into condos. Called “Sheep Station,” by Francois-Xavier Lalanne, this outdoor installation brings art and sculpture to a wide range of people who would not otherwise come in contact with such creative works or see creativity in ordinary things. Many thanks to the Paul Kasmin Gallery and collector Michael Shvo, who is also a real estate developer, like who else could afford to do this, but, concededly, it’s promoted in good will.

Richard Serra was installing a new piece, but he wouldn’t let me take his picture, even after I told him that I was the only person in America who liked “Tilted Arc.”

We felt very comfortable with the sheep, moutons, as the artist calls them, since we come from Vermont.

Richard Cave, a/k/a Caveman a/k/a Israel

So, I know him as Caveman. Easy monicker, like mine, based on the surname. Recently found a spiritual name. He says his mother was Jewish. Parents sat shiva when she married a Catholic. He took on a biblical name, one that denotes he is one of the people. Me, I am a Kohane, a word that doesn’t mean anything to him, Jewishly speaking.

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These guys on the street act in several plays. Not many of us has the courage to even live one. 71 years old and starting to look it.

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He tells me we used to hang out in the same places in the Village in the 70’s. His friends and I went to New York Law School together. Now, he lives on the streets. Moving to Waterbury on Wednesday into a sober house. Wants to make a movie about street life.

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One gas station in Chelsea became a pasture for fake lambs as it awaits a high priced condominium complex near the art galleries. New York can be bought during the last days of the Bloomberg Era. Lambs will buy the units. sacrificing reason for a touch of make believe class.

But the billionaire Mayor hasn’t figure out how to make trickle down work, yet.

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New York City has 8,000,000 stories. Not all of them speak to success and achievement.

 

 

Joshua Chasan, Wood Sculptor


Rabbi Joshua has a show in the back at the Maltex Building on Pine Street. Figures that a rabbi would select wood as a medium, since trees have special significance to jews. He chisels, making shapes for the light to shine through. The colors come from gentle strokes, highlights, midtones and some darks, changing the subject into extra-worldly matter. Any narrative becomes yours for the taking.

He wanted to call the piece, “Campy’s Glove.” How many remember Campy? The Hall of Fame would adore a spiritual wooden piece to go with the sculpture by Beielstein which sits outside the library. Perhaps, the adjustor, healer whose nameplate appears behind his head might like it, also.

A healer from the Wellness Collective on the third floor passed by. After I introduced Joshua as the artist/sculptor, she said, “I think about your work all the time. It makes me feel so good. I was wondering? Do you use a chisel?” What an honor for an artist to hear love while being asked for instruction.

Jeremy

Says he’s been on the street, travelling for 12 years. Has his faith and a Mother. She doesn’t tell him the truth, but his faith does. Never wants for anything. Lives day to day. Doesn’t want help, but asks for money.

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They come and go. New ones every week. How do they find Burlington. Noway here from there. He says he’s been here before, but I have never seen him. Where he came from? He said everywhere and nowhere. Where’s he going? Doesn’t know. Will work for cash. Now, that’s smart. No taxes. Doesn’t have to contribute to Social Security. What would he do? Who would hire him? Carries a duffle and a garbage bag. And he has his sign.