out, a weblog by George Girton

Goodby Mr. Avedon and travel well . . . . . oct 31 2004 — o41.dat

Paging backwards through the 1 November issue of the New Yorker magazine, I came across an amazing photograph. And then another. I hadn't seen any of them before, but after another page or two found tears come to my eyes. I knew if these great landmark photos continued to appear as I paged on, that I would start to cry. It wasn't a good feeling, knowing that a great photographer must have died.

These were the last photos by Mr. Richard Avedon. The newsstand price of the November 1 New Yorker is only four dollars and ninety-five cents, and while there are lots of reasons to read it, including what is being billed as a first-ever endorsement of a presidential candidate (Kerry), Avedon's last photos are a compelling reason to buy it and keep it around.

Venturing far from his studio in the final days of his life, Richard Avedon evidently had it in mind to document, or at least create some views of, an America under considerable stress and disagreement. Born in 1923, he hadn't finished his final project.

A bonus of your strongly encouraged immediate purchase? A well-reasoned and not-too-long indictment of Bush-as-president. Run don't walk to your local newsstand. And then, of course, be sure to vote.

Garlic Chicken . . . . . oct 29 2004 — o42.dat

Tomorrow I will make 40-garlic chicken for my family, but they will be out collecting chocolate treats which they will not eat. Why won't they join me for dinner?

Of course at this point none of us know this future, and we don't know the consequences either. All I can tell you now? 40-garlic chicken is easy to make, although time-consuming, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you have the opportunity, and I'm not necessarily saying you ever will, make sure not to miss it.

Smith College Art . . . . . oct 28 2004 — o40.dat

An incredible sculpture: a Japanese Zero (the fighter plane) photographed from a model, blown up to life-size, and inflated (?!). Then, after the exhibit, burned up. Burning Man, this is Burning Plane. The artist, interviewed, was unable to put the underlying idea into just a few words. "The meaning is too complicated to explain," he said in a video that was showing in a loop in the lobby.

To me, the burning plan seemed kinda toxic, what with PVC flames flying in the neighborhood. I would try to stop it if I lived there. It definitely seemed like it might be worth a march. Do you live in Northampton Mass? I don't think it's been burned yet.

The restrooms on the 2nd floor of the Smith College Art Museum have been designed by artists. How appropriate is that? You must make it a point to visit both the mens and womens. Please forgive me, but it's a must go.

(Bring your student ID if you want to get in free. Smith doesn't practice reciprocal art-museum admissions unless you actually work for the art museum.) his site">

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