bits from provincetown summer

David Eddy:
Seabird with String

Each year I wander my favorite galleries and artists, breathing in people and paintings I know and I don’t and it is one of my favorite things to do. The learning hardly sticks but I like it anyway learning for the moment who is who and who I like and why and who might make it home with me one day. History is rich here with painters and painting and writers and stories; so much depth always moves me is why I come year after year upon year.

Browsing who’s where and who’s n’er, a name jumps out — Ellen Sinel — of Ellen and Norman whom I sat for in high school; then hip, young couple I liked and admired. She an artist, he a lawyer; Josh was four and Natasha just born; I remember their kindness to me in a difficult time. Remarkable universe cycling around, just three weeks before they had written themselves into a story — the story of What I Remember. More of note, she is showing at Wohlfarth Galleries just right across from my wharf and cottage, so I make point and intention to saunter in see if indeed it is she who I knew some forty years ago. It is. Serendipity smiles as I talk with the owner of time and acquaintance and yes she (Lavinia) knows Ellen and Norman and also from DC where she has another gallery. Scanning quickly I find no Wohlfarths in memory or past. I am crouched with Ellen’s book looking reading her listings her notices over years and with pride and Please sit and be comfortable, Lavinia nods me to a nearby chair. She sits smiling across as we talk of DC and the past and of Ellen and Norman she offers to pass on a note if I like which I do. She thinks Ellen will be pleased to hear from me but I know all is not always so simple. I learn they still live in DC and summer in Truro for 8 or 9 years she thinks. The memories come gently and firmer a smile on my face, firmer a knowing of poignancy firmly in the world. Learn too that Lavinia owns also the house across next to my wharf, so yet another connection may be made. Later I hear she's called Vinnie.

Still smiling I stop by Julie Heller East next to Angel Foods check the new gallery what’s new and to talk with Katrina who’s fun and I like though she does not remember me. Remind her of the Peter Cameron still life I bought which I love and how Julie helped me learn what I love and why. She is excited now showing me Peter Cameron lot and takes my contact to send pics which she does. We also talk of David Eddy who I just saw at Gosnold Street — just learned of walked in on the show. We talk of his story 25 years a roofer till his diamond was spotted now several years a painter followed and enjoyed. I tell her I already enjoy and which painting I may consider. She jots notes to send pictures of Eddy as well which she does. Is called Seabird with String and I know I will go back to look more and consider what the seabird has to say.