Category Archives: VICKIE MARTIN ART

THE WOMEN WHO CHANGED ART – PEGGY GUGGENHEIM

PEGGY GUGGENHEIM

SELF PROFESSED ART ADDICT

1898 – 1979

Peggy Guggenheim’s life reads like a series of headlines – so, I wrote it as such!

  • Her father, Benjamin Guggenheim,  died on the Titanic – but ironically, his mistress survived. He is reportedly to have said “We’ve dressed up in our best and are prepared to go down like gentlemen”  Here is an image of an actor portraying him in the movie TITANIC.
  • Her father was not as wealthy as the other Guggenheims. He made some poor business decisions instead of working with his brothers in the mining industry..
  • Peggy was 14 when her father died.  She inherited $2.5 million (about $45.3 million today).
  • She opened her first gallery in 1938 – called GUGGENHEIM JEUNE, located in London.She began collecting surrealist, abstract and modernist paintings. She later recalled that she put herself on a regime to buy one picture a day.
  • “One picture a day” proved to be a  successful venture.  By 1939 she had 10 Picassos’, 40 Enst’s, 8 Miro’s, 4 Magritte’s, 3 Man Ray”s, 3 Dali’s, 1 Klee and 1 Chagall. 
  • She was married to Laurence Vail from 1922  to 1928 – After the birth of their first son, Sindbad, the couple travelled to Italy and Egypt. In 1926 they travelled to  Switzerland, where their second child, Pegeen, was born.  Where did they come up with those names?
  • THE LOUVRE MUSEUM didn’t recognize the worth of her collection, calling them too modern and “not worth saving”.  But Peggy outsmarted them all by shipping the entire collection to New York as “household goods”. 
  • She opened the ART OF THE CENTURY gallery 1942 in New York. Also, in 1942 she began a five year marriage to Max Ernst. 
  • Robert Motherwell, Clifford Still, and Jackson Pollack had their first shows  at Art Of The Century.. Peggy always considered Pollock’s success her proudest achievement.
  • At the end of the war  her marriage to Max Ernst was over and she returned to Europe – for good! 
  • Peggy displayed  her collection in the 1948 Venice Biennale.  There was pavilion  specifically dedicated to artists shunned by the Nazi’s. 
  • A few years later, Petty bought the PALAZZO VENIER DEI LEONI on the Grand Canal – an unfinished, single-story palace on the Grand Canal and proceeded to set up shop (pictured above). 
  • She opened her home to the public in 1951 – free of charge.
  • There are 326 paintings and sculptures by Picasso, Pollock, Brancusi, Miro, Dali’, Calder, De Kooning, Rothko, Giacometti, Kandinsky and Duchamp.
  • SHE is buried on the grounds of her Venice estate – with her beloved 14 Lhasa apso dogs.
  • Her daughter, Pegeen, committed suicide in 1967.
  • IN 1969, works from THE PEGGY GUGGENHEIM FOUNDATION opened at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
  • SHE CLAIMED to have slept with 1,000 men.  Among them – Samuel (Waiting for Godot) Becket and DuChamp.
  • SHE IS BURRIED IN THE GARDENS OF HER VENICE ESTATE with her 14 beloved Lhasa apso dog.

Mosaic with her ever present sunglasses by Antonella Gallenda

“I DO NOT LIKE ART TODAY. I think it has gone to hell as a result of the financial attitude. People blame me for what is painted today, because I had encouraged and helped this new movement to be born. I am not responsible…today is the age of collecting, not creation.”

“Peggy Guggenheim was the last of Henry James’s transatlantic heroines – Daisy Miller with rather more balls.” Gore Vidal.  

This is just the tip of the iceberg about her life.  I recommend the documentary  PEGGY GUGGENHEIM, ART ADDICT,   If your library subscribes to  KANOPY – you can watch it free there. 

Next up is Isabelle Stewart Garner.  If you have any suggestions for a woman for me to delve into – leave a comment!

 

 

THE WOMEN WHO CHANGED ART – JOHANNA VAN GOGH BONGER

 

Without Johanna Van Gogh Bonger, there is a good chance you would never have seen this:

Yes, that is The  Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, and you can thank Johanna’s  (Jo as she was called) persistence and dedication to keeping Vincent Van Gogh’s memory alive. So – let’s look at her life.

Johanna was born in Amsterdam in 1862,. Fluent in English she earned what was the equivalent of a collage degree, which was practically unheard of at this time. She went to London and worked briefly at the library in the British Museum.

Upon returning to Utrecht (about 1/2 hour from Amsterdam), she taught English at a girl’s boarding school. Meanwhile, her brother, Andries, had moved to Paris and met Theo and Vincent Van Gogh. Being close, Johanna travelled to visit her brother. Theo immediately declared his love and devotion to Johanna, which alarmed her and caused her to return to Amsterdam. Luckily (for us and the world) he eventually wore her down and they were married in 1889.

Jo always knew that Vincent came with Theo. When Jo and Theo had a son, they named him Vincent Willem. 

Well, we know this story doesn’t end well. Vincent died at the age of 37 in 1890 with Theo at his side. Theo already had a pre-existing case of syphilis (somehow he didn’t infect Johanna) and his health declined rapidly because the grief of Vincent’s death was just too much for him. He died in January 1891 at the age of 33.  The official cause of death was listed as “heredity, chronic disease, overwork and sadness”.  

Johanna picked herself up and moved to Bussum (a suburb of Amsterdam) and ran a boarding house and eventually married John Cohen Gosschalk, a painter ten years younger than herself. Being very forward thinking, the new couple signed a pre-nuptial agreement stating the property they brought into the marriage would always remain separate. Jo not only had  hundreds of both paintings and drawings but also hundreds of letters between Vincent and Theo.

With all the paintings, Jo literally knocked on the door of every art gallery she came across. She began lending individual pieces out to museums for specific shows. Even though the art community did not welcome her, she never gave up.

FINALLY, in 1892 she arranged the FIRST formal exhibition of Vincent’s work at the Kunstzaal Panorama in Amsterdam. She also published a book of letters between Vincent and Theo in 1914.

She NEVER gave up. She promoted his work through her life. She died at the age of 62 (in Switzerland) with complications from Parkinson’s Disease.

Also – before her death, she moved Theo’s grave to lie next to Vincent in Auverse-sur-Oisa, the village north of Paris where Vincent spent the last 70 days of his life

SO – I think it is safe to say, without Jo Van Gogh Bonger, we probably wouldn’t know about Vincent today.

Also – her son Vincent inherited an estimated 200 paintings and 300 drawings and all the letters between the two brothers. He became a mechanical engineer, which gave him the financial stability that allowed him to focus on his uncle’s artistic legacy. He actually managed to negotiate with the Dutch Government to open the Van Gogh Museum in 1973 – one of the most popular museums in the world.

VAN GOGH MUSEUM

This is the first installment of the series WOMEN WHO CHANGED ART. Next up?  Self proclaimed “Art Addict” Peggy Guggenheim.

If you have any suggestions of anyone to include, let me know in the comments!!!!

 

                                                                                       

WINTER READING AND WATCHING

If you know me, you know I am a daily reader. But, I am also a “watcher” – I watch a lot of art documentaries.  So, here are a couple of “art” books I recommend, as well as an entertaining documentary about a crazy art theft!

SPRING CANNOT BE CANCELLED by David Hockney and Martin Gayford. If I were to describe this book in one word, it would be “delightful”. Hockney  is the eternal optimist. When he turned 80, he moved to Normandy and spent a lot of time “watching” – he watched the sun move across the sky, he watched the shadows dancing across the water. He looked “TO SEE”.  AND he painted the arrival of spring. This book is based on conversations between Hockney and the art critic (and friend of decades) Martin Gayford.  It is full of art history, they talk about Van Gogh, Monet, Bruegel, and others.

Hockney’s enthusiasm and his sense of wonder is infectious.  This uplifting book is one that will put a smile on your face. In fact, this reading was with an “art” bookclub – and I have to admit, it was my third time reading it, and I’m going to keep it to revisit at a later date. You don’t have to like Hockney’s art to fall in love with him!

Oh, when I asked the members of the book club to rate the book 1-10, several members wanted to give it an 11 or even a 12.

 

A GENEROUS VISION: THE CREATIVE LIFE OF ELAINE DEKOONING BY CATHY CURTIS

Finally, a good biography about Elaine DeKooning!!! This book goes into her life, exploring her abstract expressionist paintings and her work as an respected art critic and writer.  

Most consider her best work as an artist are her figurative paintings, including the “faceless man” series. AND she painted the official 1963 portrait of JFK, that was unveiled in 1965.

She was also the first visiting art professor at the University of Georgia in 1976 – 1978 (my alma-mater). She kept a studio on the campus beginning her famous “Bachus” series while there.  She even went to Cortona, Italy in the summer of 1977 as part of the UGA Study Abroad Program.

In keeping with the “DeKooning” theme, watch the documentary THE THIEF COLLECTOR. Directed by Allison Otto, it tells the story of WOMEN-OCHRE by Willem DeKooning, which vanished from the University of Arizona Museum of Art in Tucson in 1985. Value at $160 million (today) it was discovered in 2017 in the home of Jerry and Rita Alter, a deceased married couple. It’s a crazy story, with interviews of the Alters’ family. Here is a short trailer from the film, which is available free on KANOPY.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tT9oFa1k7A

If you aren’t familiar with KANOPY, it is available to most people using your library card!!!!!!

Do you have anything to recommend? I’m always looking for a good book and I often take breaks in my studio by watching free documentaries on KANOPY.

 

28 DAYS OF COLLAGE: WHAT DID I LEARN?

On July 24, 2023 I embarked on a QUEST to do a collage a day for 28 straight days. I started out knowing each collage would be based by an individual song, as is all my art. After all, depending on who you listen to, there are estimated to be between 82 and 200+ million songs on the planet at any given time.   That’s a bigger number than there are rivers and mountains in the world (in case you are wondering, rivers and mountains on the planet adding up to about 1.3 million). Can you think of a better way to find inspiration?

What did I learn?  I learned how to maintain consistency, to choose quality over quantity, and to express myself without using words.  It wasn’t just about cutting and pasting paper, it was a lesson in planning, and finding inspiration within a song that told a story. 

I'll Fly Away 5x7 collage matted 8x10

I’ll Fly Away, collage 5×7

WEEKS 1 and 2:  In the first two weeks I began with a list of songs I put together that told a story. Each morning I picked a song then took a walk after reading the lyrics of the song. I thought about how to translate the lyrics and the back story of the song into visual cues. I learned to embrace quirkiness and I suddenly realized I was having FUN! It ruled my creativity and I found new ways of using images. BUT – after 14 days I realized I needed more structure.

 

 

 

Rainy Days and Mondays 5×7 collage

 

WEEK 3: I was on the verge of  hitting the proverbial creative block. I needed more structure in choosing the songs I was using. So – what should I do? I decided to use the days of the weeks as the springboard for choosing a different song each day. 

 

 

 

Beethoven’s 9th

 

WEEK 4: I chose songs that were about a specific color. BUT – I ended the entire quest with what I feel is the most magnificent piece of music ever written – Beethoven’s 9th. My research expanded to studying synesthesia – which is the fancy name for when you experience one of your senses through another. Some examples include tasting words or linking colors to music. My research had begun to expand. I was becoming more resourceful – viewing every day images differently than before. There was a feeling of playfulness, spontaneity and curiosity that was not as apparent to me before.

 

What other things did I learn or do?

  • I bought better scissors
  • I began using an exacto knife for more intricate cutting
  • I totally reorganized my studio
  • I gave away a lot of old collage material – they no longer served my needs

Here are a few more images from the month of collage.

I have decided to repeat this exercise once a quarter for one week instead of four. The next week will be the week of September 23 – the first day of fall!   Want to join me?  Do you have any requests for a song, preferable about fall or the colors of fall? Let me know!

 

 

THE TRAGIC STORY BEHIND THE SONG “COME DANCING”

I have been asked why I used a woman in the artwork I created inspired by the song “COME DANCING”. Well, there is a reason. 

The seemingly happy catchy song was written by Ray Davies in 1982 and recorded in 1983. His sister’s  visit to  England (she had emigrated to Canada) happened to coincide with Ray Davie’s 13 birthday. He had begged his parents for a Spanish guitar, to no avail. Rene stepped in and got it for him (his first guitar!). 

Then she did what she always did when she was in town – she called her friends to go dancing that night. So – off she went to the Lyceum ballroom. But, she suffered a fatal heart attack, as a result of a childhood bout of rheumatic fever.

“Rene had died dancing in a ballroom in London in the arms of a stranger….Coming back from Canada, where she’d emigrated, to die.   Really, and again, being a source of inspiration…She gave me my first guitar, which was quite a great parting gift.” Ray Davies

Finding stories like this are one of the reasons I love working on this series “CAN YOU SEE WHAT I HEAR?”. I also learn to play each song on the piano.

COME DANCING ©2022 Vickie Martin, 8×10 collage on paper

I usually do a collage using research materials I collected for the painting. Look closely at this collage. You can see where I hand wrote the beats for the tricky timing in the opening!

You can read more about the series and my quest for the series “CAN YOU SEE WHAT I HEAR?” series HERE. Each piece I create is inspired by a song that I also learn to play. Why? to bring awareness to dementia, because music is the last memory, the one thing you will keep.

They put a parking lot on a piece of land
When the supermarket used to stand.
Before that they put up a bowling alley
On the site that used to be the local palais.
That’s where the big bands used to come and play.
My sister went there on a Saturday.Come dancing,
All her boyfriends used to come and call.
Why not come dancing, it’s only natural?

Another Saturday, another date.
She would be ready but she’s always make him wait.
In the hallway, in anticipation,
He didn’t know the night would end up in frustration.
He’d end up blowing all his wages for the week
All for a cuddle and a peck on the cheek.

Come dancing,
That’s how they did it when I was just a kid,
And when they said come dancing,
My sister always did.

My sister should have come in at midnight,
And my mum would always sit up and wait.
It always ended up in a big row
When my sister used to get home late.

Out of my window I can see them in the moonlight,
Two silhouettes saying goodnight by the garden gate.

The day they knocked down the palais
My sister stood and cried.
The day they knocked down the palais
Part of my childhood died, just died.

Now I’m grown up and playing in a band,
And there’s a car park where the palais used to stand.
My sister’s married and she lives on an estate.
Her daughters go out, now it’s her turn to wait.
She knows they get away with things she never could,
But if I asked her I wonder if she would,

Come dancing,
Come on sister, have yourself a ball.
Don’t be afraid to come dancing,
It’s only natural.

Come dancing,
Just like the palais on a Saturday.
And all her friends will come dancing
Where the big bands used to play.

If you have a favorite song you’d like to see represented, I’d love to know.

B IS FOR BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER

This is a continuation of my quest to create a piece of art inspired by a song beginning with every letter of the alphabet. You can read about it HERE.

I always do a “deep dive” into the song, learning as much as I can about the story behind it, even learning to play it on the piano – and this is a great song to play because it is written in the gospel tradition.

Written in 1970 by Paul Simon and it is one of the Simon and Garfunkel’s biggest hits, even becoming their signature song. It won five Grammy’s in 1971, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Simon insisted Garfunkel sing this song (a decision he later came to regret).

 

BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER, 20×20 Mixed media ©2020VickieMartin

What was the inspiration for the song? When Simon heard the southern gospel group Swan Silvertones 1959 song “Oh Mary Don’t You Weep”.  The line “I’ll be your bridge over deep water / if you trust in My name”  jumped out at him. In a rare interview with Dick Cavet in 1970, he said “I think that must have subconsciously influenced me, and I started to go to gospel (chord) changes”

The line “like a bridge over troubled water” is a metaphor for someone living through a tough time, and “I will lay me down” refers to the sacrifices made to find a way through them.

Bridge Over Troubled Water, ©2008 ink, charcoal, crayon on paper, 15×18

In the third verse, the line “Sail on silver girl / Sail on by / Your time has come to shine” shifts the rhythm and the mood changes. Simon later revealed it was a reference to his then-wife. But many interpret it being focused on someone who needs help during a difficult time.

It is important to remember the times in which it was written. In 1969 America was in turmoil. Viet Nam, Nixon, and the country was still dealing with the loss of Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy. This was a song that was needed for the times. In fact, It continued to be an uplifting anthem in bad times. In 2005, Simon and Garfunkel reunited to sing it to help raise money for those affected by Katrina.

In the past 50+ years, everyone from Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, The Jackson Five, Peggy Lee, Johnny Cash and more, with Aretha Franklin winning a Grammy for her cover in 1972.

 

Bridge Over Troubled Water, 6×6 collage on 10×10 board @2020 Vickie Martin
     
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-XCmb6t6Zw

When you’re weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all
I’m on your side
Oh when times get rough
And friends just can’t be found

Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you’re down and out
When you’re on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I’ll take your part
Oh when darkness comes
And pain is all around

Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on, silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
Oh if you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind

Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind

Check out the story behind AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH here.

THE ADVENTURES OF READING IN 2022

FOUND IN MY LIBRARY BOOK – Handwritten:

“Dear Viewer”  If you are reading this, I am dead. There is a Great War coming. You may have a few years until your planet is rubble. I estimate 163 years.”

This wasn’t even in a controversial book!

 In January and February, I finished 18 books!  However, three of the books I read were not only rereads, but were easily read in one afternoon.  AND all three of them are “banned books”.

THE LITTLE PRINCE – by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

MAUS I and II – by Art Spiegelman

THE BOOKS I WOULD RECOMMEND:

My Monticello by Jocelyn Nicole Johnson –  The book opens with several short stories that culminate in the novella MY MONTICELLO. Set in possibly the all too near future the characters are fleeing violent white supremacists from Charlottesville. Led by Da’Naisha who is a young Black descendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings. So, of course, they end up at Monticello.  This book popped up on several the best books of 2021 lists (most notably Obama’s and NPR’s). For me, once I got into the rhythm of the stories, I was hooked! 

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendon Slocumb  – I couldn’t have said it better than the review below by the Washington Post. 

“When I opened Brendan Slocumb’s debut novel, The Violin Conspiracy, I was immediately transported to a place I’d never been, surrounded by characters I’d never met. In the crowded world of fiction, that’s no small accomplishment. . . . Slocumb has orchestrated an engaging and suspenseful story about an aspiring musician and his great-great-grandfather’s violin. . . . The Violin Conspiracy is so wonderfully written, especially its descriptions of music, that at times I questioned whether I was reading or listening to a concert. “

AMERICAN  DIRT by Jeanine Cummins –  Lydia and her eight-year old son become instant migrants when a tell-all story her journalist husband writes about the head of a local drug cartel is published. When her entire family is murdered at a quinceanera, she and her son begin riding the trains that slowly make their way north to the United States joining countless people on the same journey for different reasons. Yes, there has been alot of controversy stirred up about this book, but it made for a very spirited discussion in one of my book clubs. We unanimously agreed it is a book that people should read.

THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig – I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say this book is both whimsical and magical. When Nora gives up (her cat has died, she has lost her job and more) and take some pills, she finds herself in a library at midnight. And – it’s not just any library – it’s her library. It’s a perfect pandemic read and shows the reader that the little things in life are important too, and it is important to learn to love yourself as you are.

HONORABLE MENTION GOES TO:

WISH YOU WERE HERE by Jodi Picoult – If you are a fan of Jodi Picoult, this book is for you. Diana is an art associate at Sotheby’s planning a trip to the Galapagos with her boyfriend, a doctor. When the pandemic hits, Diana goes on the trip alone. Her luggage is lost, there is little internet and the hotels are shut down. Going out of her comfort zone, she connects with a local family and rediscovers her artistic side. But – there is an unexpected twist you probably won’t see coming. You may find it enchanting, or you may feel cheated. 

IT WAS BOUND TO HAPPEN BOOK

A SMUGGLERS GUIDE TO GOOD MANNERS: A TRUE STORY OF TERRIFYING SEAS, DOUBLE-DEALING AND LOVE ACROSS THREE OCEANS by Kenny Ranen – You see, I know Kenny and I have heard some of these stories. The book is exactly what the title says – Sailing, sharks, and smuggling, oh my!!! What more do you need? In fact, I’ve spent time on Sara (in port being refurbished), and as far-flung as some of these stories are, I can vouch they are true. 

If you want to see what else I have read, check out my GOODREADS page.  I don’t review the books, but I do rate them.

AND – I’m always happy to recommendations! Bring ’em on!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A IS FOR AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH

For the last several years I have been creating art that is inspired by a particular song. Why? To bring awareness to dementia, because you NEVER EVER lose you musical memory. This was inspired by my mother’s dementia and noticing the effect music had on dementia patients. The reason this is happens (without getting all scientific) is because the place where music is stored in our brains is the last place affected by dementia. Music  is often referred to as “THE LAST MEMORY”.

 Several months ago I declared a quest to create work that is inspired by a song beginning with every letter of the alphabet, documenting the journey as I go. (You can read it  HERE. )

The first song for my quest is AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH.  To get inspiration for the painting not only do I listen to several versions of the song and learn to play it on the piano, I also research the story behind the song.

I always “assumed” this song was about finding a great love. Did you? If you did, we were both WRONG!

The song was written by Nicolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson in 1966 hoping it would be their ticket to join Mo-Town.

In 1962, Nick Ashford moved to New York City after graduating high school to become a dancer. When this didn’t work out, he ended up homeless. Meanwhile, while still in high school, Valerie Simpson was singing in a choir in Harlem. One day Nick showed up there, basically looking for a hot meal. And, you know what happened next – right? Valerie persuaded him to join their group.  They eventually began collaborating, and in Valerie’s own words, “Nick was the perfect mouthpiece for my melodies, and my piano inspired his lyrics. It was an easy relationship.”  

Nick had already written the lyrics for this song. He said the words came to him while walking the city, worried about whether he could stay in NYC. He noticed the buildings along the park looked like mountains, and these lyrics came to him:

“Ain’t no mountain high enough/Ain’t no valley low enough/Ain’t no river wide enough/to keep me from getting to you.” So, the “you” was not a love interest, it was SUCCESS.

As you can see, I put texture on each piece and while listening to several versions of the song, I handwrite the lyrics directly on the canvas. This is my way of really meditating on the piece.

The next thing I do is to get the piano music and start playing.

To create the mountains, used canvas I reclaimed from old paintings, which gave it the kind of texture usually found in nature.

To add more texture, I played around a little with fire (I guess I was in that kind of mood that particular day).

I love to experiment and try new things, but I always keep the spirit of the song in the forefront. While I cover up the lyrics, I always have them, along with the sheet music, close by.

Here is the resulting image. If you look closely, you can see the images of city buildings in the mist on the right.

AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH, ©vickiemartin2021 24×18 mixed media on canvas

Here are more interesting facts about the song:

  • Dusty Springfield wanted to record it, but Ashford and Simpson felt it was their ticket to Motown (it was, it was recorded on the Tamla label, which was a division of Mo-Town).
  • Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell recorded it in 1967 becoming a Top 20 hit on the Billboard charts (#2 on the R&B Charts).
  • The Supremes recorded it as a duet with The Temptations.
  • Ashford and Simpson produced Diana Ross’s first solo album, of which this song was the 2nd song released from.
  • All of the music and background vocals were recorded before Diana recorded her part. She was able to hear it while recording it.

ONE FACT ABOUT DEMENTIA: Dementia is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States for older people. Some estimates rank as high as third in older people, behind only heart disease and cancer. AND THERE IS NO CURE.

What’s up next in my quest? Since I’ll be traveling to a song that begins with a “B”, I’m going to a BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER.

 

 

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JOIN ME ON MY READING QUEST ON MY TRIP TO KANSAS

In case you aren’t familiar with my reading quest, I am currently reading a book written by someone from each state in the United States.

 I read not one, but two books written by Sarah Smarsh from Kansas. Born in rural Kansas, she grew up on farms in small towns. Her family moved frequently and she attended eight schools before reaching ninth grade. Attending the University of Kansas, she received her MFA in nonfiction writing from Columbia University (not a small feat!).


 

HEARTLAND: A MEMOIR OF WORKING HARD AND BEING BROKE  IN THE RICHEST COUNTRY ON EARTH 

This is not only a powerful but a very relevant book. As Smarsh says “You can go a very long time in the country without being seen.” 

Born into a family of farmers, she traces her family through five generations of teenage pregnancies – her mother was just 17 when Sarah was born.

During her childhood, in the 1980’s, family farms were going under – sometimes a victim of foreclosure, but also often the growth of giant agribusinesses. Her father began taking any job he could get, roofing, driving semi trucks and even disposing of poisonous industrial chemicals – one that almost killed him, resuting in years of debilitating psychosis.

The family was living below the poverty line, while at the same time considering themselves middle class. She writes:

“That we could live on a patch of Kansas dirt with a tub of Crisco lard and a $1 rebate coupon in an envelope on the kitchen counter and call ourselves middle class was at once a triumph of contentedness and a sad comment on our country’s lack of awareness about its own economic structure. Class didn’t exist in a democracy like ours, as far as most Americans were concerned, at least not as a destiny or an excuse. You got what you worked for, we believed. There was some truth to that. But it was not the whole truth.”

If there is an underlying question that begs to be answered, it is how did Smarsh get out?

How did a member of the sixth generation end up with a graduate degree from Columbia, a down payment for a house, and a memoir that is nominated for the National Book Award?  There is no single answer, even she doesn’t know if herself. She suggests she had supportive male role models – her father and grandfather – in a family where many women were prey to dangerous men. She abstained from teenage pregnancy – but she was talented and worked hard. Going to the University of Kansas on a merit scholarship, she also had three jobs lined up – this is the only thing that made college possible for her.

Is it a rebuttal to Hillbilly Elegy?  Could be, because she proves that poverty is not the result of laziness and bad choices, and the American Dream is not always possible for even those that work hard. 

Not a political book, she does point out most of her family are Republicans, which for them is a matter of pride, even if it means they are voting against their best interests. 

“People on welfare were presumed ‘lazy’, and for us there was no more hurtful word.”

When she is admitted to college on a federally funded program for minority, first-generation, and low income students, she found the handful of those in the program called themselves “White Trash Scholars”.

This is not a sentimental book, but she makes a powerful point that much of the “American World” has taught them they are disposable.

 

It seems as if the second book would be a perfect fit, but actually I read this book first. 

SHE COME BY IT NATURAL, Dolly Parton AND THE WOMEN WHO LIVED HER SONGS – While Sarah Smarsh was growing up in poverty, she heard songs by country female artists  telling powerful stories of life, hard times and surviving. It was a language among the women – and no one said it clearer for them than Dolly.

This was originally published in a four-part series for THE JOURNAL OF ROOTS MUSIC. Smarsh feels Dolly’s songs have validated women who are invisible – the “trailer trash” women who are struggling. Dolly began singing on the front porch of her family home,  achieving stardom in Nashville – a world managed by powerful men. Along the way, she managed to found both a self-made business and philanthropy empire, in her own terms. Go Dolly!

 

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT KANSAS

Dodge City is the REAL Windy City in the US – average wind speed is 14 MPH

Kansas really is as flat as a pancake as it was compared topographically to an IHOP pancake.

White Castle – the first hamburger chain was started here. Weirdly, there are no White Castles in Kansas at this time.

The amount of wheat grown here would stretch all the way to the Pacific Ocean from Kansas.

The helicopter was invented in Kansas.

 

Next I travel to Kentucky and then Louisianna – and I have my books picked out for these states. But then I travel to the “M” states (of which there are eight!).

If you have requests for the authors from the remaining states – let me know!