SEARCHING

In recent weeks I have had the opportunity to be part of ArtWalk at The River ( The City of Rancho Mirage, in cooperation with The River, invited artists from the Palm Springs Art Museum's Artists Council to display and sell works there until April 30th. Bill Schinsky is the Consultant for ArtWalk at The River). Painting on site has allowed me to have some wonderful interactions with visitors to Gallery A152. Last night after conversing with a gentleman, he wanted to give me his business card but realized he didn't have one on him. Not having a business card reminded him of a quote from 'Franny and Zooey' by J.D. Salinger that he had just read and then saved on his phone. The quote was: " I'm sick of not having the courage to be an absolute nobody." This quote reminded me of a dear friend's poem. I have not seen this friend in decades, but he is still dear to my heart. His name is Bob Anderson and I first met him in 1970 when I was 16 and taking a summer Art class at a community college in northern California. Aside from being a very talented and original artist, Bob was a troubadour. He created poems and then recited them to people he met, always selecting the poem that seemed most perfect at the moment. His voice had a beautifully resonant tone and he recited with such open honesty and sincerity that people were often entranced, even those that didn't ordinarily like poetry. So, following is Bob's poem, 'In My Search'. Wherever you are Bob, I think of you with fond affection.