ART HISTORY

I am currently working on two books in the field of Art History. The first, co-edited by Roger K. Larson, M.D., is "DEAR RICHMAN, DEAR GOOSE: selected letters of Ward Ritchie and Lawrence Clark Powell, 1930-1933." This collection of letters between the book designer and fine printer Ward Ritchie, and the author, librarian, and founder of the Library Science department at UCLA, Lawrence Clark Powell were written while Powell was working on his doctorate (on the California poet Robinson Jeffers) in Dijon, and Ritchie was studying fine printing in Paris, and establishing his press in Los Angeles. Ritchie and Powell ('Richman' and 'Goose') met in kindergarten and had been close friends ever since. They wrote prolifically to each other, and about everything; their studies, their love affairs, their political views, and their observations of the world around them. The letters weave a fine tale, and provide an intimate glimpse into a fascinating time through the thoughts of two young men who experienced it passionately. The book will include biographical essays on Ritchie and Powell, and be illustrated with photographs of them at the time.

If you are a collector of fine editions, interested in the history of the California literary scene of the 20th century, or just love a great story and testimonial to life-long friendship, you'll find this a good read.

The second is a book on the California sculptor Gordon Newell. A powerful artist, and among the finest of men, Gordon was a private person, and never a self-promoter. As a result, he remains a well loved but somewhat obscure artist beyond a relatively small circle. Yet he sculpted all his long life, and his artwork was on the cutting edge of abstracted sculptural expression. In recognition of the contribution he made to modern art in America, and as a testimonial to the deep and wonderful contribution he made to us and everyone who knew him, this book was concieved.

In addition to me, the group of us that is creating it is: sculptor and author Jim Hunolt, who studied with Gordon and knew him well; photographer and designer Judyth Greenburgh, and Hal Newell, Gordon's son.

The book will be a large-format, hard-bound volume. It will include essays on his life and work, comments and anecdotes from others who knew or worked with him, and many full-color plates of his sculptures and other works. (If you are an owner of a work by Gordon that you think should be included in the volume, and if you knew Gordon and have a comment or story about him you'd like to share with us, please contact me.)