Thoughts

We Draw Strength From Each Other

2011-09-10T21:00:00.000-04:00

2011-08-18T21:23:00.002-04:00

LMT Veterans Square Labor Day Groundbreaking (5:30 pm) and Concert (6 pm) - Mon., Sept. 5th

Featuring the Pennsbury Community Band - Veterans Square Park, corner of Edgewood and Heacock Roads, Lower Makefield, Pennsylvania

Please plan to cap off your summer at our First Annual Labor Day concert at Veterans Square Park. The event is free, but we definitely need the community’s help to build Veterans Square Monument, and honor those who bravely serve, and have served our country. We will gladly accept purchases of Freedom Pavers so residents and businesses can be a permanent part of the monument. We have beautiful and whimsical eagles to auction off that were painted by the Artists of Yardley – replicas of the bronze eagle that will grace the monument, and are currently on display all over Lower Makefield and Yardley. There will be lovely basket raffles, 50/50’s and food and drinks available to purchase.

We want to make this monument and park an uplifting gathering place for our community to come together and honor those who served our country, and made it possible for us to live the lifestyle we live today. Please join us in support on Labor Day – bring family and friends and a chair or blanket for a pleasant evening. Consider purchasing a Freedom Paver with family, neighbors, your son or daughter’s school, boy or girl scout troop, local sports team, community group, or religious organization.

Please see the attached flyers for details and come join us! Email us with your guesses of the 12 “Eagle Sightings” around town for a chance to win prizes - info@VeteransSquare.org.

Kind Regards,
The LMT Veterans Committee
www.VeteransSquare.org
Honor – Celebrate - Educate

Please don't go...

2011-07-20T22:52:00.001-04:00

Girandola at New York State Museum

2011-06-22T19:29:00.004-04:00

For Immediate Release

June 22, 2011

New York State Museum in Albany, New York received into their permanent collection “Remnants of a Memorial” by 9/11 sculptor Robert Girandola of Yardley, Pennsylvania.

On Thursday June 9, 2011 Craig Williams, Curator of History, at the New York State Museum met acclaimed sculptor and painter Robert Girandola at Engine 6 in New York City to take receipt of his work “Remnants of a Memorial.” This 60” x 60” mixed media masterpiece started as the “under-drawing” for Girandola’s bronze memorial, currently installed in New York City on Beekman Street. Both works honor four firefighters from Engine 6 who lost their lives rescuing others on 9/11. Williams and his team collected over three hours of raw footage interviewing firefighters from Engine 6, one of the widows and Girandola, detailing the eight-month journey from concept to delivery of the bronze memorial. “It was a very moving day,” Girandola describes. “From the moment in early May when Mark Schaming (Director of Exhibitions and Public Programs) and Craig Williams saw the work “Remnants of a Memorial” they knew they wanted it to be part of their 9/11 exhibit up in Albany.” The piece is intended to reside near The State Museum’s significant collection of material from the World Trade Center and objects from the international response to the events of September 11, 2001, which tells the story of that day and its aftermath. The World Trade Center: Rescue, Recovery, Response details the history of the World Trade Center, the September 11 attacks, the rescue efforts, the evidence recovery operation at the Fresh Kills facility, and the public response to the September 11th events. The exhibition includes many objects, images, videos, and interactive stations documenting this tragic chapter in New York and America's history. “For me,” Girandola continues “Remnants of a Memorial” is a counterpoint to the bronze that now hangs in New York City. Whereas the bronze symbolizes the strength of the firefighter’s courage, “Remnants” speaks to their soul, to what we lost that day and to the devastation of the living. I am honored that this will be on permanent display to help contribute to their (NY State Museum) amazing collection”

New York State Museum plans to edit the raw footage of all the interviews to present the video as part of an interactive display alongside the mixed media masterpiece “Remnants of a Memorial.” For further information please contact Mark Schaming, Director Of Exhibitions & Public Programs at 3023 Cultural Education Center, Albany, New York, 12230 e-mail: mschamin@mail.nysed.gov or Craig Williams, Curator of History, e-mail: cwillia4@mail.nysed.gov . Go here for more information on the New York State Museum permanent exhibit The World Trade Center: Rescue, Recovery, Response: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/exhibits/longterm/wtc/

Robert Girandola is a painter and sculptor with an MFA from Columbia University. He has exhibited and has been collected both nationally and internationally including twice being accepted into the prestigious “Art of the Northeast” in New Canaan, Connecticut. He is currently the sculptor for the Lower Makefield Veteran’s Monument in Lower Makefield, PA. He can be contacted by e-mail: info@robertgirandola.com. More work by the artist can be seen at http://www.robertgirandola.com .

Freedom

2011-05-29T15:05:00.005-04:00

Freedom comes in many forms. It is the ability to live without the threat of violence. It is the ability to make decisions and endure the consequences. It is the choice to follow your dream. No matter what the form, freedom is not free. Freedom requires those who drink from it, to commit to it.

I walked with my mother the other night. We walked the length of three hallways, maybe three hundred feet. Each step was an expression of someone committed to freedom. My mother, you see, fresh on the heels from recovering from breast cancer now completed major surgery for gall bladder cancer. Each step, you see, was one more step she had to take towards freedom. We spoke for a while and what she made clear to me was she wasn't afraid to die. She has been an educator her whole adult life and she looked me in the eye and told me her dream was to see her magazine dedicated to education, Spigot Science, become a self-sustaining reality. She told me the irony was she was afraid of success. She felt unworthy of it. She explained, every step she took closer to her dream, she felt her body struggle against it. First with the breast cancer, now with the gall bladder. As we walked, she motioned as if her body was being ripped with shrapnel and leaving parts of itself as she refused to stop.

I smiled and shared thoughts of my sculpture with her. "Freedom" is an eagle that is intended to grace the Lower Makefield Veteran's Monument. During the making of it, I experienced many technical difficulties. One of which was the failure of a mold. After I made a pour, my eagle "Freedom" came out rittled and torn, as if it had flown straight through all the shrapnel one could throw at it. The amazing part to me was, it still held that sense of intensity. "Freedom" held, for me, a feeling that it was not going to stop, regardless of the obstacles life held. "Freedom" at that moment, was personified for me in my mother - walking those three hundred feet, talking about her dream with the intensity of a teenager. This Memorial Day, I dedicate this piece to you Mom.

Thank you to all the armed services who fight every day so people like my mom and I can pursue our dreams. Thank you to the firefighters like the men of Engine 6 who act without hesitation to protect our dreams. Thank you to all the health care workers, those countless angels who work every day to help us live one more.

We Love Life - 25 Artists

2011-03-06T20:47:00.003-05:00

Artist Matt LeBlanc created the Matt LeBlanc Art for Life Campaign last year to raise awareness and much-needed funds for the Tree of Hope Campaign, an annual event by the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont Hospital Foundation in Moncton (Canada). The campaign was a huge success -- he raised a grand total of $38,000 for the foundation. You can read about last year’s campaign and see some amazing art at MattLeBalncArt.com

As a way to kick off his awareness effort this year, Matt spent the last two months putting together an international array of 24 other artists from North America and as far away as Australia. The idea is simple -- each artist answers one question: Why do you paint? The video is a collection of answers from these artists. The video ends with a powerful message:

Painting is life.

We love to paint and we love life.

We are all artists and we are all for finding a cure for cancer.

'You Do Something To Me'

2011-02-28T00:21:00.000-05:00

Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament

2011-02-17T08:08:00.002-05:00

Come help support the project I'm sculpting for!

The Lower Makefield Veterans Committee is holding a Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament fundraiser on Sat., Feb. 26th at 7 pm. The event will be held at the American Legion Post #317, 215 S. Main St., Yardley.

The cost is $75 which includes 5,000 tournament chips and food. For those who pre-register, they’ll receive an extra 2,000 chips for FREE. There will be a cash bar. Doors open at 5:30 pm. FREE at table massages courtesy of the Floral Vale SPA.

To Pre-Register send an e-mail to Tournament@VeteransSquare.org or by contacting the tournament hot line at 267-566-2056. More information can be found on www.VeteransSquare.org

The LMT Veterans Monument will honor veterans of the past, present and future
in a peaceful park setting where the community can gather for public events or
come on their own. We also hope to educate the children of our community
about the sacrifices made by our service men women.

Have fun with friends while supporting the veterans’ monument!

Honor – Celebrate - Educate

Regards,

The LMT Veterans Committee

2nd Annual Veteran's Monument Fundraiser

2011-02-03T19:19:00.002-05:00

BE A PART OF LMT VETERANS SQUARE MONUMENT AND
JOIN US FOR OUR 2nd ANNUAL FUNDRAISER AND HELP US REACH $100,000!

We’re already at $90,000!

Featuring Bill Clement, NHL and Flyers Player for 11 years

Thur., April 7, Yardley Inn, 7 to 9 pm

Bill Clement is also an actor and motivational speaker and will discuss the Flyers season, upcoming playoffs, and answer questions. A special menu will be provided, courtesy of Chef Eben Copple. There will be music, basket raffles, and silent auction items including merchandise from the Flyers and the
Phillies, a special bottle of Dom Perignon champagne, a limited edition print by local sculptor Robert Girandola of the 9/11 bronze memorial plaque he created for NYC engine co. 6 in honor of the 4 firefighters lost that day, and much more. Robert is sculpting a life-size bronze eagle for the monument.

Suggested Ticket Donation $45 for adults; children 12 and under $22.50. Tickets will be available via our website http://www.VeteransSquare.org or via check made out to LMT Veterans Committee and mailed to 1100 Edgewood Rd., Yardley; and at the Yardley Inn. For more information, please call 267-274-1195 or email info@VeteransSquare.org. This promises to be a fun-filled evening!

JOIN OUR STEPPING STONE CAMPAIGN

TO BE A PERMANENT PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY MONUMENT

Help us honor veterans of the past, present and future in a peaceful park setting where residents can gather with family, friends and neighbors for public events or on their own. Help us educate the children of our community about the sacrifices made by our service men and women. The site is Veterans Square Park on the corner of Edgewood and Heacock Roads.

Purchase a brick or granite paver with the name of your family, business, a veteran or a loved one –Visit our website http://www.VeteransSquare.org or call 267-274-1195, or mail a donation to the LMT Veterans
Committee, 1100 Edgewood Rd., Yardley, PA 19067.

Honor – Celebrate – Educate

'My Father's Field'

2011-01-10T22:16:00.002-05:00

This piece is 5' high by 6' wide and will be the culmination of many of my techniques. It will include both oil and acrylic and mixed media. A landscape that touches on my childhood memories as well as adult themes of awakening and the dream state.

Honor Is a Force Unto Itself

2010-11-08T22:50:00.003-05:00

I am an artist. I paint. I sculpt. I make things for people to look at. If I do it right, in the looking, something happens to the person that makes them different for looking. When I write or blog; though, I find myself not writing about my work so much, but about the things that make me who I am. I think it is a round about way of talking about my art. Today's story is about a man who embodies honor. Often it probably seems to him, honor for honor's sake. He has lost so much and has experienced pain beyond which we can understand. Of his character, honor is one element which stays with him even when he doesn't know if it matters anymore. It does though. It moves the people around him, like a force of nature.

My friend Al, who I now call brother is a firefighter from NYC. If you haven't met a firefighter from NYC you are missing out on some of the finest character on the planet. Al was supposed to be at work on the day the towers fell. By chance, he was not. When he saw the news on the television his first instinct was to race at over 100 miles per hour down an empty highway to rescue or be with his fallen comrades. There was nearly no one to rescue. He asked me one night while I was working on the Engine 6 sculpture if I could imagine losing 30 of the closest people in the world to me - I simply said no, I could not.

As the faces of the Engine 6 sculpture continued to take shape, and I worked my way down to Paulie's hand, my aged mentor Laszlo Ispanky visited. In an inspired moment I blogged about earlier, Laszlo cut the lifeline into the firefighter's hand. I told that story to Al and he smiled. I could tell it meant a great deal to him. I still didn't know what 'honor' was though. I was learning this by being in his presence.

Four years later, almost to the month. My mentor died after living a full life. His sculptures circle the globe. He has honored actors and sports figures, politicians and world leaders - works collected by a sitting US President, the Pope and more. When he died, though, at such an old age there were few there to honor the man. I was asked to give the eulogy. On my way to the church a thought occurred to me. I thought, he worked on Paulie's hand, I should tell Al I'll be honoring him that morning. I texted Al. In a few minutes he texted me back 'Go slow to give me time to be there.'

I delivered my eulogy, slowly. I thought there was no way Al could make it - being over an hour away. Why would he? How would he? Delivering the words, I kept glancing to the back of the small church - no sign of him. My eulogy ended, the service ended. Laszlo's ashes were being brought out to the waiting limousine. The doors slowly opened. As the sun broke into the chapel I caught its' glint off a white hat. As I moved closer I saw the striking figure of my friend and brother, Al. He was standing there in full dress, saluting the ashes of my fallen mentor as they were carried to the limousine.

Honor is a force unto itself. It transcends a person and it moves and shapes the world. Why was Al there? Because Laszlo sculpted the hand of his fallen brother. This incredible artist who I thought should have the equivalent of a state funeral for all the work he's put into the world had something far better, something I couldn't have conceived of before that day. He had a man of honor, saluting him on his final journey.

Spanish Dancer

2010-10-17T17:07:00.002-04:00

I have blogged about my son before. His efforts out on the 'pitch'. I am certainly proud of him and all his hard work at achieving his dream. Today, though, I learned something about my daughter that brings me to tears.

Emma is a dancer. It is hard to comprehend that sentence if you don't know a dancer. She is fourteen. She has been dancing since four. This year her schedule is six days a week. She has Friday night off, but Monday through Thursday she dances, and Saturday and Sunday 11 am to 6pm. Emma is a dancer.

Last March something very terrible happened to her calf muscle. It locked up. Every time she went on point, a shooting pain radiated up her leg. She struggled to complete her final performance last year, and that was the last she could go up on point. Emma is a dancer, and the tears that followed were many.

She started with a physical therapist last year. Several nights a week she would go and have the knots in her calf rolled out. I'm not sure if I even know how painful that was. Knots the size of a golf ball were almost mercilessly rolled out of her calves, over and over. Every day she would see, could she go up on point today? No. Every day I told her, it's OK love, let your body heal. Listen to your body, it's telling you to slow down, to heal. Every day she worked at it, and several times a week worked with her sports therapist. Emma is a dancer.

Slowly, and with dedication and focus she began to heal. Each day as she came home I would ask her, how did you feel today? Have you gone on point? Just today I learned she was selected for 'Spanish Dancer' in the American Repertory Ballet's Nutcracker at the McCarter Theater in Princeton. This dance is one of the most beautiful I know. I am so proud of my Emma. Did I mention she's a dancer?

I had a dream

2010-09-18T21:24:00.000-04:00

Two Moments

2010-08-31T12:37:00.002-04:00

When I create my art, I draw a lot on my childhood, my science, my love of philosophy and motivational thinking. I believe motivational thinking is not just 'positive' thinking, it is a process of 'right' thinking, over and over again like weeding a garden. I have found, now, that I have the added blessing to be able to draw on my children's experiences, It's a fascinating thing to watch them grow, navigate through life, experience triumph and failure and dreams. Over the course of a few years, my son experienced two moments that really stood out for me, will probably lead to a painting or a sculpture or something, and also in many ways relates to my earlier work.

My son loves soccer. At the age of four he slept with his soccer ball. In all the years I've known him I think I've seen him more with a soccer ball at his feet than without. As he progressed in age, trying out for the team naturally progressed. It got harder and harder as the competition and skills amped up until one year he was not on the 'top' team. He was on team number three. A tough blow to him but I told him, work hard Harry, believe in your dream, that is all. The next year's tryouts came and this time coaches told him and me, oh yes, he'll move up. When he found out he didn't he came home, told me the news while big tears filled his beautiful blue eyes. It took every fiber in my being to tell him, don't worry Harry, work hard, believe in your dreams. As he left the room I couldn't help but feel the same intense disappointment. Finally the third year came, there he was, out on the try-out field competing against all the 'top' players and I saw him from a distance, standing next to the head of the program. A big burly man who was associated with Man U as legend goes. He was leaning next to my son telling him something. Later I asked "What did he tell you Harry?" My son smiled, he said "Harry, you earned the right to be out on this field." That was the first moment.

A second moment came a few days ago. Practice was on, running an hour and a half. After practice, my son stayed to kick the ball. From the age of four he always stayed to kick the ball. I loved to share with him one of my favorite quotes from Napoleon Hill "There is no traffic on the extra mile." My son loves soccer so much, I don't think he even knows when he's playing extra. But this particular day was special. After about 1/2 hour, in the dark, striking at the goal over and over, his coach emerged from the darkness on the side of the field. In his hands he had five soccer jerseys, each, he told Harry, had a story, which he told. One was from the 1980's World Cup Spain, and on and on. He said "Harry, because you're doing the stuff it takes to get to your dream I want you to take one of these shirts." Standing there, watching both son and coach both 'go the extra mile' - watching them both 'take action' to do the things that meant so much to them moved me so much.

What does it take to achieve your dream?

Do you take action on the things that move you?

Are you willing to endure the frustration, the setback, the pain that your dream sometimes demands?

These are things I think about, love, hope to convey in my art.

It's official! The reviews are in for "Black Gold' available now at Lulu.com:

http://tinyurl.com/2bkx9za

What people are saying:

Gorgeous...wow! ~ Fred Betz

I am so moved! It is fabulous! ~ Robin Pedrero

Some Surprise

2010-08-26T18:21:00.000-04:00

What Can We Do When It Seems Too Much?

2010-08-26T08:10:00.001-04:00

Take any event in your life. The BP Oil Spill, Stock Market Crash, or even a flat tire at a wrong time – as if there is ever a right time – and events can seem overwhelming, potentially spiraling out of control Some events seem too big, too mind numbing to even act on or think about. But it’s not just in the thinking, the worrying, wondering that magic is found – it’s in the acting towards the things one finds important in their life. Napoleon Hill had a very special phrase for this – Applied Faith. That phrase in and of itself is not a passive one. It’s very nature implies action on and towards the things in life you feel most driven by. Acting with the full faith and confidence that the universe can and will provide for you the tools you need to accomplish your specific goals, goals you feel most compelled by, most connected to – in short, the things you love.

I am so happy to note that a work of mine just recently landed in Canada to a wonderful collector there. It’s called ‘Ogallala’. This piece was inspired by studying the last great depression which was combined with a tragic dust bowl. After years of struggle and suffering, it occurred to someone to search, and what was found was one of the greatest natural water reserves ever discovered, just beneath their feet. The symbolism of this could not be more powerful to me - in the words of Wattles, that I quoted in an earlier blog post, 'never look at the visible supply. Look always at the limitless riches in formless substance and KNOW...' This piece is meant as a visual reminder that there is ALWAYS a solution - and further, the solution really lies deep within each one of us. If we learn the process of shedding fear and begin to trust a world, a universe really, of unlimited potential - there will always be another Ogallala.

So the question isn’t really what is the magnitude of the problem – the question is are you going to muster up enough faith to apply action to your dreams, desires, goals and dreams. Are you going to take action? Because that is where the magic is.

It's official! The reviews are in for "Black Gold' available now at Lulu.com:

http://tinyurl.com/2bkx9za

What people are saying:

Gorgeous...wow! ~ Fred Betz

I am so moved! It is fabulous! ~ Robin Pedrero

Well done my friend! ~ Beth Stafford

Ogallala - Re-Posted for @Sugarwilla

2010-08-24T21:58:00.002-04:00

This piece is constructed from concrete, rock, pete moss and semi-precious crystals including amethyst and rose quartz embedded in an expoxy resin which covers the entire work from top to bottom. I estimate it to weigh about thirty pounds. In real life, the concrete area on the top of the piece looks like water at certain angles. The blue area in the center bottom is about two inches thick and simulates the water of Ogallala. This piece was inspired by studying the last great depression which was combined with a tragic dust bowl. After years of struggle and suffering, it occurred to someone to search, and what was found was one of the greatest natural water reserves ever discovered, just beneath their feet. The symbolism of this could not be more powerful to me - in the words of Wattles, that I quoted in an earlier blog post, 'never look at the visible supply. Look always at the limitless riches in formless substance and KNOW...' This piece is meant as a visual reminder that there is ALWAYS a solution - and further, the solution really lies deep within each one of us. If we learn the process of shedding fear and begin to trust a world, a universe really, of unlimited potential - there will always be another Ogallala.

Reviews are in for 'Black Gold' ~ Paintings & Prose

2010-08-24T11:49:00.003-04:00

It's official! The reviews are in for "Black Gold' available now at Lulu.com:

http://tinyurl.com/2bkx9za

Thanks so much – here is what some of you have said about'Black Gold"

Rob! Gorgeous...wow! You truly amaze me. I love this bending of your medium into text and image. It's very generous and rich and communicative. And your bringing in your science understanding with your philiosophical relflections and putting the two together with this sort of sensual visual imaginings....it's nice! Like all the parts of you coming together. The parts of you I know. My Father's Kingdom is a kick-ass painting! I wasn't able to really see the first image though on this computer...I need to see it on my mac. But I also really liked the second image. I love that you would tackle such anintensely big and troubling and immediate issue. I want more, Rob! ~ Fred Betz

My student is late or thinks we stopped for two weeks and I jumped at the chance to read and pour into your book. I am so moved! It is fabulous! I feel I need a better writingvocabulary to communicate how wonderful it is! ~ Robin Pedrero

I finally had the chance to read your lovely book. The format is wonderful; the paintings and what they represent are haunting; and the words are lyrical and extremely thought-provoking. Well done, my friend! ~ Beth Stafford

Hey Robert, The first thing you know old Jed is not a millionaire! The 1% of theworld that has 99% of the wealth does not want the rest of us to know the realimpact of the ravaging of the worlds resources. There is a storm coming where ...food, fuel, andcurrency will continue to be the keystones of struggle and the 1% in chargewill not be physically affected by it, not in my lifetime anyway. Nor do Ithink they will be morally affected as they have already sold what little soulsthey had for their continued participation as the masters of their universe.One can only hope they will crumble from the inside out before they suck thewhole thing dry... Wow, all that from your art... NICE!!! ~ Anthony House

People like you who express depth are what move me to the core and MOVE me ~ Thank you for being not only my colleague Robert, but a friend ~ Your work is truly catalytic ~ Thank you ! ~ Sian Lindemann

Thank you everyone – that really moved me so much

A full color version is available at Lulu.com - just follow the link below:

http://tinyurl.com/2bkx9za

Please...

2010-08-11T18:57:00.001-04:00

Love is a Force

2010-08-10T07:28:00.000-04:00

Eulogy For A Mentor: Sir Laszlo Ispanky

2010-07-15T15:43:00.003-04:00

Sir Laszlo Ispanky, husband, father, friend, mentor, artist. Born 1919 in Budapest, Hungary. He was the youngest of 10 children, served in the Hungarian Army, was a POW in Siberia for 11 months and for all of that, had a wicked sense of humor. “Be good, or be bad, but just be careful.” he’d always say.
Laszlo came into my life through the great fortune of marrying a beautiful, young nurse, Susan Toft. In the ‘early years’, before marrying Laszlo, Suzie lived with my parents Rudy and Valeria Girandola and my four brothers and sister. To this day, we refer to her as Aunt Suzie. Laszlo had a great eye for beauty, which is what drew him to Aunt Suzie, but he was smart as well. As a nurse, always caring for people, Suzie gave such loving care to Laszlo right to his very last days. After Suze and Laszlo were married, they continued to come over on a regular basis, always with bags and bags of food, which was VERY welcome by our large family. Every year of our childhood we spent Christmas with Suzy and Laszlo and eventually, Jason, their son, who is really like a baby brother to us. They would give us gift after gift, making each of us feel so special, like my sister Chrissy, as her birthday was Christmas day, or Neal, Suszie’s godchild. For me, always amazing art books, tools, paints, easels and stretchers.
When I was fifteen, Laszlo purchased a painting from me. It was oil on canvas (both of which he had supplied). What I didn’t quite realize then, but thinking back now, was that around the same time he was adding a piece of mine to his ‘collection,’ President Gerald Ford was selecting pieces of his to give to heads of state around the world.
During Christmas, or other days, whenever we visited, I never missed a chance to make my way into his studio. Always in awe, I would look at books stacked floor to ceiling (20 foot ceilings), each and every one with pieces of paper slips stuck here and there making notations for a seemingly endless range of work. Works capturing early Americana, like “George Washington Kneeling in Prayer at Valley Forge,” or “Betsy Ross,” sewing the first American Flag or bold, visionary and powerful works like “Let There Be Light,” “Wind” and “Storm.” And of course, the greatest thrill I had was seeing those works in clay, not yet cast, knowing I was one of the first to see them. How little I realized one was destined for Anwar Sedat, or Princess Grace or Liberace. I didn’t quite grasp that this man provided the inspiration to those who inspired the world. What I knew, was he inspired me.
As I worked my way through school, Laszlo continued to give me boxes and boxes of paints. He even hired me to make some canvas for him. When I had a studio of my own, I would on occasion find him and Aunt Suzy just outside the studio window, peering in with smiles of encouragement on their faces.
Many years later, after Laszlo had fallen very ill and his memory was all but gone, I was called for the most significant commission of my life. I was asked to create a sculpture honoring firefighters who lost their lives saving others in the twin towers. My first stop was to Suzy and Laszlo’s house. Laszlo was sitting at the table being fed by nurse Suzy. I explained to him why I was there.
“You remember Lotsy,” aunt Suzie prompted, “the towers, the firefighters who died?”
“Yes.” he nodded. His eyes began to burn with passion as he shot out a series of questions. “How high up will it be?” I told him. “Indoor or out?” I told him. He stared me in the eye and gave me the most profound advice of my life.
“What you must do is make something that will make everyone go…” and Laszlo dropped his jaw in an expression of amazement. He was instructing me to make something amazing.
“Go in the studio and take anything you need.” Aunt Suzie chimed in. Laszlo nodded in agreement.
A few weeks later, I was told by Aunt Suzie that they’d visit my studio again, this time to see the sculpture in process. I worked through the night trying to get something more than just a drawing and wire finished. I put chunks and chunks of his clay onto the board, heating them in the oven so I could move faster. Finally, they arrived. Suzie brought his walker around and helped Laszlo out of his side of the car. Slowly he made his way over to the clay and was seated in a chair just in front. He smiled although he looked frail and tired as he began inspecting the piece. He lifted his head towards me and with a puzzled look pointed at the featureless clay that was waiting to be sculpted.
“Whose face goes here?” he asked me. I showed him the photograph of one of the men.
“Paulie,” I explained, realizing I had not impressed him in the least with the clay sitting there, amporphous. He gave me a look that takes about 90 years and a stay in a Siberian concentration camp to perfect.
“Well do it!” His eyes locked onto mine with all the ferocity of a college football coach. It was a power that projected straight through his eyes.
Feeling suddenly called to action, I grabbed his tools and began sculpting away at the clay that would be the face of Paulie, carving deep into where the eyes would go. Laszlo’s eyes lit up with approval and excitement. At a break, I asked him if he would touch his hand to Paulie’s outstretched (and as yet unsculpted) hand, so that Suzie could get a picture of us both. He looked down with an expression almost of disdain. I couldn’t quite make it out.
“Please,” I asked, “just for one second.”
He looked down again and touched his hand to the clay, then quickly pulled it away. I thought for sure I had now asked too much of this old man. I thought the clay was too cold and uncomfortable to his touch. He looked again at the unformed hand and then did something that took my breath away. This frail man reached down to his chair and lifted it, and turned it in one motion so that he was facing the sculpture square on. In the next moment, he grabbed the outstretched hand with both of his and began plying and changing the formless clay until it truly resembled a hand. His eyes darted about the floor.
“He’s looking for his tools.” Aunt Suzie explained.
I quickly grabbed one and thrust it into his hand. Laszlo reached towards the hand and began cutting the line in the palm, just above the thumb. This line, he had explained to me from my first waking moment as an artist, was the life line of a man or woman. It wrapped down around the thumb, cutting around the wrist. This man, with little left in his life, took his last energy and breathed it into my sculpture. Five minutes passed like an eternity. Finally, he dropped the tool and looked pleadingly at me.
“Will you ask Suzie to bring me home now?” and nodded in her direction. She came and collected him. As I watched him leave my studio, I understood his final lesson of art. This man, whose artwork circles the globe, embodied that energy we call ‘art.’ He didn’t possess it, it possessed him, and did what it would with him. He was a man who inspired those who inspired nations. Sir Laszlo Ispanky, husband, father, artist and mentor was a force of nature whom I had the honor of being inspired by.

World Renowned Sculptor Laszlo Ispanky, 90, Dies

2010-07-10T17:47:00.002-04:00

World renowned sculptor, Sir Laszlo Ispanky, 90, passed away Friday, July 9, 2010, at his family home in Hopewell, NJ. Born 1919 in Budapest, Hungary, he was the youngest of 10 children. Ispanky served in the Hungarian Army and was a POW in Siberia for 11 months. After release, he concentrated on his love of art, gaining fame in Hungary for his many sculptures. During the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, Laszlo Ispanky escaped his homeland and emigrated to the United States.

Word of his arrival spread quickly in America. He was awarded a Fellowship to the Cranbook Academy of Art in Deerfield, Michigan to study and teach sculpting. Ispanky moved to New Jersey in early 1960 and became the Master Sculptor for Cybis Porcelains, creating many fine porcelain figurines as well as the 48 State Flower Bouquet seen at the World's Fair. In 1966 he started his own porcelain company with partner George Utley. In 1968 it became Ispanky Porcelains Ltd. and was located in Trenton, NJ until 1972 when he moved his growing company to Pennington, NJ.

Laszlo Ispanky, whose works have been selected by the US Government as special gifts to Heads of State, was often referred to as "The Living Master".

Ispanky was internationally renowned for his remarkable ability to duplicate an individual's exact likeness. This clearly becomes visible in his majestic sculpture of Pope John Paul II as well as many others. His prestigious pieces are in some of the finest collections in the world: The American Shakespeare Festival Theater and Academy; The Smithsonian Institute; The Museum of Modern Art, Peking, China; The Brooklyn Museum; The New Jersey State Museum; The Jerusalem Foundation; The President's Mansion, Mexico City; The Royal Palace, Stockholm, Sweden; The Rockefeller Collection; The New Jersey Governors Mansion, Princeton, New Jersey; The Liberace Museum of Las Vegas; The National Cathedral of Brazil; Buckingam Palace; The Vatican.

President Gerald Ford selected three of Ispanky's major pieces for presentation to Heads of State on his European trip as well as a presentation to Chairman Mao Tse-Tung of China.

During Pope John Paul II's visit to the United States his Holiness was presented with Ispanky's "Ten Commandments" which is now at the Pope's summer home in Castle Gandolfo.

In 1974 he created "Basketball Players" for the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. He was also commissioned by the Texas Rangers to create the sculpture honoring their 150th anniversary. His Fine Arts Medallion for the American Society of Medalists for the Spring '74 issue was struck in both bronze and silver.

His creations include the magnificent sculpture in bronze "Let There Be Light" which was commissioned by the Knights of Malta and presented to President of Egypt Anwar Sadat.

He sculpted the "Love Award" for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and his porcelain "George Washington Kneeling at Prayer at Valley Forge" was selected as the official commemorative by the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge.

His many prominent works of art include bronze busts of Senators, Congressmen and a former conductor of the Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestra, Toscanini's hands and the "Bull" that Lyndon B. Johnson presented to President Ordaz of Mexico as a Presidential Gift of State.

In January of 1975, Her Serene Highness, Princess Grace of Monaco was presented with the Ispanky sculpture "King Lear and Cordelia", a piece which takes its theme from Shakespearian drama.

Ispanky's sculpture "Applause" is in the US Figure Skating Association's Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs and his "Coppelia" was presented to choreographer Agnes de Mille.

Each year Ispanky designed and contributed another of his "Angels of the World" series which were made by the mentally handicapped adults at the T&M Ranch in Florida and used as a fund-raising project by the Association for Retarded Citizens.

Laszlo Ispanky has also created large-scale monuments, fountains and building structures in Budapest and other major cities in Europe before escaping to freedom in America.

Sir Laszlo Ispanky was Knighted into the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem (Knights of Malta) in 1977 in recognition of his contributions to art and culture. He was also Knighted into the Order of St. George by the Vatican.

Sir Laszlo Ispanky is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Toft Ispanky, and his son, Jason Toft Ispanky, both of Hopewell, NJ, a niece, Yoke Noordhoek, her husband, Dries, of Holland. He was a member of St. Alphonsus Church, Trenton Cyrus Lodge #5, Pennington, NJ, and The National Sculpture Society. He leaves a family of artists whom he mentored and inspired over the years. He loved them all.

"In addition to being an artist of uncommon strength and vision, Laszlo Ispanky was a giving friend and mentor. Throughout his life he provided me with paints, canvas, clay and inspiration. He gave me the courage to follow my dream."

Robert Girandola, Sculptor
9/11 Memorial, Engine 6, New York City

Freedom Comes in Many Forms

2010-07-04T08:44:00.001-04:00

Freedom comes in many forms. To some, it is the freedom from financial burden. For others, it is the freedom to say what’s on one’s mind. There is the freedom to act as one pleases, to worship god as they choose, or not at all if they like. For some precious few, those often referred to as “survivors”, it is the freedom to spend another beautiful evening barbecuing with your spouse and children and grandchildren.

Last July 3^rd 2009 was the day my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’ll never forget the call, but I will say, it was different than what some might expect. “Robert,” she said, “I found out today that I have cancer.” straight and to the point and noticeably free of a common emotion, fear. Because of her voice, I felt a lifting in my heart, a lifting towards what one might call “freedom.” My grandmother had breast cancer, and my mother had lived so many years under the weight of the fear of it, the fear of this unknown force that may someday sweep into her life and take everything she cherishes from her. Yet, here was that day, and my mother, pre-chemo, pre-operation, pre-hair loss and sickness and pain, saw that previously unrealized fear, now in the full light of day, in its presence. She found herself suddenly free. “I am going to beat this, Robert, I have a lot of things left to do.” Again, her voice resonated with the power that only comes from a person who truly sees the smallness of fear.

Last night, on the beautiful evening of July 3^rd 2010, a gentle breeze rolling across her beautiful back deck, with her grandchildren playing, my mother sat there looking radiant. The only evidence of the wretched pain that comes with “beating this” was her short white hair, which she no longer colored and which now looked more beautiful than it ever had. Amidst all the other chatter and comings and goings of her children and grandchildren she said with a smile, I’ve been given an “all clean” report. I am free. In that moment, I once again thought of how much of our lives can be wasted fearing what may never happen, or more importantly fearing something that has the potential to raise oneself to a higher awareness. I thought about the beauty of freedom and how very precious it is. What a beautiful way to celebrate July 4, 2010.

* Thank you to all the firefighters, police, military, and on this day doctors and nurses – to all those who dedicate their lives to protecting freedom and providing the opportunity for another day to love.

Tutor Me In What I Suck At?

2010-06-26T01:07:00.000-04:00

Wheat Field Bound at Trenton City Museum

2010-06-24T15:01:00.002-04:00

'Wheat Field Bound', 3' x 6', Mixed Media, 2009 by artist Robert Girandola is on display in the show titled: ART AND SOUL – Art Moved By The Spirit Summer Show. A juried exhibition exploring art and spirituality. Juried by visual artist and director of the Villanova University Art Gallery, Reverend Richard Cannuli.

June 26, 2010 through July 25, 2010
Opening Reception Saturday June 26
5pm to 8pm

The Trenton City Museum
Ellarslie Mansion in Cadwalader Park
Trenton, New Jersey
Phone: (609) 989-3632 Fax: (609) 989-3624
Director: Brian O. Hill

Museum Hours
Tuesday - Saturday: 11AM to 3PM
Sunday: 1 to 4 PM
Closed Monday and Municipal Holidays

'My Father's Kingdom'

2010-06-15T01:10:00.001-04:00

To Play is Divine

2010-05-30T14:24:00.002-04:00

RT @LunaJune via @DragonflyEnergy the background wheat reminded June of 'Wheat Field Bound.' I think that's very cool.

Ruben Amaro & Veterans Monument Project

2010-04-16T23:24:00.003-04:00

Robert Girandola - sculptor (Left), Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. (Center) and Brian Mann - architect (Right) at a recent fundraiser for the Lower Makefield Veterans Monument

Some Surprise

2010-03-22T18:13:00.001-04:00

Veteran's Monument - Upcoming Event!!

2010-03-14T17:14:00.002-04:00

Hello! On behalf of the LMT Veterans Committee, we would like to invite you to attend a special event to launch the Stepping Stone Campaign to Build Veterans Square Monument. Come to the Yardley Inn on Tuesday, April 13th from 6 to 8, and meet the Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr., a resident of our own Lower Makefield Township. He’ll discuss the upcoming Phillies season. The Phillie Phanatic may even make an appearance as well. This is just after the start of the season, so we’re very fortunate to have Mr. Amaro Jr. with us!

Chef Eben Copple of the Yardley Inn will show off his talents by putting his own spin on Philly favorites like cheesesteak, pork sandwiches, sausage, pasta and more. We’ll have a couple special silent auction items, basket raffles, give-aways, music and more, all for $35. Please see the attached flyer for details.

Our Stepping Stone Campaign allows each member of our community an opportunity to purchase a Freedom Paver in brick or granite beginning at $125 and to be a part of the monument! You could engrave your family name, or the name of your spouse, children, parent or business. Veterans who have lived in Lower Makefield or Yardley may have their name engraved on the top of our Wall of Honor which surrounds the American flag at no charge. The second attachment is a 2-page brochure with details about the monument and the Stepping Stone Campaign.

Visit our website at www.VeteransSquare.org <http://www.VeteransSquare.org> , email us at info@VeteransSquare.org, or call for more information 267-274-1195.

Thanks in advance for your support, and we hope to see you on April 13th. We will also be at the Masonic Temple Vendor Expo this Saturday, March 20th from 9 to 2 pm, corner of Edgewood and Heacock, diagonally across from Veterans Square Park. We would greatly appreciate it if you share this information with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

Kind Regards,
Kathy Kraeck
LMT Veterans Committee Vice Chair

@TikkaMadsen

2010-03-10T17:36:00.003-05:00

Dream & Grow Abundant

2010-02-18T21:02:00.000-05:00

I Can't Change

2010-02-14T15:32:00.001-05:00

...I have gone back dreaming, so you must lead me through the day.

Center of the Universe - Emerging From The Dream

2010-02-05T22:43:00.002-05:00

@Maura_Aura

2010-01-28T20:37:00.003-05:00

Dare To Be Great

2009-12-23T19:00:00.001-05:00

Center of the Universe - Continued

2009-11-16T00:07:00.001-05:00

A multi-figure piece about a multi-dimensional reality -

Veteran's Monument

2009-11-08T19:21:00.003-05:00

We couldn't have asked for more as a packed house filled the Makefield-Highlands golf course Saturday night for our first big fundraiser on the monument project. I was really overwhelmed with the generosity of the people who attended, both with their financial support and their kind encouragement. My parents were both there as well as friends and neighbors and lots of people I hadn't met before. Leading up to the live auction of a limited edition print I donated, I gave this little speech to a raucous crowd:

Anyone who knows me, knows I have a great passion for the idea of 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.' It is my belief that the single greatest development in human history was when our government was founded with this concept at its core. This 'idea'; however, is just words without those men and women who willingly put their lives in harms way to defend this concept. The clay I used to sculpt the memorial piece for Engine 6 is the same exact clay I am using for the Veteran's Monument. When the firefighters ran into the burning towers in an attempt to rescue perfect strangers, they too, were defending this idea. The clay I am using is the same exact clay that came to me from my mentor, Laszlo Ispanky, who escaped from communist Hungary with nothing. He went on to use this clay to create pieces that circle the globe. Pieces that celebrate the human experience and the quest for freedom. I am honored to be able to contribute to this project and to donate a work to help make this a reality.

As the bidding started, it was rather thrilling to see so many people waving their numbers as the dollars ran up, even if one of the bidders was my mother and father :) Thank you to everyone, and thank you to Brad and Linda for being so generous in the final purchase of the print. Thank you also to Robin and Eric, Amy and Steve, Ed and Grace, Marty and Cindy, George and Maryanne for your generosity and support.

For more on the project please see: Veteran's Monument

Three Stories - Worth Your Time

2009-11-04T20:05:00.001-05:00

Wheat Field Bound

2009-11-02T19:52:00.001-05:00

Mixed Media - Wheat, Barbed Wire, Fifty Coat

3' x 6'

August, 2009

Whatever You Can See & Believe You Can Achieve

2009-10-14T22:40:00.001-04:00

Veteran's Monument Event

2009-10-12T23:55:00.002-04:00

Hello!

In case you haven’t heard or just need a reminder, there is a Live and Silent Auction on Sat., Nov. 7th at the Makefield Highlands Golf Course, 1418 Woodside Rd. from 7 to 10:30 pm to raise funds for the veterans monument at Veterans Square Park on the corner of Edgewood and Heacock Roads.

It will be hosted by PHS Boys’ Varsity Basketball Coach and all-around good guy Frank Sciolla. Tickets are only $35 and include appetizers, desserts, music, and games. Cash Bar.

· Our Vision: To create a timeless monument to honor veterans of the past, present and future in a peaceful, community park setting

· We hope to educate our children about the sacrifices of our servicemen and women in an uplifting environment

· We have a design team donating their talents to create this monument

· We are a nonprofit and have the support of our board of supervisors and many respected local businesses and individuals

There are over 120 items to bid on across the spectrum – across all price points – truly something for everyone. Here’s a sampling…

Do you have a special birthday or anniversary to celebrate, or want to throw a party?

· How would you like Chef Eben of the Yardley Inn to come to your home, prepare a 5-course meal for 6 people, each course paired with an extraordinary wine? You help select the menu; all preparation and clean-up taken care of.

· Or how about visiting the gorgeous grounds and private party room at Crossings Vineyard and Winery – a VIP party for 8 with 8 to 9 wine selections and appetizers, music and more.

· Extended family coming for the holidays? How about a moonlight wagon ride through Shady Brook Farm’s 15th Holiday Light Show followed by a party for 20 in a heated tent featuring wine, cheese, fruit, hot cider and cookies – appropriate for the whole family and hosted by Shady Brook’s Director of Fun!

· Adults Only: Local band “Run to Sandy” will entertain at your home, with a margarita machine at your disposal. You just need the chips and salsa!

· House Party featuring “SixString” Acoustic Duo, playing classic hits from the 1970’s on, accompanied by pizza and/or BBQ

Collectible Art:

· Veterans Square Sculptor Robert Girandola is donating a framed, signed limited edition print of the sculpture he created for NYC Engine Co. 6 which lost 4 firefighters on 9-11

· Viet Nam Pilot Sanford Kaplan is donating 2 one-of-a-kind collectible Viet Nam-era model planes, with 6 and 8 ft. wing spans

· Art from renowned local artist Colleen Attara, who creates beautiful, collectible one-of-a-kind pieces of art from recycled products

· Many pieces of pottery, art pottery, blown glass, framed art, jewelry, and tickets to local attractions, theaters, and museums

For the Sports Enthusiast: Tickets to the Flyers, Sixers, Phillies, signed Sports Memorabilia, a ski package, yoga lessons, a brand new bike, and a chance to coach a Pennsbury High School Boys Varsity Basketball Game!

For the Foody: Many restaurant certificates and gourmet food, coffee, tea, and baskets of good cheer! Wine-a-month from Rose Bank Winery. Magnum of wine from Truchard Vineyards of California which hosted a wine-and-food-pairing dinner at the Yardley Inn

For Kids: 6 months of Karate, many summer camps including basketball, tennis, horseback riding, acting, piano lessons, dance classes, birthday parties and camps at the NAC. A quart of Ice-cream-a-month at Uncle Dave’s of Shady Brook; a tour of the LMT police station with Chief Coluzzi, a ride in a patrol car, photo and finger prints; a tour of the fire station

Getaways:
· Weekend in the DC area, special passes to gallery floor of the US House of Representatives, and photo op with US Rep and Veteran Patrick Murphy

· Visit to Harrisburg and lunch with PA State Rep. Steve Santarsiero and a trip to Hershey

· A weekend in a lovely 5 bedroom, 3 bath Ocean City home

· A weekend at the elegant Princeton Hyatt, two dinners, and tickets to the McCarter Theater

· A getaway to the lovely Inn at Stoney Hill in New Hope and dinner at Marsha Brown’s

Many lovely items for the home, and a home energy audit and Sensaphone Security System; professional services including interior design, computer consulting, photography, photo transfer to a DVD, teeth whitening, framing services and landscape/lawn services

Don’t forget to pamper yourself with several enticing spa and salon opportunities, plus much more!

How can you resist? Come for an evening of fun, meet some new people and support a great community effort to honor those who serve!!

For tickets: visit our website www.lmtmemorial.org or contact John via email at jfiduccia@gmail.com or via phone - 267-566-2056. Hurry, tickets are going fast! Tickets are also available from members, and from McCaffreys, Shady Brook, and Crossing Vineyards.

Veterans Memorial Project

2009-09-30T07:27:00.002-04:00

For Immediate Release
September 30, 2009

Robert Girandola Presents His Lower Makefield Township Veterans Memorial Sculpture

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP – Pennsylvania artist Robert Girandola, working as the sculptor with the Omnia Group, is presenting his Veterans Memorial sculpture for township approval today in Lower Makefield.

Since December 19th, 2007, the Lower Makefield Veterans Committee has been working to bring a veterans memorial to Lower Makefield. The presentation of the proposed monument will take place at the Yardley-Makefield Library at 7:30PM on Wednesday, September 30th.

Mr. Girandola’s contribution, a sculpture of an eagle taking flight, is intended to honor the veterans who lost their lives defending the United States of America. Along with its surrounding architecture it will create a space for reflection and peace.

“For me, the eagle itself has come to symbolize the human spirit taking flight. I do think it is a universal and timeless symbol open to anyone who wants to live free,” said Girandola. He feels the memorial will further distinguish Lower Makefield as its own community with its own sense of pride. “Years ago there was a local veteran's plaque located in the town but it disappeared over the years. There are scores of veterans and I can tell it's very important to them.”

Mr. Girandola has been chosen twice to participate in the prestigious “Art of the Northeast” show in New Canaan, Connecticut. He was named Yardley News Artist of the Year in 2006 for his Engine 6 memorial “We Draw Strength From Each Other,” a piece in bronze honoring four firefighters who had lost their lives on 9/11. The piece is now on permanent display near the World Trade Center.

The small-scale model being presented today is made from clay and wire and measures approximately 24” wide and 15” high.

Contact:
Robert Girandola
info@robertgirandola.com
http://www.robertgirandola.com

2009-09-10T21:39:00.001-04:00

We Draw Strength From Each Other

Engine 6 Memorial

September 11, 2001

We Draw Strength From Each Other

2009-09-10T21:37:00.001-04:00

I gave this speech on October 15, 2006 at a dedication ceremony in NYC - honoring four firefighters from Engine 6 who died in the North Tower on 9/11.

A person is what they do, no more and no less

A person can become what they admire.

I was at work on that day, I heard the towers had collapsed

and I ran home.

I was eighty miles away from the danger, and I ran home.

I put on the television. I watched as my head swam.

Fear, confusion, anger, frustration and sadness.

I waited impatiently for my family to come home.

And when they did, we hugged, cried.

And we watched the television to see if other, braver men and women would make things right in the world again.

We're here to honor four such men.

Lt. Thomas O'Hagan

FF William Johnston

FF Thomas Holohan

FF Paul Beyer

All of the 343 active duty firefighters who lost their lives that day. And all of the men and women who chose to put fear aside and CHOSE to make things right again. I deeply admire you.

In order to create this piece, I listened to the stories of the men of Engine 6. I read the letters their loved ones wrote. I watched that day unfold again, and again.

Amidst the cloud of pulverized concrete and glass, an image emerged.

I saw fallen heroes and the walking wounded.

I saw men and women who spent their days hoping and praying, digging, searching, thinking, tearing, praying and more hoping, praying.

I saw lives ruined and families rocked and whole communities wracked with sorrow.

And I saw men and women who CHOSE to do something about it.

I asked Billy Green, the only man from Engine 6 to have made it out of the the North Tower, "What were you most proud of that day?" and he said -

"We stood fast."

In the face of overwhelming destruction

when a nation sat in dumbstruck fear,

these men stood fast, and then,

proceeded up those stairs,

to put out "that fire."

Over thirty flights of stairs,

Turnout coats,

Soaring temperatures,

Tools

Roll-ups

I asked Billy, "How did you guys go on?" and he said,

"Well, we kind of drew strength from each other."

These men may not have been perfect, but they became perfect at that moment and in that hour. And it was this strength that transcended the darkness and the evil that was transpiring above them. I have read of firefighters despairing that they themselves did not save enough, or very little. To you, my brothers, I must say, your mere presence brought comfort to those in the final moments of their lives. You inspire in the minds and hearts in those around you an idea. The idea that you might not be perfect, but you will try to be. That you may not be able to save, but you will try to save. For in the end, all of the men and women who CHOSE to save.

And these four men.

Lt. Tom O'Hagan

FF Billy Johnston

FF Tommy Holohan

FF Paulie Beyer

You bring the promise of hope.

You draw strength from each other.

May we draw on that strength,

so that we might have the courage to do

what we should do

in the hour

of our calling.

Ringing Rocks

2009-08-02T18:56:00.002-04:00

More Sculpting -

2009-07-26T21:47:00.003-04:00

How Can I Inspire Thee?

2009-07-12T23:13:00.004-04:00

How can I inspire thee?
Let me count the ways.

The bird that chirps,
the flower that blooms,
the quiet morning.

Can I do it with these?

A child’s laugh,
a lover’s breath,
the flash of a smile on a strangers face.

How can I inspire thee?
Let me count the ways.

In all these ways,
but none.
For to drink from life’s great promise,
you must awaken to a higher truth.
You are not the things in your life –
You are not the pain in your body –
You are not the torment in your soul –
You are but observer of these things.

Perhaps thou protesteth!
You’ve met with frustration,
loss,
pain.
How can I inspire thee?

Let me count the ways.

Reading these words,
or hearing them,
as a loved one reads them to you.
Behind the illusion of happiness and strength,
you know when the party stops,
and you find yourself behind the barricades,
you are alone,
and scared.

How can I inspire thee?
Let me count the ways.

Perhaps you’ve been to the depths of despair,
and think not,
I can inspire thee.

Quiet your soul,
open your heart,
and let these thoughts break in:

If there is design,
it is this –

Every moment has but one purpose,
for you to come awake to yourself.

If you take this into your soul completely,
the next bird you hear
will be your soul taking to the air.
The next time you hear the sound of a child’s laugh,
will be the stream of life rippling through you.
The next sunrise seen,
will be realized as a miracle.

Bring into your soul.
Inspiritus –
All that was,
all that will ever be.

How can I inspire thee?
Let me count the ways.

By, Robert Girandola

An Artist's Life

2009-07-12T23:12:00.000-04:00

Daydream

2009-07-02T01:16:00.002-04:00

Center of the Universe

2009-06-28T21:42:00.004-04:00

Father's Day Special

2009-06-21T11:20:00.004-04:00

I got a wonderful gift from my son this morning - A story he wrote me for Father's Day - I was so touched and moved by it, I want to share it. It fits in with the theme of my art and blog so nicely, I couldn't help it -

My First Corner Kick - by Harry

When I first did a corner kick, I was at Maccles field. The defender kicked the ball out of bounds. When the ball went out and then coach signaled me, I was about to pee my pants.

The ref put the size 4 Euro cup ball on the ground for me to kick. Then, he blew his freezing silver whistle to signal for me to kick the ball. I lined up to it and was ready to face one of my biggest fears. My dad was yelling saying you can do it Harry!! Come on, I know you can! After I heard that, I could've gone and hid in a corner. I started thinking I should just walk away now and let someone else take it. I started running, my unconfident legs feeling all noodley. I could barely run it was so uncomfortable. Then, my leg hit the ball! It vibrated a bit. I thought I did a terrible job but I looked and saw it went up and over all the heads. Someone on our team leapt in and hit it in the back of the net like a rocket! The ref congratulated me and said good job. I felt like Del Piero scoring a goal in soccer. I was so proud I couldn't trade it for all the trophies in the world.

My coach was yelling in excitement. From then on, I took all the corners on both sides. I never had any problem about corner kicks again. My dad treated me to a brand new video game because he was so proud of how I faced my fears.

I had no idea he had written this, or how he felt that day as he never told me - there are few things in life more inspiring to me than to hear stories of people who acknowledge their fear and then chose to follow their passion anyway. Thank you my son for this beautiful gift on Father's Day.

Sublime

2009-06-13T00:25:00.000-04:00

Man on Wire - Review

2009-05-31T22:03:00.003-04:00

'Man on Wire' was a birthday gift to me from my wife. I really appreciate the documentary and dedicate this post to her.

What is it that I loved about 'Man on Wire?' It summarizes in one place all that I try to imagine, write about and pursue. It is difficult, like the word 'beauty', to define and summarize what is an 'ideal' life, an 'ideal' state of mind - but I believe there is one. I also believe it's important to constantly define what that 'ideal' is and keep striving towards it.

The film 'Man on Wire' touches all of the most powerful ideas I have learned over the years. The main character, Phillippe Petite, is a man of passion. He is a dreamer, really. When he first realized he wanted to walk across the Twin Towers, they were not yet built. He saw them in a photograph as a teenager and his first instinct was to draw a line between the two and imagine himself lying between them.

Lesson 1 of an ideal life: When dreaming, do not limit yourself by the how or the why - just dream.

Phillippe grabbed the picture of the Twin Towers and ran out and down the street, spending the next many years preparing himself for his feat - including LEARNING HOW TO WALK A TIGHTROPE!!

Lesson 2 of an ideal life: After defining your dream, pursue it with abandon. Dreaming with out acting is the creation of a nightmare.

Phillippe's passion attracted to him people who began to believe in him and his 'cause'. He 'attracted' people of different talents and was unafraid to ask them to help him. His friends worked tirelessly and took great risks to help him achieve his goal. There were moments of 'conflict' between him and his friends - and when and if some of them could not continue to help him because of their fear, he smiled and loved them anyway and confidently continued to pursue his dream.

Lesson 3 of an ideal life: Your passion, if it is true, will attract to you the people you need to achieve your goal. Let them help you until they cannot, and love them completely.

Finally, the wire was set between the two buildings. As day broke, after exhausting hours of preparing the wire in secret - Phillippe walked out onto them. Obviously one small mis-step meant death.

Lesson 4 of an ideal life: Find your passion and put your life on the line for it. News flash - we all will die - how better to realize this and spend your precious moments pursuing your passion.

He proceeded to the center of the wire and those fortunate enough to see him first hand reported a look on his face that was radiant. When he was finished, people around the world were inspired. He changed people's perception of limits.

Lesson 5 of an ideal life: Your goal must be your goal - it does not have to be about saving the planet, or the rain forest, or the monetary system. If you pursue your passion and achieve your goal(s) you will change the world for the better guaranteed.

I am honored my wife thought to give me this for my birthday, that she knows my view on life and has allowed me to walk out on my wire. I love you.

Man On Wire

2009-05-31T22:01:00.000-04:00

Dreaming and Awakening

2009-05-13T00:01:00.001-04:00

Notes on Abundance

2009-05-02T11:48:00.001-04:00

WSJ – Thursday April 30 2009

Ben Casselman

Caddo Parish, LA

A massive natural-gas discovery here in northern Louisiana heralds a big shift in the nation’s energy landscape. After an era of declining production, the US is now swimming in natural gas.
Even conservative estimates suggest the Louisian discovery – known as the Haynesville Shale, for the dense rock formation that contains the gas – could hold some 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. That’s the equivalent of 33 billion barrels of oil, or 18 years’ worth of current US oil production.

Huge new fields also have been found in Texas, Arkansas and Pennsylvania. One industry-backed study estimates the US has more than 2,200 trillion cubic feet of gas waiting to be pumped, enough to satisfy nearly 100 years of current US natural-gas demand.

The difficulty having an 'abundant' mindset is grasping the sheer magnitude of it all -

The Ultimate Battle

2009-04-23T22:04:00.003-04:00

On the heels of 'Oddity of the Mind,' I would like to turn back to discuss 'Black Gold, Texas Tea.' People who are familiar with this painting know it as a black square, high gloss, about four foot square. There is a large drip in the lower, center of the painting. In real life the entire surface is actually very sensual. I painted it by pouring black oil on a square canvas. When viewed in real life, at the right angle, two figures can be seen underneath. Why did I make this painting? How does it relate to my latest piece, 'Wheat Field Bound' and the essay, 'Oddity of the Mind' ? It is my constant search for dual symbols that challenge the ego. How and why? At the root of consciousness, the visceral, emotional response to the world around us is either fear or creativity. Broken down into its most basic form, fear is a belief, conscious or unconscious, that we won't have what we need to survive. Many people have aptly described this the 'survival' mindset. The survival mind looks at the world around it and sees it as 'fixed.' That is, what exists must be fought for, held tightly, protected, and once consumed is gone forever. Creativity is seeing 'abundance' - not in what is, but what is possible.

'Black Gold, Texas Tea' functions on many levels for me. As an artist, it is an act of complete abandonment to pour black paint onto a canvas and then hang it in a museum for everyone to see. To critique it is almost child's play. It is almost nothing. Many people would argue it is insulting. As an artist who has drawn since my first waking memory, I can tell you that much of my ego is 'invested' in the art of drawing and painting. To put all of that aside to follow an idea is a direct challenge to my ego. That is one level on which this painting functions, the process level. On another level, it is symbolic of oil. The whole world is consumed by its quest for oil. It is considered something that must be fought for, protected and many, many can't even begin to consider a world without it. We are so consumed with the idea that one day we won't have it, that today we live in fear and aggression towards others over it. Here begins the 'double' symbol - but inverted. I give up my drawing to create a black square to symbolize something that we cannot conceive of giving up. Becoming free is paradoxically an internal process of giving up our grip on that which we fear losing. The 'ultimate battle' is not exterior. It is not on some continent fighting for some arid bit of land. The 'ultimate battle' is interior. It is an awakening to the 'creative' mind that looks at the world around it, seeing infinite potential. The awakened, creative mind knows no scarcity. The fear-ridden survival mind, asleep to itself, knows only scarcity.

Oddity of the Mind

2009-04-18T06:44:00.004-04:00

I want to take a moment to divert from talking about actual pieces to jot down some thoughts about the mind. Risking 'unsubscribe' from my readers I will warn you, this may get freaky. I talk a lot about 'becoming' fearless, 'being' fearless. The intent of my art is actually a form of self exploration - an effort at coming in touch with my own form of consciousness and its relationship to the world. Here is an interesting analogy - for my visual artist subscribers and friends, you may relate to this immediately, for others, try this someday. When you 'look' out at the world around you, your mind actually makes a lot of 'assumptions' about what it 'sees'. For the most part, the mind/brain for all its computing power is very, very busy and wastes little on visual processing. It 'sees' stuff, and fills in the blanks with enough detail for 'recognition' to take place. This is why painting and drawing can be so difficult. One has to actually get beyond the process of 'seeing' and actually see. OK, that's kind of freaky - what does it mean. The process of 'seeing' is a brain / mind interaction. When an artist sits down and observes and begins to draw, the more they can remove their 'assumptions' about what they are viewing they begin to notice that strange shapes, colors and lines emerge and the world is not their original assumption. So, this is true of all of life. Our mind, for the most part, creates a story and then we go along for the ride. We create a story about how successful we allow ourselves to be - although for many of us we don't use the word 'allow' because that ruins our 'story.' We create a story for who likes us, who hates us, what troubles us, what thrills us. For me, becoming 'fearless' is the process of recognizing we are walking through a house of horror of our own making. If you have children, and you've ever taken them to a scary house - unless you are seriously disconnected - you don't walk through the house being as scared as the child. Why? Because you 'know' that a bunch of adults got together to create the 'experience' known as 'scary.' It's fun. When it comes to our own life, though, we don't recognize the exact same thing is taking place. It can be difficult to step back and observe that our understanding of what it means to know what we have identified as our 'life' is a cocoon really. An envelope in which things come into and out of our consciousness to create experience and identity. So, I hope you're enjoying me as part of your 'story' - if not, the unsubscribe button is at the bottom of this e-mail - *smile* *smile* *hug* *hug* :)

Wheat Field Bound

2009-04-13T22:45:00.002-04:00

This piece is 3' x 6' and is composed of wheat, barbed wire and coated in an expoxy resin. People who have seen it already have described it in fascinating ways. Some see abundance, kept at bay by our own lack of feeling worthy of it. Others see imagry of sacrifice. I continue to play with symbols that suggest both abundance and scarcity. Are we bound by our needs in a way that creates fear and uncertainty? Or are the things of this world unlimited, provided we use our mind in a continually evolving, fearless and creative way? I often wonder, especially in these times - are we bound by our fear of an unsustainable future because we see it only through the prism of our current knowledge? I love Einstein's quote - 'We cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.' What would this world look like if we, each one of us, awakened to our true creative power? What would happen if we decided that we would no longer allow fear to dictate our actions? These are some of the thoughts I had while making this piece.

If The Stars Align

2009-04-10T18:15:00.000-04:00

The More Things Change

2009-04-05T22:29:00.002-04:00

From: http://www.sparknotes.com/history/american/depression/section4.rhtml

Overproduction on Farms

Farmers faced a similar overproduction crisis. Soaring debt forced many farmers to plant an increasing amount of profitable cash crops such as wheat. Although wheat depleted the soil of nutrients and eventually made it unsuitable for planting, farmers were desperate for income and could not afford to plant less profitable crops. Unfortunately, the aggregate effect of all these farmers planting wheat was a surplus of wheat on the market, which drove prices down and, in a vicious cycle, forced farmers to plant even more wheat the next year. Furthermore, the toll that the repeated wheat crops took on the soil contributed to the 1930s environmental disaster of the Dust Bowl in the West (see The Dust Bowl, p. 33).

Bad Banking Practices

Reckless banking practices did not help the economic situation either. Many U.S. banks in the early 1900s were little better than the fly-by-night banks of the 1800s, especially in rural areas of the West and South. Because virtually no federal regulations existed to control banks, Americans had few means of protesting bad banking practices. Corruption was rampant, and most Americans had no idea what happened to their money after they handed it over to a bank. Moreover, many bankers capitalized irresponsibly on the bull market, buying stocks on margin with customers' savings. When the stock market crashed, this money simply vanished, and thousands of families lost their entire life savings in a matter of minutes. Hundreds of banks failed during the first months of the Great Depression, which produced an even greater panic and rush to withdraw private savings.

Artist notes for 'Wheat Field Bound' - History, if not understood is bound to repeat itself? But, even if it is understood - is it still bound to repeat itself if people are unable to understand their own nature? Are we perpetually bound if we live in perpetual fear?

Stony River

2009-04-02T16:52:00.002-04:00

This is the latest in a dream. I was hovering, one morning, over a river of stones. The water rushed by in a beautiful pattern. This piece was constructed with stone, semi-precious stone and fifty coat. It is approximately 27" x 27". I imagine it to be a prototype for a much, much larger piece. It weighs already probably forty pounds.

Economics - Continued

2009-03-29T15:09:00.000-04:00

Economics 101

2009-03-29T01:43:00.000-04:00

'Corralled'

2009-03-08T23:02:00.004-04:00

‘Corralled’ is a diptych (two panels) whose overall dimension is 96” wide by 61 ½ “ high when the two panels are mounted side by side on the wall. The left panel measures 49 ½ “ x 49 ½” while the right panel measures 43 ½” x 43 ½”. This is perhaps my most adventurous use of materials to date. It consists of astro-turf, Spanish moss and air dried clay that has been painted and coated with fifty-coat. I also placed some silk flowers in the two fields. The inspiration for this piece came back in November of 2008, from a Richard Dryfus interview. What moved me about that conversation was an interesting slant on contemporary American politics where there is a strong tendency to ‘identify’ with a ‘left’ or a right’. I felt compelled to make this image because of how it fit into the narrative I am piecing together, of awakening. There is a great danger of identifying with one group or the other because of a perception of how one group addresses a particular fear. For example, the fear of terror may drive many of us to ‘trust’ the party that is perceived to be strong. The fear of poverty may drive many of us to ‘trust’ the party that is perceived to be compassionate. It is this very fear to which I think individuals need to be awakened to. Acting on fear and throwing blind unquestioned faith behind one party or 'leader' is how freedom is lost, piece by piece until that which we fear most becomes reality. Larger versions of the individual panels may be seen on my main website – http://www.robertgirandola.com

Allentown Artist Guild - Guest Speaker

2009-03-04T23:38:00.000-05:00

My Dandelion

2009-02-21T13:01:00.006-05:00

When I was a boy of about seven, before I learned such things were not possible - I had a conversation with a dandelion. It was on the edge of our property - the little swatch of land neither my father nor the farmer cared to fertilize. I was running on a warm summer day, as I always liked to do, and tumbling. Then I lay in the grass right there on the edge of the great sod field. I looked to my left and there was a dandelion, and I smiled as dandelions would always make me do. I noticed, though, that this one was very sad - its face was down and it was pouting a bit. 'What's the matter?', I asked. 'Oh, nothing,' said the dandelion, 'It's just that I see those roses over there, in your mother's garden and I am so sad I wish I was one of those.' And then I started to cry a bit - a little tear rolled down my cheek.
'Now why are you so sad?', asked the dandelion.
'Why, you're the most beautiful flower I know.' I whispered, 'And if you're sad, that makes me sad.'
'What!!, How can that be!!' exclaimed the dandelion.
'Why wouldn't it?' I asked shocked. 'Your face is like the sun - when I see you shine it brings a smile to my face. There are so many of you as well - and no one minds when I run through the dandelions, and roll in the sweet high grass and then rest a while and smell your sweet fragrance. When you are cut down by the mower, I wait and watch, and you never keep me waiting too long. My heart soars when I see that beautiful field of yellow again! And when you are tired of being yellow, you turn to beautiful wisps of clouds and float and fly away. I love you little dandelion.'
My dandelion smiled, and lifted her head and said, 'I never thought of it that way. I'll never want to be a rose again.'

Gold Dust

2009-02-17T21:59:00.003-05:00

Life is but a series of vanishing moments.
Each one is beautiful by itself when fully absorbed.
No one would argue that a bowl of rice isn't a feast for he who went a week without food.
Or that a single kiss on the cheek would bring rapture to the one with no love.
That a sound, a single momentary chuckle of a son would be a symphony.

Why is it we know abundance only when compared to absence?

I remember when my young son first learned to tell a 'joke' and whatever I said would make him laugh. I thought to myself, 'this is gold dust.'

This is the treasure of life that is so very fleeting.

We become poor, not when markets crash and we lose the things of this world we are only borrowing anyway.

We become poor the moment we don't realize the moment for all the abundance it is.

This post is dedicated to my beautiful son - and my beautiful wife who lent him to me.

7 Ideas That Drive Me

2009-02-11T22:03:00.002-05:00

1. We live in a benevolent universe designed in such a way that anyone who wants to can succeed regardless of perceived conditions.

2. The greater the obstacle, the greater the joy of overcoming - and therefore; there is joy inherent in obstacles.

3. Everything that happens in our life is designed to purify our soul - every event carries with it the seed of opportunity but we must accept each new challenge and become greater than we were before the event.

4. Continuous, sustained happiness and joy is possible once one, two and three is fully internalized.

5. Happiness and joy can be broken down into several finer gradations of emotion which currently have no words to adequately express.

6. Every person on the planet is capable of achieving greatness - if they learn to endure their fear and refuse to act on it.

7. We live in an abundant universe which has more than enough resources to provide every person on the planet with enough of anything a person could imagine would make them 'happy' - but they only 'need' one, two and three for that.

Quick Week

2009-02-08T20:18:00.002-05:00

Wow this week flew - and now it's Sunday. I'm really looking forward to next week. I've got a lot of projects in the works - and one of the most exciting things that happened is my first work of 2009, 'Ogallala' was snapped up by a collector in just five minutes after being posted on Twitter. Gotta love that. So much happened this week, it's hard to think back and realize it was just seven days. Ogallala was finished, Corralled was started and I started in with plaster on Dream Structure. With Corralled, I started sculpting the sheep heads out of clay - as these dry, I will paint and secure them to the panel. I'm going to use synthetic cotton fiber in this piece for the sheep body, and cover parts with fifty coat. I think it will look like a cloud captured in resin if I'm not mistaken. I'm still working on the oil painting 'Pig Farm'. My field and farm related theme is starting to get quite filled out - the next one in my mind is Wheat Field Bound - and that is going to be really special. What's with the fields, the farms? These metaphors just seem to tumble out - I grew up on a farm and the great sod field is a constant image in my mind. These take on political and economic metaphors for me.

I was in the Princeton University bookstore this week and I saw a whole bookshelf devoted to Karl Marx - I mean literally, one book placed in perfect position in the center and then the entire rest of the shelf empty - hmm, that doesn't seem very 'comrade' like, but I digress. Why Marx isn't literally laughed out of any serious college these days I don't understand. At some point I might blog about it and dissect it but I was in the Soviet Union and I can tell you, when it comes to deciding if a philosopher is correct, it's a great idea to skip to the end - if it ends with you giving up your right to pursue your own dreams and be compensated how you feel you are worth, throw the book out - no matter how clever and bearded the author looks. Wheat Field Bound, like Ogallala, harkens back to the early 1900's - so much similar has gone on already!! The great depression, the Soviet created wheat crisis - as fear descends it seems the tendency is to give government more and more power - the very same institutions that to a large degree created the problem to begin with. This is not a necessary condition of human existence. Have a great week - and remember, fear is the enemy.

Ogallala

2009-02-02T20:05:00.002-05:00

Ogallala

2009-02-01T15:56:00.002-05:00

So I have just about completed my first piece of 2009 - Ogallala. I've written about it earlier. It is made from concrete, rocks, pete moss and fifty coat. I used poplar wood around the edges - oh, and there are also raw crystals of amethyst and rose quartz in it. I'm very excited to see it hanging - right now that last coat of fifty coat is setting up. I also picked up material today for my new piece 'Corralled' - and started doing the sculptural part of it. It's very interesting to me because this kind of relates to last week's post where I discuss being an artist who believes in free market capitalism. I blogged a little about the piece 'Corralled' earlier, I was very inspired by an interview I saw of Richard Dryfuss before the election. I thought it was really interesting how he said we have a tendency to be pushed into one group or the other - we are in a sense 'Corralled'. This idea makes so much sense to me when I think about red states and blue states. Or, when I think about an overly aggressive military spreading out to fight all over the world, or versus an overly aggressive government looking to tax and spend. Why is it that we have to feel 'compelled' to be so called 'liberal' or 'conservative' - especially when in a sense, both represent in my opinion such a strange way of thinking about government. One party striking 'fear' into the hearts of people about all the dangers all around the world that must be stopped at any cost - another striking 'fear' into the hearts of people about how big government is the only solution to the growing economic crisis. It strikes me that one party pits itself against another but both, at the end of the day, are on a trajectory to expand government and limit freedom at a rate of dizzying proportions. I am a great believer in an individuals ability to overcome any obstacle - provided they start to realize their own innate power. This 'power' in my opinion is blocked by feelings of fear or the constant drum beat that people can't stand on their own two feet and create the world of their dreams.

Scraps of Honesty

2009-01-24T23:43:00.007-05:00

Hello Everyone -

I know, I know - I haven't posted in a while - practically took January off. There are several reasons for this but perhaps the biggest one might be because Heartsong 'nominated' me to post 10 of my deepest secrets. Honestly, that kind of scared the heck out of me - hmmm, deep secrets published for the world to see? Or really the eight people from my 800 followers on twitter, or the 4 from the 8 in my family - so I have to be totally honest to the 16 people I care most about in the world!! Aaaargh - then maybe they won't like me anymore and then only 3 from twitter and 2 from my family will ever visit my site anymore, then I'll only have five viewers - ok - so you see my dilemma - Thank you Linda, I see the world crashing before my eyes - ok, here goes:

1) The thing that makes me saddest is seeing people who are capable of greatness, trapped by false prisons.

2) I am actually moved to tears when I see someone ignore their false prison, and achieve in spite of any obstacle.

3) I am constantly working on myself, internally, by actively discarding any thought that is not productive or inspiring.

4) I am constantly trying to be more grateful but my goals are so seemingly big that I forget, at times, how blessed I am.

5) I would like to know more artists who talk about free-market capitalism.

6) When I was six I thought I was Jesus Christ. I developed a series of tests to 'prove' if I was or not and I passed all of them handily - I announced my discovery to my mother but she was too busy with all the other kids to notice.

7) I love the smell of oil paint and oil based clay. I've smelled that almost every day of my life since a very young age and I think it would be safe to say, I am addicted to it. Although, I promise - it's a harmless addiction which guarantees I'll be painting for the rest of my life.

8) I don't think Capitalism will take hold until artists understand it. Then it will be ok.

9) My dreams are filled with incredible visions. I dream things like a bee sitting in a throne in the center of a chrysanthemum, crystals that hold all of my memories, architectural wonders beyond anything I've seen with panoramic views of a star lit sky - and yet, until just yesterday a person made me realize I hear nothing in my dreams - not a single sound.

10) I am working on a book - I don't know when it will be ready but it is intended to describe the type of qualities I think are the best hope for happiness and peace. This is an 'awakened' person who realizes that there is no obstacle outside of their own thoughts to achieve whatever they can 'see and believe'. This person has integrated the best of liberal and conservative ideas - they love and support the arts, accept differences in those around them, live life to the fullest with joy as their highest ideal and refuse the idea that government can initiate force - particularly to seize wealth in the name of 'helping'. I am not original in this idea, but I would like to play a small part in helping manifest a world where fear, force and violence are strange concepts.

This post is dedicated to Lausen - who fits the description of my deep dark truth #2, is an artist who understands my deep dark truth #8 and has brought me more music in the last two months than I have ever listened to in my whole life, and made me aware of my deep dark glitch #9. If you ever have the great joy to get to know her, you will be shocked that she lives in a country whose courts and government run counter to every principle of freedom we should cherish but often forget - and yet, she understands the source of our freedoms more thoroughly than anyone I've ever met. If you can read Spanish - I recommend her site forgottenman.wordpress.com - And her new English site promises to be beautiful - flowerinthesun

My Dream

2009-01-24T10:35:00.001-05:00

My dream, my mission, my 'visualization' - to create a blog that helps inspire people to live without fear.

Resolution

2008-12-31T11:47:00.002-05:00

I resolve to remind myself daily the words of Wallace Wattles:

KNOW that there are countless millions of dollars' worth of gold in the mountains of the earth, not yet brought to light...

KNOW that the money you need will come, even if it is necessary for a thousand men to be led to the discovery of new gold mines tomorrow....

Never look at the visible supply. Look always at the limitless riches in formless substance, and KNOW that they are coming to you as fast as you can receive and use them. Nobody, by cornering the visible supply, can prevent you from getting what is yours.

You reading this - YOU - have everything you need right now to live the life of your dreams - now live it!

Happy New Year!

Understanding Manifestation (Part III)

2008-12-27T23:26:00.003-05:00

(Part I & II Below)

Why am I telling this story? In a way, I am trying to understand what works and what doesn’t work by tracing through my own thought processes. I don’t want to appear to have all of the answers. In fact I’m hoping that others will be inspired to explore their own inner-workings and perhaps share stories that will help us all to understand how to affect positive change in our own lives and the lives of others. I believe the times that lie ahead will be intensely challenging and that only through patience and understanding will we be able to use this ‘power’ of the human mind. In the piece I am working on ‘Ogallala’ – it is a story of a vast amount of water that existed directly under the feet of those who suffered the Great Depression and the terrible dust storms. The analogy and relevance is so powerful, that right within our grasp are the tools we need to solve any problem – it is a ‘Law of Nature.’ As I mentioned earlier, my experience with actively ‘manifesting’ uncovered enough direct evidence for me to say without out doubt, thought directed action is real and can be actively applied.
After listening to Napoleon Hill, I realized a few of my mistakes. While I wanted to be an artist contributing my art to the world, I didn’t fully believe it was possible. I would always ‘do the math’ in my head thinking, okay if I did this piece I could probably get this much – hmmm, this much times x number of pieces a year, hmmm, could I do that many? Would I be emotionally and physically drained, could I find that many people who would buy that much? So on and so forth. So, my first ‘work’ was to stop myself from that kind of thinking, literally refuse to engage in it. When it began in my mind, I would stop in mid-sentence and imagine what was possible instead. My second big mistake was thinking I had to be ‘like’ somebody. While it is important to have role models, I think it is equally important (if not more) to begin to realize you must be yourself – you and you alone are unique, and like a person I met on Twitter (Maria Andros) taught me – there are thousands of people who have waited their whole life to meet you.
The speed of ‘flow’ is uncanny. Within a day or two of beginning this transformative thinking the little post arrived of the firefighters search. I read it and the floodgate of visions opened up in my mind. I literally ‘saw’ the unveiling of the final piece. I wrote back to the unknown person, in almost one draft – and I was very clear to them that I had never done a bronze sculpture in my life. I had done some sculpting, I explained, but I ‘knew’ I could do this. That one line had significance as I discovered later – and further reinforced the concept ‘be yourself.’ On many occasions throughout the process I learned over and over again that it was me being honest and direct that brought me to the point of delivering my first sculpture to NYC on a beautiful October day – and consequently some fear had overtaken me afterwards that caused problems, but also a significant discovery. I am sorry to keep stopping the story but I am advised not to make a blog post too long and I’ve already blown that rule time and again - [To be continued…]

Fear

2008-12-27T13:11:00.002-05:00

Fear paralyzes.

Fear makes real the problem not the solution.

Fear is the belief that a situation has power to harm, not enlighten or purify.

Fear is literally the suspension of the human mind to solve any problem no matter how large.

Fear is what causes stress, strain, greed, anger, violence, hunger, aggression, worry, pain.

Fear is the root of all evil in the world.

Fear inspires action without thought.

Fear makes what is unwanted, permanent.

We have many futures before us -

The one we choose will depend on how many of us refuse fear.

Refuse to believe that any event can't be solved.

Accept the idea that even the worst things that happen can be invitations to greatness.

Greatness is accepting into your mind that you can and will overcome any obstacle if you refuse fear.

Be great today -

Refuse fear.

Quick Story On Serendipity

2008-12-23T08:36:00.002-05:00

Many years ago a book was published on using the mind more effectively in the solving of problems. It was sold new in a book store, bought by some curious mind. Read, cherished, discarded. Ended up in a yard sale for 25 cents. My wife's friend was wondering by, picked it up, lent it to her husband. I happened to see it on his desk, paged through it and was so moved I bought it. Without realizing, I had it on my desk yesterday. A colleague noticed it, picked it up and randomly thumbed through to a page that was discussing the exact thought he was struggling with that day. He smiled, shook his head and put it down. I wonder how many lives he will change from that one small paragraph. Everything you do matters.

Understanding Manifesting (Part II)

2008-12-20T19:56:00.003-05:00

(Continues from Understanding Manifesting - Part I Below)

I want to reinforce the groundwork of my ‘exploration’. My first memory in life, I ‘woke up’ drawing a whale at around the age of four. I had always thought of myself as an artist – the vision of being a professional artist had been engrained in me my entire life. I could see the goal and mentally experience the goal – all of the requisites of ‘manifestation’. Year after year, I would achieve juried shows, art awards and other recognition from grade school, through high school, college and beyond. But these achievements cost money. For example, getting into a prestigious juried show means you have to spend money to make a piece. Actually it is lots and lots of work of which you select one or two. Then there is entry fee with no guarantee of getting in. If you get in, you have to get the work there and back – the larger the work the more cumbersome that is. Odds are against a work winning a cash prize or being sold. This is similar, I imagine, in sports like tennis or golf, where for many of the competitors you are paying and paying to be in play.
When I stumbled on Napoleon Hill, it was an audio CD. Listening, I started to realize that my whole life structure was built around an idea that I could not actually make a living from art. It was very subtle to me (although not to a trained observer). I had in my mind a ‘model’ that I would do ‘real’ work and this income would allow me to keep making art. I’m not just talking about having one job – I’m talking about doing all kinds of things like getting involved in real estate, pursuing other degrees to enhance my salary – in essence, a lot of activity other than going straight at the process of being a professional artist. I kept doing one job after another to be able to afford creating art. This was exhausting, distracting and counterproductive. One key idea I learned from listening to the Napoleon Hill tapes was the concept ‘faith.’ I had not heard it explained quite so well. Faith, as I now began to understand, believes that if you give yourself to your passion you cannot fail. That the universe is in fact ‘designed’ to provide every tool one needs to achieve whatever one commits to and believes, positive or negative. When I finished listening, I remember looking interior to my own thought processes and realizing there was the obstacle. I thought in my mind that I would abandon all other pursuits and ‘give’ myself to my art completely. This process was so abrupt and immediate as to be unbelievable in retrospect. That very day, I received a small, non-descript e-mail posting ‘firehouse looking to honor four men lost on 9/11.’ I read that posting, and the image of this project in its completion poured into my mind. When I replied I had little idea that this ‘manifestation’ process would lead to the deepest, most sustained pain I had ever experienced. That it would shatter my previous understanding of the world and myself. In this process I began to see that ‘manifesting’ didn’t really mean creating a laundry list of all the things I think would thrill and then they would appear. Rather, manifesting, at least for me, began to mean participating in the process of discovery and allowing things to come into my life. It was then that true ‘miracles’ began to occur. [To be continued…]

Give

2008-12-18T12:45:00.000-05:00

Give yourself to your passion - only there will you find greatness.

2008-12-14T10:33:00.001-05:00

"Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck." - Dali Lama

Manifesting - Tips & Tricks

2008-12-11T18:03:00.003-05:00

My post 'Understanding Manifesting' - will be a few installments discussing my experience over the last few years with positive visualization and manifesting - road blocks, highs, lows - why I think I got stuck and why I think sometimes the worst events could actually be invitations - if only you know how to look. I'd love to hear if you've got some tips / tricks - please post.

Understanding Manifesting (Part I)

2008-12-10T18:21:00.003-05:00

If you haven’t been made aware of manifestation and the power of the human mind to create the world around you then you’ve been living under a rock that, consequently, you manifested. I was awakened to this idea a few years ago – about two or three now – and my experience in wrestling with this concept has had the most profound impact on my life but not in ways that I originally thought. I want to preface this summary by saying that through careful exploration of my past I began to realize the truth in the concept that every success I had, began with an idea, a strong magnetic attraction to an idea that I could and would accomplish a particular goal. I was not aware of how powerful ‘seeing’ a goal as accomplished could be. Becoming totally aware of the process and working with it consistently has created an interesting result, but not all ‘peachy’ as some ‘guru’s’ would have you believe.
Starting with the positive, my first foray into positive visualization began back around December of 2005. At that time I had accomplished what would be considered, by all objective measures, a lot. I completed two Master’s degrees – one in fine arts from Columbia University (a goal I had as a 12 year old) and another in imaging science from RIT. My paintings have been selected in several competitive juried shows up and down the east coast but despite all this – I felt completely and miserably ‘stuck.’ Why? To be exact I imagined that after I finished all of those other intermediate goals I would then be a professional artist earning my living solely by making art – and lots of it – large pieces in museums and being part of collections around the world. As the years dragged on from completing my MFA and working as a color scientist, then pulling myself through a mind crushing Master of Science at RIT, raising a family, I continued to feel – and this is a crucial point – like an abject failure, and more so as each year passed on. I know that is the height of ingratitude – but I think regardless of what someone is accomplishing – if it does not match the ‘dream’ of what ‘success’ is, they can live a life of ‘quiet despair.’ OK – I know I said this would be positive but I wanted to lay the groundwork – I stumbled upon Napoleon Hill and the Power of Positive Thinking. I studied it voraciously and was unpleasantly made aware that I was the obstacle – I was what stood between me and this ‘vision.’ Nothing else – not my financial situation, not my parents, not the government or Wall Street or crippling student loans – just me and my relationship to my ‘vision.’ So back to the timeline – in December of 2005 I committed fully to this power of manifestation – focusing solely on the ‘goal’ – by October of 2006 I was delivering to NYC a bronze memorial sculpture honoring firefighters who died in the September 11 attacks. The Holland Tunnel was shut down to bring this piece in. I always have to pause when I think about that – I will never forget making the turn into the Holland Tunnel – looking back at the toll booths and realizing there was a police officer in every single bay holding back the traffic – thousands of cars – to make way for a sculpture (my first bronze ever) I had made. The story was on the front page of several large newspapers on the east coast and on all the local news stations. I thought, oh my, there is something to this positive thinking. So, what did I do? What would you do? I imagined more. I got even more serious about this thing and I began a journey of writing my goals, visualizing them, saying them out loud – I was like a crazy man totally committed to a process of ‘imagining’ things into existence. Well in all honesty, my impression was that the proverbial door closed again. Why? [To be continued…]

Whatever

2008-12-09T23:47:00.002-05:00

Whatever you think you are capable of - double it, and you're still less than halfway to your actual potential -

Changing the World - One Twitter at a Time

2008-12-09T23:18:00.001-05:00

What I Don't Know / What I Do Know

2008-12-06T10:08:00.002-05:00

Before I run back into my studio and work on my art (in between laundry and getting the kids productively occupied) I thought I'd record a list that keeps running around in my mind - I think it came to me for the sole purpose of continuing clarity -

What I don't Know:

I don't know what a trillion is - I took a lot of math but it was mostly concerned with greek letters meant to try and understand on a conscious level what my mind does on an unconscious level - my best approximation is it is a number followed by many zeros.

I don't know what a fraction of a trillion is -
I don't know what a collateralized swap option is - I don't know who invented them or why - I don't even know who agreed they were a good idea.
I don't know Paulson, I don't know Bernake, I don't know Volker, I don't know who they work for or who works for them, I don't know who came before them or who will come after them. I don't know what a billion is (except that it has a lot of zeros) so I certainly don't know what 700 billion is - I don't know what giving something I don't know to someone I don't know is.
I don't know the stock market, I don't know if studying the stock market or finance for my entire life would have prevented a 'crisis' of losing several trillion dollars (which I don't know what is) causing a bunch of people I don't know to vote to give a person I don't know many billions of dollars (which I don't know what is) to someone I don't know - to further compound the problem I don't know if that will 'work' or 'not work' - but I don't know what 'working' is because I don't really know finance.
What a pickle (I know what a pickle is luckily).

What I Do Know

Today is today, now is now.
When I woke up, the sun was shining - I had more 'friends' on Facebook and more 'followers' on Twitter.
I know I found great value in the smile on my children's faces.
I know I found great value in the cup of coffee I had.
I know I had some fascinating dreams which would make interestng works of art.
I know people 'trapped' in 'free' environments and people 'free' in oppressive environments.
I know people wealthy with nothing in the bank and people poor with a lot in the bank.
I know if it is possible to 'lose' 1 trillion in a week, it should be possible to 'find' 1 trillion in a week.
I know either scenario would not make my daughters smile any sweeter.
I know I can't chose what happens in the world but I can chose what happens in my heart and mind.
I know that freedom, prosperity, happiness is an 'inside/out' process.

OK - I've got to get back to the studio - I like my second list better.

50 Coat

2008-12-05T21:26:00.001-05:00

I made the rather pleasant discovery today that 50 coat can be cut and carved - hmmm, much more versatile than I first imagined.

Playing

2008-12-05T09:06:00.004-05:00

There is an interesting concept that Guy Finley spoke about in one of his lectures - 'playing to learn.' He contrasts this with the idea of 'learning to play.' Thinking back on my childhood, and watching my children grow - there is that precious skill of playing that we tend to lose as we get older. Modifying an age old law of physics - a child at play tends to stay at play until an outside force acts upon it. As we get older, what I think happens is we tend to become more and more conscious of that 'outside force.' But it really doesn't have to be that way. I began to write - most - but then I reflected and had to change this next sentence to ALL outside forces are outside of our control - all. Think about that - doesn't that make you wonder? Think deeper - how much of our day is spent dwelling on an outside force and what to do about it? Of course we can influence some things - and we can make our opinion known, lend a hand, work hard to contribute to society - but at the end of the day it is influence only. Things happen, markets change, what we once thought was secure is all of sudden in flux. And yet, I guarantee in any city anywhere in the world in any park anywhere, you will find a child at play. Is that simplistic and unrealistic to ponder? I think it holds a secret to true happiness. If we can remember to play. These are some of the thoughts I have when working on some of my art - and I think about the economy, war, politics, health - Napoleon Hill pointed out that God gave us power over but one thing in the world and that is our mental attitude. Do you have a dream, a passion - something incredible you want to achieve? Think of this time as an invitation to find that child again, an invitation to greatness - play to learn, play to dream, play.

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Second Guessing

2008-12-02T17:50:00.003-05:00

I have to confess that often I struggle with doubt and second guessing. Positive thinking is definitely a full time job. Sometimes an idea will come to me and then I think, no – I shouldn’t do that for this reason or that reason. Regarding making art in particular – the idea visits me that making visual images is not particularly important in the grand scheme of things. There is something beyond positive thinking; however, and that is more accurately described as ‘right’ thinking. It’s funny, the mind is like a chatterbox – it just keeps thinking. Most of the thoughts are not really worth much – particularly the ones that involve limit or inaction. I think about all of the steps that take me places – each one of them ‘scary’ at times, some much more than others. Just the other day I finished a taping called ‘Peace’. I put it up on Imagekind and then I thought, let me send this to a person I know who might appreciate it. Now, it is important to understand, each one of these steps involve doubt and second guessing – should I make the work, investing all that time into it – why am I making it? Does it ‘fit in’ with my other artwork? What is my artwork in general? Would this person want to see it? Why is it even important? These are all just random thoughts associated with ‘the process.’ I did finish it though, and sent the link – ‘right thinking’ is acting in spite of a negative or fear thought. It ‘feels’ different from ‘positive’ thinking in that it isn’t imagining a fantasy world of what would be fun and fantastic – it is a process of looking at negative thoughts as immaterial and unimportant. Within minutes of sending the link, the person called me up – she began crying over the phone and told me how she loves her grandchildren and this reminded her so much of when she would tell them she loves them to the stars and back. It made me realize images are important, that acting on positive thoughts is important – the conversation brought me more ideas to make more images and I realized again how important it is to not second guess.

2008-11-24T17:53:00.001-05:00

Your work is to discover your work – and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.
- Buddha

Prints

2008-11-23T11:50:00.003-05:00

I got some feedback regarding one of my prints on Imagekind - Dream Structure I: Version 2 - she writes:

"Dear Rob, I got my print of 'Dream Structure' from Imagekind. It's more beautiful than I could have imagined! Thank you. xoxoxoxo" - Nancy, Long Island, NY

Thank you for the feedback Nancy - I'm really happy you are enjoying it so much. - Rob

Suiting Up

2008-11-23T10:29:00.002-05:00

You have to be careful when working with a lot of art materials. Many of them have vapors which aren't so good for the body. Using the resin that I do is no exception - and actually one of the more noxious odors - smells a lot like straight ammonia while I'm working with it until it cures. I just mixed up a batch of that to coat a new taping I just finished, and to begin the bottom portion of Ogallala with. I usually put on goggles, wear gloves and a charcoal filtered mask with two straps - not just the flimsy little paper masks that are really just for nuisance dust. Whenever I 'suit up' like that - I am reminded of a time when I worked at this pharmaceutical company years ago. My buddy and I had to make a batch of some really nasty stuff - what made it so dangerous was we were working with a deadly chemical. Basically one fingernail of the stuff could kill - and we were making a 150 Kg batch about 30 to 40 Kg's being this dangerous chemical. We shut the entire building down and just he and I were 'suited up' with scott air packs and one piece over-all suits. It was kind of like '2001 A Space Odyssey' - and trust me, I had a lot of fun with that - walking around the building like an astronaut saying 'Hal, open the pod bay door - Hal' - or I would announce - 'Everyone stay calm, there is nothing to fear'.

2008-11-19T17:44:00.000-05:00

[The person] who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how.

— Sir John Templeton, Laws of Life.

What Attracts

2008-11-18T23:11:00.002-05:00

I'm kind of curious what attracts people to art - I know that sounds kind of like a silly question but I really mean, specifically. Do people turn to art for entertainment - as a form of distraction, or is it a form of focus? Some of the work I'm very drawn to is for example Ellsworth Kelly, one piece in particular captivates me - it is 'Electric Blue' - I have a hard time explaining why. It is simply a large blue square, hung so that it hangs like a diamond. Is it the exact proportion? It doesn't translate on a computer screen so don't bother trying to get a sense of it there. I do believe that it is no exaggeration to say I could look at that piece longer than the Mona Lisa - is that strange? I'm also a big fan of Jonathan Borofsky - I really like in particular how he would dream, or write down some silly little part of his dream and then make that into an art piece. Who else? Malevich - he was a Russian artist who created these things he called Suprematist compositions - and my favorite among them was 'White on White' - Malevich believed that 'the object in itself was meaningless ... the ideas of the conscious mind are worthless' - on a conscious level, I disagree with what he is saying - although I could probably ramble on and parse that sentence for several paragraphs as to why what he is saying falls apart - but still, the work itself I find hypnotic and magnetic - there is something so still in that and the Kelly piece - it does remind me so much of a line by Vernon Howard 'Man fears nothing more than his own silent mind'. Me, I kind of like it - I've always loved nothing more than working in my studio making a piece that takes on a life essence in a way. It is like a thought crystal that finds its way into the physical realm - the work takes on an emotive energy when it begins to push back. Often times I'm not even sure if I 'like' a piece that I've made but often I can't stop looking at it for quite a while and wondering where it came from. I'd love to hear what draws people to art.

Gesso Panel

2008-11-17T21:50:00.002-05:00

Starting 'Corralled' - I am beginning with a sheet of plywood finished grade. It is actually smooth on both sides - birch I believe. To prepare the gesso ground I'm using Gamblin traditional gesso. This is one of the materials that can be used to create the white surface. Another alternative is the acrylic polymer emulsion but that has a less absorbent surface. Real gesso is a combination of rabbit skin glue, gypsum, calcium carbonate and titanium dioxide. Many years ago, I would stretch unprimed linen and then size it with rabbit skin glue, which I cooked - and man does that stuff wreak :) - This Gamblin gesso is much nicer in that everything is all in there - plus, you couldn't use this on a stretched canvas as it is too brittle. I had to put the mixture into distilled water yesterday and let it sit for about 24 hours. Once it was done soaking - I then used a double boiler to heat water underneath the pot of soaking gesso. It is very delicate and shouldn't be heated directly. You can see the little crystals of rabbit skin glue in the mixture and once those are dissolved - it is ready to go. I usually do stuff like this right in the kitchen - so, if you can imagine it - a sheet of plywood leaned up against the cabinets and gesso on the stove - yummy :) - When I work on sculpture, sometimes I put the clay in the oven to soften it a bit - mmm, yummy. Once the gesso is dry, I'll probably sand it with a 220 grit sand paper and then mix up another batch to give it a beautiful surface. I really love a pristine gessoed surface and really kind of wish I could have a show of just gessoed panels - they really are beautiful. There is nothing like a beautifully Lambertian surface.

Water Within

2008-11-16T09:21:00.003-05:00

The meaning, for me, regarding 'Ogallala' - as I touched on a little earlier - was the irony that many, many people in the midwest suffered years and years of a terrible drought while a huge quantity of water lay below their feet. Friends who know me know that I talk a lot about 'positive visualization' - which is probably the greatest 'tool' we can discover and use. Positive visualization can help you to bring things into your life - but I also learned something even more just this last week. I finished reading a book by Vernon Howard 'Pathway to a Perfect Life' - and he really helped to drive home an even deeper point. There is nothing in this world exterior to yourself that can bring true happiness or joy. Things in our exterior world are not the 'source' of true, deep happiness. Reading that book I realized a deeper significance with 'Ogallala' - and possibly the under-painting of a person in a reflective state - while we are working through this economic down turn - it is what we have stored inside ourselves - where the true source of abundant joy and peace reside - if at the 'being' level we do our most work then we can achieve the most. I like watching movies on 'the secret' - but what I try to remember is, while the focus on many of those movies is bringing more 'stuff' into your world - how many people do we know who have 'stuff' flying in but are absolutely miserable, and the opposite, know people who are seemingly without much but have a deep and beautiful sense of themselves and life around them. This time, too, shall pass - how will this next moment be spent? In anxious worry about what will come into or go out of our life - or in silent gratitude of the incredible abundance each moment brings?

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Water

2008-11-16T08:53:00.002-05:00

So I began working on the water in Ogallala - but I decided to use a happier medium (a little artist joke). I went with Golden's Acrylic polymer heavy gel medium and the Golden's pthalo blue. I will most likely use this in layers and layers. I was going to use the amber varnish that I mentioned earlier - that is an oil based pigment - but I didn't for a few reasons - one is, the acrylic is water based and, in fact this is a depiction of water - seems to make sense to me :) - also, it is much more convenient. I keep forgetting that the acrylic paints offer so much more these days. Back when I was painting in acrylic in the late 80's early 90's all I was aware of was very simple mediums that to my recollection didn't allow for the transparent layering that can be achieved with oil. It is an interesting side note that most color today, and most of the images we are looking at, are created with a dot matrix of laying primary colors side by side - like the artist Seurat. Paintings and even old photographic images, were created by laying primaries one over the other in transparent layers - this accomplishes a level complexity that I tend to enjoy visually. Some of my next steps are to take pete moss and I am going to make a batch of resin and suspend the pete moss in the resin for the portion underneath. Above, I am also going to use resin right over the concrete but while it is curing, I am going to try and suspend sand right into the resin. Working like this is very satisfying because it reminds me of the three dimensional nature of painting - even a Vermeer was concerned not just with composition and color, but the physical characteristics of each layer of paint.

Inspiritus

2008-11-14T22:06:00.000-05:00

Silent Mind

2008-11-14T21:43:00.001-05:00

I remember when I was up at grad school, being in my studio on 125th street in Harlem. It was a second floor with about four or five very large windows. Each window had a huge arc to them, very rounded. I could open them up and hear all the hustle and bustle of NYC, cars, sirens, whistles, the elevated portion of the 1/9 ran right by. One most magical evening, snow came and it fell gently. Snow has the most amazing ability to quiet everything and in a moment like that, I felt most alive.