The Things

by Donald Hall

Published in The New Yorker, January 4, 2010 issue



When I walk in my house I see pictures,

bought long ago, framed and hanging

—de Kooning, Arp, Laurencin, Henry Moore—

that I’ve cherished and stared at for years,

yet my eyes keep returning to the masters

of the trivial: a white stone perfectly round,

tiny lead models of baseball players, a cowbell,

a broken great-grandmother’s rocker,

a dead dog’s toy—valueless, unforgettable

detritus that my children will throw away

as I did my mother’s souvenirs of trips

with my dead father, Kodaks of kittens,

and bundles of cards from her mother Kate.

The Radiant Child

He Likes Them Big

The Russ Meyer of dahlias. And they're natural.

Recking the Building

Kevin over at the Candler Arts blog posted a fine drawing by one of the great Southern self-taught artists, Dilmus Hall of Athens, Georgia. It illustrates the Bible story of Samson destroying a huge temple, several thousand Philistines and himself in one great burst of vengeance. Seeing that version made me dig around and find another version of the same subject, titled Sampson Recking the Building. For some reason I remembered the title as "Rocking the Building." I like both. A lot of self-taught artists made variations on a theme, but you rarely get to see them side-by-side. I notice that in Kevin's version, Samson's face is showing, he is much more muscular, and is barefoot. In the one here, his face is hidden and he's wearing dress shoes. The radiant energy of Samson's strength is much the same in both.

Christmas In Black and White

A few snapshots from Christmas Past.

Christmas Decoration Yard Show

Since we moved to the neighborhood five years ago, one house just up the street always has a compelling yard display at Christmastime. I always promise myself to get pictures, and finally this year I walked over with camera in hand. It just so happened that Mr. Williams was working on his display when I arrived, and graciously gave his permission to take some pictures. He utilizes nearly all the plants in his yard, whether evergreen or bare, to hang and support the decorative elements. As far as I'm concerned, Christmas yard decorations are an American folk art, and I appreciate the generosity of people who install them for the delight of others. So Merry Christmas from Mr. and Mrs. Williams, who have been doing this at their home for 45 years.

A Private Indulgence

Happy Birthday, T!!!



Real photo postcard from Luc Sante's "Folk Photography: The American Real-Photo Postcard, 1905-1930." Get your copy!