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Prior Letters
Kandinsky and de Hartmann
How wonderful to read this article, from Renaud's meaningful
introduction, to 'touching' the real Kandinsky via his own feelings and
words! It is – or should be – really amazing that Kandinsky's
complete letters have not been published, or it seems even contemplated!...
while so many have had that coverage... . In a way, we really do not know him,
this private Kandinsky. I'm sure he put effort and thoroughness into his
correspondence, as he did with all he had put his name to, so even a good-size
selection of his letters would be revelatory, judging by this sample here! Kudos
to the author and the two collaborators!... and please do not stop there...
Philip Gerstein
Jelena Hahl-Fontaine's and Lissa Tyler Renaud's article:
Kandinsky and His Closest Friend, Thomas de Hartmann
Summers in Saratoga
Ah, such a lovely reminiscence. Born and raised
nearby and spent many a season at the Springs. Many happy memories: the weather,
the scenery, the people and of course -- the racing. Something ethereal about
the racing, unlike any other in the country. Thank you Ms Verdino-Süllwold, you
are a merchant of dreams.
George Nierbasch
Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold's Article: Summers at the "Spa"
Calling All Builders
This Gerstein painting is an
"architectural" work. Can you imagine an entire wall with this
painting stretching across it. Or the side of a windowless building. His colors
alone are that constructionist. He never ceases to amaze me.
Sidney Siegal
Philip Gerstein's painting: The
Glorious Union of Greenland with Iceland
Jack Kerouac Trilogy
Kerouac, Clarise
Lispector, Edward Hopper all in one play! Silva is an ingenious playwright with
a wicked sense of humor. This is the kernel of a future film or maybe as a
trilogy, a tasty mini- series. As the Orange Cuckoo says: We'll wait and see.
Lou Laird
Jack Kerouac? Clarise Lispector? Edward Hopper? What kind of mind would put
these three people in the same play, a Jack Kerouac trilogy? Altenir Silva's
mind. He's Brazilian, like Lispector, and he's a NY Yankees fan, so he
knows his Americana. Imagine what he might do in a longer form. Nós estamos
esperando.
George Vecsey
Altenir Silva's play: 1. Clarice & Jack
How To Poem
Nicely
stated. I'd only add: there are no rules, only good and bad choices, and if
after all this, you find yourself unhappily having to force yourself to write
poetry, quit! There's no shame in not writing poetry though the Creative
Writing Industry would have you believe otherwise. However, becoming a sensitive
and perceptive reader of poetry is a noble and worthwhile endeavor.
Jefferson Carter
Delightful. It reads as if Dorothy
Parker and Robert Benchley had put their heads together at the request of Harold
Ross. And yes, poeming while driving or operating heavy machinery can be
hazardous to your health!
Miles David Moore
I love what Greg Luce is doing in
How to Poem. We need poetry now more than ever. So many good suggestions.
Karren Alenier
Gregory Luce's column: How To Poem
The Fire Next Time
Many thanks to Michael Bettencourt for
reminding us that James Baldwin was a "trumpet on the mountain" of his
time and still today as Frederick Douglass was in his time, and still today.
Their voices can't be drowned out, as Mr. Bettencourt says: "Not at all
".
Berk Redmond
Michael Bettencourt's column: The Fire Next Time
Faeries et al
Here, dear Arthur, are a few
thoughts from better minds than mine and I'm sure part of your Faeries'
creed:
There are no facts, only interpretations.
There are no answers, only choices.
We are predetermined to repeat the past.
It took me a while and several read-throughs to realize that this essay is
an undisguised sub-text with many interesting metaphors and shadowed similes.
Clever, a trifle insidious, blandly provocative. It's a good read.
Betel Hershowitz
Sadly, I don't think there are any faeries left in the Americas. They were
driven out by the Scots-Irish-British-German-Spanish invasions which replaced
them with goblins, trolls and social medianiks. And that includes my ancestors
who couldn't even spell the word correctly, uh... who couldn't even
spell.
Michael Aptrow
Arthur Danin Adler's column: The Last of My Faeries
Evocative and Masterful
I thought
Karren Alenier's "pennydreadful of a great nation" was absolutely
brilliant. Each vignette or section is more evocative than the last. It really
captured the horrors we are living through with wit, wisdom and sorrow for our
current predicament. She has done a masterful job in capturing the sorry state
of our nation; I hope that after November 3 she can turn her talents to
celebrating a new dawn.
Nancy Braymer
Thank you to Karren Alenier and to the editors of Scene4 for this entertaining
way of using a past style of writing to set forth the horrors of our present
situation. It tells our current and awful story, artfully presented!
JoAnne Growney
Gertrude
Stein, Jonathan Swift and Terry Southern walk into a bar: That's my
description of Karren Alenier's "pennydreadful of a great
nation." It is exactly the sort of witty, all-encompassing satire we need
right now, and kudos to Alenier for providing it. Meanwhile, may the actual
Penny Dreadful we're living through have a happy ending!
Miles David Moore
Wow !!
This IS something. What a consciousnessraising. I love how she represents so
many viewpointsall. She will be like Shakespeare - making up new words by
combining them: moonbeam, farmhouse, dewdrop ....
Mary Anne Braymer
Karren Alenier's column: pennydreadful of a great nation
Knitting and Guillotines
Claudine's piece is laugh-out-loud hilarious.
She captures well the landmines of language laid out for us today, where even
the simplest statement, such as Jack's "Bob, you want to go first?", triggers
grievance and retribution. As she says at the end of her essay, our language
hubs these days are like the Bastille: "no yogurt and chocolate, only knitting
and guillotines."
Michael Bettencourt
Claudine Jones' column: Gobshite
Delightful Changes
Once again I am delighted, with the October issue of Scene4. I can't stop
talking about it and sharing articles and photographs with my colleagues and
throughout my social media networks. This was a tough month for me, losing
several good friends to chronic illnesses and just when I thought I couldn't
smile again, Scene4 changed all of that for me. The Seven Dawns brought me
the greatest delight. I also loved reading about the Arts of Thailand, The
Summer of Spa that reminded me of many good times from yesteryear and I was
moved by Michael Bettencourt's article about James Baldwin, especially with
everything that is happening in the world today. Sometimes I can't tell if I
am living in the year 2020 or in the 1800s. The fear of racism and hatred feels
the same to me. I also enjoyed Miles David Moore's article Mea Culpa on What
I Missed. Loved it. I apologise for writing too much and being so overjoyed with
the beauty of Scene4 magazine. Thank you and I am already on pins and needles
waiting for the November issue.
Mikael
October Issue
The Color of Seasons
Thank you for
this. It is so sad that the exhibition was not to be. As lovely as this
presentation is, it never matches the truth and beauty of the actual paintings
hanging for all to see, there to feel the presence of the artists. Ms
Newberger's painting is sumptuous and subtle, as she says: "Everything
is interesting". And Mr. Gerstein's painting is so beautifully nuanced,
I do not see anything "abstract" about it all. I also appreciated the
enlightening essay of Brian George. Wonderful. Bravo Scene4.
E. Goldenthal
The Presentation: The Color of Seasons
Surprising Photos
Photos in this month's magazine were all excellent. I was surprised to see a
twist in Jon Rendell's section this time around. It was a pleasant surprise
that made me smile a lot. Again, thank you for all the wonderful articles,
photos, paintings, poems and everything that you provide to all of us that love
Scene4 so much.
Mikael Wagner
September 2020 Issue
Life on the Small Screen
I couldn't agree more with Miles David Moore (and the emphasis is
surely on more more more) about missing the experience of going to a movie
theater and comparing it to a two-week vacation. The small screen at home just
isn't the same as the big screen in the dark cinema. That said, Moore still
makes us feel we have experienced the full breadth of theater in his
full-spectrum reviews of 7500 and The Truth. While I'm not partial to small
spaces like the cockpit of a jet under terrorist seige, I might give 7500 a try
because of this reviewer's thoughtful comments. The Truth sounds more suited
to my tastes and goodness knows we Americans are struggling these days with a
deluge of books on that theme of relative truth. Good choice, MDM. Thank you for
overcoming your justified misery about missing the movie theater.
Karren Alenier
Miles David Moore's review: Life On The Small Screen
A Pause for Praise
2020 has been the most challenging year in my life. Each and every day seems to
be the same as the day before and I can't seem to tell the difference
between one day from the next. There was a time that I would be so excited on
Thursday knowing that TGIF was coming around again and I would be able to see
friends and enjoy each other's company. Those days seems to have disappeared.
The one thing that my mind and soul seems to be aware of is when Scene4 Magazine
is coming out. Usually on the day before the notice comes out I am already
tingling about the wonderful magazine. There aren't many magazines that grab
me the way Scene4 does. The articles are well thought out and brilliantly
written to grab my attention. This month's article about Quarantine Love
grabbed my attention because I feel exactly the same way and the time period is
allowing me to learn to so many new things through practice and reading. I loved
the article on Meth and Tattoos because of previous work in the field and
it's well written in a very user friendly way. The Native American poetry
also meant a lot to me too. Last but not least, the photographs by Jon Rendell
continue to take my breath away. Fog on Hobsons Bay was spectacular although I
am still holding on to the visuals from the July issue of the beautiful pelicans
that he managed to photograph. Overall, Scene4 brings me so much joy and I
wanted to take a pause and say Thank You to Scene4 and all the wonderful
creative people that come together to make it so incredible.
Mikael Wagner
August 2020 Issue
Patrick Nagel
Just to let you know that there is a new Patrick Nagel discussion group,
where fans, collectors and anyone else interested in Patrick Nagel's life
and work can explore and converse. You can ask, buy, sell and discuss anything
and everything about Patrick Nagel, and meet others who enjoy his work as much
as you do -- and there are always more people becoming more interested in Nagel
every day.
Rob Frankel
Patrick Nagel in Scene4: it's in the eyes
Patrick Nagel Discussion Group
Fog on Hobsons Bay
Love these aqueous studies of the waterscape just at our front door. Keep up the
good work as in this challenging time we need your insightful 'artistic
vision' more than ever.
Anne of Avec Pleasure
Jon Rendell's photography: Fog On Hobsons Bay
A Wonder
This is
brilliant, beautifully written, and populated with wonderful photos. I wish I
had seen 15% of the films you cite. You've seen so many it's a wonder
that you've had time to write poems, including the interesting one with
which you end the piece. Kudos.
Gary
Miles David Moore's Review: A Fine Madness
Hat's Off to Steiny
This is a fine essay about a fine poet. My hat is off to Steiny for her clear
presentation and appreciation of Don Krieger's work and deep thinking.
Gregory Luce
Karren Alenier's column: Discovery—Poetry from a Brain Expert
Who Made New York?
This is such a deceptively hilarious little play, seemingly tossed off by the
playwright, backward in time. My only question is: who is John Brawl? Brazilian
anagram for the playwright?
Lou Laird
Altenir Silva's play: Who Made New York?
True Comfort Zone
Every time Claudine (Jones) speaks, she takes me into her home. It's as if
I'm walking through the front door and she shows me around. Her anecdotes
and reminiscences, laughter and tears are part of our conversation even if I
truly don't speak. Even though I do, talk to her every time she speaks.
We've been talking and speaking for years and I look forward to our monthly
conversations.
Ann Marie Cuzca
Claudine Jones' column: Comfort Zone
On Hitchcock
Thanks to Miles David Moore for an absorbing and insightful look at this great
director's work. He is such a major influence on today's movies but no
one comes close to his clean and precise and harrowing filmmaking. Well, maybe,
Christopher Nolan does.
Dean Sprigett
Miles David Moore's article: Hitchcock- Master of Claustrophobia
Portrait of a Lady On Fire
What a wonderful film review. It readily brings this exquisite film back to
mind, touching upon all major themes in it – and then generously expanding
our understanding of it by bringing to light the director's references, to
other movies, to painters, writers and historical figures. Particularly relevant
and valuable is Stendhal's underlining at several points the distinction
between the female gaze vs its all too familiar patriarchal equivalent, and her
apt comparison to such rarely mentioned movies as Rivette's "La Belle
Noiseuse". If anything, I wish she expanded further on that... . Ultimately
and happily, as full and enrapturing as this movie experience was,
Stendhal's detailed explication of it does not detract, but rather enriches
one's recollection and understanding – which is an accomplishment and
a rare gift for a film review!
Philip Gerstein
Renate Stendhal's article: Portrait of a Lady On Fire
From Gaudi to Kandinsky
What an arc of architecture this is and so complemented by the rest of the
issue (February 2020). If everything is wiped away by climate change, the
visions and minds of these two great artists will bring it all back. Kind of
over hopeful, huh? Kudos to Stendhal, Wolfe and Renaud.
Lou Laird
Renate Stendhal's article: Art and the City
Ross Wolfe's article: Kandinsky and Architecture
Some Joy
This
issue (February 2020) is simply amazing and congratulations on continuing to
always do an outstanding job every month. The photographic work of Jon Rendell
in this issue blows my mind. He certainly has an eye to see what's really
going on out there. The black swan's photo is beautiful and the way he captures
the smoke from the fires in Melbourne takes my breath away. Thank you so much
and also great thanks to all the other writers and artists because I love their
work just as much. Whenever I see the new Scene4 Magazine I start to smile
before I start to look at it. Thank you for adding joy to my life.
Mikael Wagner
February 2020 Issue
Making Sense of It All
"Human beings are the only creatures on earth with the potential to
make themselves the only creatures on earth." As usual, Michael Bettencourt
has that marvelous writing skill to merge cynicism and optimism into a
stand-still overview of the human condition. I only wish that he were there
every day. But Scene4 is a monthly. It's a long wait for good writing.
Tom Pierman
Michael Bettencourt's column: Making Sense of Non-Sense
SS. Burrus
There
is so much spirtuality in SS. Burrus' painting, so much rich and mysterious
feeling. Thank you for publishing this retrospective of her work, especially of
her last artworks.
Sophi Dietrich
The Art of SS. Burrus: Eye to Eye
Impossible Bird
What is so delightful about this display is that it is not a fantasy. It is
real, and your photographs are wonderful, there really are black swans. Moreso,
the portait of the swan, up close and personal, is a breath-taker, especially
when it is presented on the cover juxtaposed eye-to-eye with Kenneth Branagh as
Shakespeare. Happy for you that you are back in Australia and I gather that you
are too. More, please, more.
Charla Tintari
Jon Rendell's photography: The Impossible Bird
How Anorectic Can A Homily Be?
Hilarious as this is, it also churns my anxiety (which
doesn't need much churning these days). A one long sentence that flashes
through dangling its invitation to be read again and again. Very clever! But
what happens is that my "future" brain matter collides with my
"past" brain matter and raises so many questions, such as: Who the
hell is Clementine? and How did your good doctor ever get a Ph.D.?
Louis Laird, Ph.E.
Arthur Danin Adler's column: A Brief Anorectic Homily On Time
Lives of the Lens
There's no doubt about it, Penn was brilliant and so is Freson. I met Penn
once in New York and always followed his work especially his photojournalism. I
believe and still do that he edited his shots in the camera, in his eye, in his
mind and didn't rely on darkroom wizardry to capture and produce the image.
How far we've come from Penn's vivid and nuanced portraits to what
passes for photography today: filmless, paperless and mindless. Today, the
camera shoots the photo, not the photographer.
Hans Ivganz
Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold's article: Lives Intertwined by
the Lens
Banjerd Lekkong
Yes, a very world class artist. Janine Yasovant writes about him with
compassion and trust. She lets him speak and he speaks with the passion and
strength that he creates in his sculptures. He should be in the art headlines
everywhere, but then we would lose him to New York and Paris and Thailand cannot
afford to lose him. Bravo and thank you for this inspiring view of a great
artist.
Timo Sunchai
Janine Yasovant's article: Banjerd Lekkong
Votes for Women
I
think of Gertrude Stein's Tender Button, "Mildred's Umbrella,"
which one may posit has something to do with the Suffrage Movement(s). "A
cause and no curve..." Perhaps sons, grandsons, et.al. should come along
for this ride, too! A thank you to Karren Alenier for her report on this
exhibition.
Teri Rife
Karren Alenier's column: Votes for Women
Journal Regrets
Whatever the reasons, Patrick Walsh echoes those of us who cannot reconcile our
innermost thoughts and memories with the everyday life we lead. Journals are
important, I agree, but they are also destructive and deadening in that they
stalk our living memory, which continues to change, and make it blurred and
forgetful. Who are journals for anyway? Certainly not the journal keeper.
Andrew Mendelsen
Patrick Walsh's column: The Journal I Never Kept
From Satie to Monk and Back
This is a very hip analysis. Thank you Gregory Luce. You give us a slant
that spurs a thousand angles. The one that tickles me the most is what if Monk
came first and Satie after. Would he lap up the great Thelonius? No doubt in my
mind as his great protege Maurice Ravel drank up the jazz of his time. Monk
still cuts through the noise and leaves space for Satie to follow.
Michael Aptrow
Gregory Luce's article: The piano ain't got no wrong notes
Man Sex
I
think Gertrude Stein once said: A man's Sex is a man's sex is a
man's sex". No she didn't but I'm sure she would. Ms Selena
you're on your toes and in the race.
Olivia Minton
Selena Zachai's poem: A Man's Sex
Divas: Maria Callas with a Dash of Gertrude Stein
Excellent article, which is both an engaging review of the film as well
as a commentary on Callas's life and career reaching beyond the
film. Now I'm primed to see the Habanera aria from "Carmen"
as performed by Callas. If only Callas had loved her body, as I believe Ms.
Stein did hers, she might have had a longer career... and that is something to
dream about.
Teri Rife
Karren Alenier's column: Divas:
Maria Callas with a Dash of Gertrude Stein
Pivoting Backwards
If 1968 was a pivotal
year, what does that make 2018? Les Marcott's take on that timeline is on
the mark. His comment: "We can learn from the events of 1968 or we can
repeat its follies." is particularly poignant. And we're wallowing in
repetition, aren't we?
Lou Laird
Les Marcott's column: LBJ and the Pivotal Year of 1968
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