Notes on a Writing Life 46
February 14 2023
Dear all,
February in Key West is buzzing once again with artistic and social activities, artists’ openings, readings, get-togethers such as we have not had since Covid hit and made us all stay at home. It feels different, somehow – we greet each other, relieved and grateful that we can.
Lincoln Perry @ Jag Gallery, Key West
One of my favorite contemporary painters, Lincoln Perry, is back in town with a new show at Jag Gallery and a new book called ‘Seeing Like an Artist.’ It’s a joy to read - lucid, humane, informative, personal. It reminds me of going round galleries with my painter brother, Richard Crabtree, and with other artist friends. It’s like having someone take me by the hand and show me what matters and even how it was done. And more, it somehow revives my hope for us all, reminding me of the beauty of what humans do and can create.
Susan Sugar @ Salt Gallery
Another favorite painter, Susan Sugar, has a small but beautiful show of her sea- and sky-scapes at Salt Gallery. Her paintings are quintessential Key West – changing skies, calm and then stormy seas. Her painting ‘Close to Midnight’ drew my attention particularly. Yes, this is what we live with on this island, day and night.
I’m doing a reading of my novella, ‘Elena, Leo, Rose’ on February 16, on the rooftop at The Studios of Key West, called ‘Hugh’s View’ and one of the best places to see a Key West sunset. I’ll be in conversation with my studio mate, Jessica Argyle, whose own new book ‘Sidetrack Key’ is selling like the proverbial hot cakes. And my husband, Allen Meece, launched his new sci-fi novel ‘Brave New Mars’ at the end of January – for any of you who love science fiction, space and the stars.
These same stars are vivid and clear above the island, these winter nights. We’ve lived for months under Jupiter, now we see Venus big and bright in the west after sunset. I hear that all the planets are now moving forward – and perhaps we are too.
Affectionately, Ros