Night After a Hurricane

Hurricane, 20" x 30", watercolour, whereabouts unknown

They took the ferry over to PEI for a show.

It was December and a winter storm set in.

It was a strange opening (that's what they call an event where people gather to look at art, but really don't).
It felt more like a closing.
It was a strange mixture of people.

They were on a winter island renowned for tourists, with no tourists around.

He recalled a nun at the opening who openly enjoyed the Hurricane painting. She said it did that "you know what" to her.

Then she blushed. So did he.

It was the night when he met Joseph Sherman - the poet, and editor of the defunct Arts Atlantic magazine.

He knew he was a tireless promoter of maritime art and artists.
It was also a grumpy night for Joe.
And it was also uncomfortable for all present when Joe openly lambasted representational art, old conservative Realism, and the desire to convey a concept or idea with a pictorial objective. The sermon seemed endless. Thank god there was wine.
When Joe was finished, he replied "we now have a new academy, that of  Social justice progressivism, one that embellishes identity and  probably through art, alienates more people than it convinces."

It was the only time he met Joe Sherman.
It was a long time ago.
Joe passes away in 2006.

He recalled mentioning the nun's words to his wife when they were back in Fox Island, after a hurricane.
 She said "Joe Sherman should have listened to the nun."
He blushed again.

 Steven Rhude, Wolfville, NS








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