The Original in 1968
I did the original in 1968 in Oakland California. My reason for being there was to go to art school at California College of Arts and Crafts. I had letters of recommendation in my pocket from the head of the art department from Mott in Flint and took first place at the 38th Flint Annual art show. That painting was 7 x 10 foot big and named ‘Kite Flying’. I went out there with no money in my pocket and hoped to get a scholarship. So there I was asking a woman behind her big desk about scholarships. Her eyes crossed as the words, ‘That money is for our students’ echoed in my ears. It was at that point I realized I was in California in the 60’s and I was right where I needed to be. I went to my new home and started the above original that day and shortly after began the Black Book Project. I never tried to sell or exhibit or go to art school again. Everything I did I either gave away or destroyed.  The original I gave away many years ago and all I had was a little photo of it. In 2020 I decided to recreate this work from a pivotal time in my life. But this piece was created with gessoed swatches of burlap. It is the same size as the original at 4 by 6 foot, a framed oil painting and has awakened me from a long sleep.