Late Fall 2021 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
We have welcomed the fog and rain here in Sonoma County like the gift that it is and are more than happy to sit on the deck in the cold, enjoying the freshness. The garlic on our farm rises as if it were spring, the grass is already green and dewy each morning, and the chickens lay precious few eggs with the shortening days.
Our bodies want to sleep in the mornings more than ever and I want to read.
Per always if it doesn't please you to receive these emails then it doesn't please me. You are welcome to remove yourself at any time with the unsubscribe button at the bottom of this missive.
in this issue:
+ Goat Girl CD arrival
+ In memory of Arthur Lisch
+ Three Books
arthur lisch
Arthur Lisch, known to me as my godfather, left this world almost two years ago now at the age of 81, our families effectively adopted each other many years ago so he was part of us. We finally had the chance to celebrate him on the 7th of November at the Peace garden he created in the 80's in Sebastopol at Ragle Park, then here at our home in Cotati where we told stories, ate, drank, laughed, cried and payed tribute. Known for his quiet yet relentless peace work through many decades Arthur was a figure of grace and complexity, an artist as well as a history maker.
Arthur was one of the founders of the Digger Party in the late sixties and an original “Artivist” famously creating the street art performance “Death of a Hippie” (image below) which paraded through the streets of San Francisco in 1967 shortly after another one of his creative events, the Summer of Love. Flashy as this was his work did not end there and his impact runs long and deep, Arthur was humble yet a rebel, always in thoughtful service to humanity.
Celebrating him served as a reminder of how important it is to have closure in these matters, even if it is almost 2 years after. These gatherings reshape the fabric of community, helping us process the coming's and goings of life. After all it will happen to each of us and continue to reshape our community and relations. Arthur is survived by wife Paula and daughter Eleuthera, near and dear to our family. Arthur is also survived by Daughter Sarah, Son Damon and grandchildren Milo and Max.
Peace be with you Arthur as you are Peace!
three books
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
I have just finished this gripping book, essential reading of the dystopian type, like 1984 or The Handmaids tale but very much it's own. It is challenging yet important reading and I look forward to its companion Parable of the Talents. Butler is also a central figure in the Afrofuturist movement. If you are interested please see the current exhibit up at the Oakland Museum.
museumca.org/exhibit/mothership-voyage-afrofuturism
The Changeling by Joy Williams
The Changeling is now on my short list of all-time favorite books. After reading it I foisted it on a number of friends. My friend Catherine said something to the effect that it wasn't so much she felt she read it but that it happened to her. It is disturbing yet super beautiful at the same time. Like your guts are being torn out but somehow you want that to be happening.
If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino
I love Italo Calvino and often laugh out loud at the strange scenarios he sets up. In a Cloven Viscount a man is split in two down the center in battle then exists that way until his two selves reunite some years later, in this world I believe it. If on a Winters Night is remarkable for its intertwining of no less than the beginning of 10 novels spurred on by a sort of detective love story.
help wanted
Ian Winters and I are seeking to hire someone to manage publicity for a show we will be sharing at The MilkBar in Richmond in March of 2022. We need support in order to mount my Quarry project sound installation and his Tides project. Please reach out and let me know if you or someone you know is interested.
being (on) social (media)
I am sometimes engaging in the world of social media. Please find/follow/join me?
Instagram: @merlincolemann
Bandcamp: merlincoleman.bandcamp.com