I remember the first time Louis and Elsie invited me to their home and studio. I was sitting in Basin Park sketching pastel portraits of the passing tourist. Louis came up to me and invited me to come and visit them in thier home for a drink after I had finished my work. I must admit I didn't know what to expect. Louis and Elsie were quite gracious and really made me feel at ease and a part of the artist community.
I was quite intruigued and impressed as they showed me their work and told me of their travels and life experiences. I was very young then and looking for inspiration and guidance. It was amazing to me to watch their innner actions and love they had for each other as well as the creativity and dedication they had for their work.
They treated me more like an equal, although I had little experience, and a great way to go with my work and my life.
I admired them so much. I wanted to grow up and follow in their foot steps.
I was facinated by their earlier sketches, water colors and oils of their travels in foreign countries and listen to their every word.
Elsie's jewelery was stunning in how she transtormed simple elements into wonderful pieces of art. I would bring her small found stones and other objects that she would collect and work into her jewelry designs. She would always smile and say,"Jim, why dont you sit right down here and sketch some designs of your own?" I eventually did...but they could never compare to what she could do or make.
Eventually in 1973 I moved to Eureka and opened up a small studio and gallery and they would come by and visit. They were always supportive and truely interested in me and my work. My marriage was on the rocks at the time and Elsie was always there to listen...but never offered personal advice unless I asked. I wanted so much to have a relationship like Louis and Elsie had for each other.
Louis would show me paintings he was working on and always ask to see what new project or painting I was creating. He would always encourage me and tell me to follow my own heart and creativity and never be afraid to explore new medias and styles with my work.
I wish I would have taken more time to spend with them when they were around. But it always seemed that most of my time was spent just trying to create and sell enough work to just pay the bills and survive. They understood more than any one else. When I was on hard times they would show up out of no where and buy a piece or two of my work. That always amazed me. They never had to do that. It was a show of not only friendship and support, but of their own character and how they supported the arts in general.
They were a very rare, beautiful and talented couple that I was very privileged to know and call my friends. I hope that their memory and works they created never fall into obsecurity like most other artist after their passing. The world is a far better place for their life they lived and shared and I hope they will be remembered forever.
