Norma Bassett Hall, 1889-1957
Last week a few days unfolded for me in Eugene, Oregon. Inexplicably I had kept away from the city for almost a quarter century. Put four of those units together and you're in the World War I era.
The chief reason I traveled to Eugene was to attend a talk by Dr. Joby Patterson on my ancestor Norma Bassett Hall. The day also included a guided walk through the exhibition of Hall's work at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in Eugene, and coincided with the release of Dr. Patterson's book on the artist. That day signaled the culmination of a process which began (as far as my involvement went) nearly a decade earlier, when I saw an Antiques Roadshow segment involving the acquisition of a Hall print at a Goodwill store. (And no, Arthur W. Hall wasn't a "Scottish fellow.") In response to the episode, I sent the following email to The Oregonian newspaper, on April 27, 2005:
I would have enjoyed Inara Verzemnieks' "Road Show reappraisal," (April
24, 2005) for its clear depiction of what antiques and collectibles can
bring out in people; and for its description of a "Antiques Roadshow"
shoot. But I was also interested in the article, since Norma Bassett
Hall is my great-great aunt. Although I have been aware of Hall and her
prints for a long time, Verzemnieks' piece has led me to find out more
about my ancestor.
On May 10, 2005 I contacted the author of the newspaper article mentioned in the email. Through her I met Dr. Patterson. I have indeed, almost ten years later, "found out more about my ancestor" through her tremendous efforts.
Dr. Joby Patterson, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, August 23, 2014, with slide of the Cottage in Skye print.
It behooved me to locate the student housing-type building where I lived for two years while attending UO. It abides, like a Pequod of the dry docks.
I set out on a walk through the spokes of the sun's heat to view the memorial statue to Ken Kesey, The Storyteller. Ken had another visitor that day.
That sounds a very interesting trip, thanks for the links. Good that you have been able to find out more about your ancestor.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Jonathan, I'm hoping to get back into blogging, where the time goes to, I don't know, I feel it moves faster than I do. :)
Lisa, thank you for the comment. The trip sure was rewarding. I always look forward to your blog posts. I know what you mean about time seeming to fly by.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting few days, Jonathan. Really like the Ken Kesey photo, I think he would have too. I thought 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' a minor classic.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate it, Ray. Glad you liked the Kesey photo. I was surprised to see the guy there but thought it made for a provocative grouping.
ReplyDeleteDo you own work of your great-great aunt? Finding it in a Goodwill or Second Hand store would be amazing. I didn't know she had to make a block for each color, that seems like a lot of work.
ReplyDeleteRob, I do own one print by my great-great aunt. Dr. Patterson's book is a great study of her art and life, and it was impressive to see the art show. Many of the works were new to me. I haven't had the luck to find something like that in a thrift store. A tremendous amount of work does go into the printmaking process.
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