Dream Havana: A Documentary by Gary Marks

Last January, while recovering from surgery on my Achilles tendon, I was watching the Chicago public TV station, WTTW. I was not even aware of it beforehand, but they were airing a single-time viewing of a documentary about a couple of Cuban writers. It caught me by surprise. I did not even record it. I was transformed by the film, so much so, that I started to search for other air times, without luck. I did manage to get on the web site www.dreamhavanamovie.com set up by Gary Marks, the creator of the film. I got on his mailing list, and then went on with my life.

Recently, I received an email from Mr. Marks informing me that a novel written by one of the men in the film was available for purchase here in the US. I promptly ordered the book and began to think about the film and how I wished to see it again. I decided to write Mr. Marks an email to ask if he could sell a copy. He responded that he would and thus began a chain of events that hopefully will continue beyond today.

The film is about two young men growing up in Havana with an intense desire to write. It traces their friendship through several years of struggle to find ways to express their thoughts and feelings in a repressive environment. Writing freely is something we take for granted here in the US. But in Cuba, freedom is a rare and expensive commodity. For one of the young men, living under such conditions eventually becomes unbearable, and there comes a point of separation. He decides to risk an escape by sea, and leaves his family and friends behind. He makes it safely to the US and starts a new life. But never forgets his friend he left behind.

I met the creator of the film, Gary Marks, today. Over lunch, we discussed his film, his life in Cuba, and the concerns we share of making a living as a creative person. He is a talented and creative man with a real heart for the Cuban people and their daily challenges. He made this film at great personal expense and sacrifice, and for the purest of motives: to tell one facet of the greater story of the human condition. This film is not only about Cuba and its people, but about all men and women and what touches us all and makes us truly human. I highly recommend it.

In Progress

This is not the best photo of this painting, but it will do for now. It is an acrylic underpainting done very loosely. I wanted to capture the fluidity of the water and its blue-green tints. This was done the last two days. Today I started with water-soluble oils and will continue with oil to the finishing stages. I'm not sure I will finish it before we leave on a trip to Colorado. I will try to get as much done tomorrow as I can. Will post results then.

New Painting Started

I started a new painting yesterday...I was fascinated by the high-keyed contrasts and almost tropical colors of the water at Cave Point in Door County, Wisconsin last weekend. I foresee my approach in this ongoing series of works to gradually become more and more abstract as I begin to focus on water reflections, and bright colors. I initially thought that the noontime light would not serve me well...I was totally wrong! The light was stunning in its crispness and in the way it heightened the intensity of the colors. I am attracted to these high contrast situations for some reason. Perhaps it has to do with my upbringing in Cuba. Although the light is considerably different up north where I've lived most of my life, at times,as we approach the summer solstice, it resembles the light of my early childhood. I savor this light when it comes. I hope I can do it justice in my work.

Painting #7...Done with a Week of Painting a Day!

This is the last painting of my Painting a Day experiment. I painted it on the porch of my brother-in-law's condo in Ephraim, WI. This is the view overlooking Eagle Harbor on the Green Bay side of the Door County peninsula. This area is more well-known for its spectacular sunsets. I suppose I will do a sunset version of this painting some day. I am relieved in a sense to be finished with my commitment to do a painting a day. I wouldn't be honest if I did not admit it was difficult at times. But I learned that painting with discipline is not only strenuous physically and mentally, but it also intrudes seriously with everyday life and family activities. I have always neglected my painting for the sake of family. I have to learn to strike a better balance in order to produce more. I will try to benefit from this experience to pursue larger, more serious work during the remainder of the summer.

Painting #6

I was in Door County visiting with family today. I decided to take the suggestion of a friend and drive to Cave Point. I was very glad I did...the place is beautiful! I took many photos for later work in the studio. I was not totally prepared to do plein air painting, but I did have some supplies and went ahead anyway. It was fun, but next time I will use water-soluble oils. I used the acrylics I had available today and was not pleased with the results. I never worked so hard to get such a lousy painting. It is done, and so I move on to the last one tomorrow!

Painting #5

I did not have the luxury of time today, so I had to do a simple, small painting. This one is really small: 5" x 7". What can I say? It's not as good as Duane Keiser. I think I have to learn to premix more oil into my paints to make them a creamier consistency. I also have to get a new sable brush. The idea of still life remains for the most part unexplored for me. The small format might help me venture further in this direction without much investment of time or effort. I think I'll have to redo my signature! Moving on!

Painting #4

This was a real challenge for me...portraits always are. But this one I was motivated to do for a good reason. The man pictured in this painting is my godfather, Patricio Ponce de Leon. That's right...Ponce de Leon! As Cubans go, he is not typical. He is extremely intelligent (a Phd in Botany) and a very interesting person because of his varied interests. Although he is a scientist, he has an artistic streak in him. He also paints. In fact, he and my godmother were always encouraging me to pursue my artistic interests. He has been a great role model for me over the years. We've had numerous conversations about his atheism, always cordial. He will be 94 this year and is in ailing health. I'm not sure how much longer he'll be with us. But he will always remain in my thoughts.