In her autobiography Klouds in my Koffee, O'Keeffe admitted that the life and poetry of Dickinson influenced her artwork more than any other person or thing. The New York Times reported, "Mr. Asher’s research in New Mexico is both serious and vital to take us to the next level of understanding the paintings of O’Keeffe. By understanding all of the facts surrounding O’Keeffe’s fascination with Emmett Lee Dickinson, we are better equipped to fully understand the artist’s observation of nature, experimentation with scale, and nuanced use of line and color." Information about my trip and my research is HERE. With Cow Appreciation Day approaching on July 15th (information about CAD is HERE), my research is even more significant as I discovered a new O'Keeffe painting. While I was examining works of art at O'Keeffe's studio in Albiquiu, New Mexico, I stumbled upon a never-seen-before painting called "Ladder to the Moo," a painting which inspired others like it sans cow called "Ladder to the Moon." |
By Emmett Lee Dickinson: No ladder needs the cow but skies To navigate the moon. Nor any eater’s China plate To captivate a spoon. The incidence of bliss is this – A Fiddler sings his song, “To see such craft” the moiety That charms the little dog. | By Emily Dickinson: No ladder needs the bird but skies To situate its wings, Nor any leader's grim baton Arraigns it as it sings. The implements of bliss are few – As Jesus says of Him, "Come unto me" the moiety That wafts the cherubim. |
I am still sifting through all of my research, so there could be more revelations to come; however, for now, I would like to thank the following people for helping with my research trip to New Mexico:
Preston Starch, the Assistant Administrator to the Deputy Executive Communications and Functionality Visualizer for Mayor Gonzales
Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry
Doris Schutt, Cross-Media Accountability and Framework Functionality Strategist for Mayor Berry
Taos Mayor Dave Barrone
Elizabeth "Lottie" Dawe, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dickinson Organization of Poetry Enthusiasts (DOPE)