Andy Warhol

Let me tell you the Andy story in brief.

1980 on Mad Ave I was walking with my future ex-wife
on our way to the Whitney for Robert Frank films

Passing the chi-chi shops along the way
I instantly recognized an individual with his back
toward the street in the alcove of, I think, a jewelry shop
to be Andy.
We stopped a short way on and I told Lucy who it was.
I quickly got my minolta ready.
We didn't pay any attention as he continued on
the way we just had come.
So he had no idea he had been spotted by an interested party/stalker.
I quietly caught up to him, readied the camera, and said,
"Pardon me Andy," in my most gentlemanly voice.

He turned around, openly curious,
and I snapped him.
He laughed in surprise and forgave us--
new wave kids in their 20s.
We continued on our separate ways.

I had just read his remark that un-posed photos are best.
I believe he also said, as long as they're in focus.
But...of course my photo of him is somewhat out of focus.
It looks to some who see it to be an image of
obscure 70s independent presidential candidate John Anderson.

(Photo will follow)

Brief Introduction

In the manner of a scribe, and with an eye toward recording some ephemeral knowledge, I offer this oblique perspective on history and culture. It has been a long-held intention of mine to commit these memories to print and, as the years turn, I can think of no better time.
I hasten to begin.

I do not overly exalt accomplished and celebrated individuals, yet I do find many of them to be quite interesting and remarkable. Herewith, I neither intend to aggrandize nor to expose or topple. In the same sense, I do not wish to make myself seem more important for having encountered these people who are considered to be very important. Nor do I flatter or humble myself out of obsequiousness.
I like them when they are likable, I observe them closely, and I report here as honestly as possible.
I really do believe in a basic God-given equality of human beings. If a famous person acts superior to those around them in an unjustified or distasteful way, they tend to lose my esteem. If, on the other hand, I see a very talented and recognized individual acting warmly and humanly toward others, they go up in my opinion.

For more than forty years, I have lived on both coasts, usually around Universities, and in reach of major urban areas. I have also worked in the book and record trades as both publisher and seller, and I have just generally been a gadfly for readings and performances by many authors, thinkers, artists, and musicians, and sundry other well-known figures. And I'm known to be quite observant--sometimes, you just run into these people.
In the 80s I staffed the counter at City Lights Books at Columbus and Broadway, a vantage point that artists and celebrities roam past regularly. More recently, I was the night manager at a classical record shop with its own cafe. With a major performance space across the street, it was a place of frequent high brow sightings as well as a few of the more populist variety.
I am rarely very bashful about talking to the illustrious should the opportunity arise. After meeting the most awe-inspiring hero of my youth and realizing that, yes, even Bob Dylan is actually just another person like everybody else, I am never really over-awed by meeting anyone.
I show love when I feel it. It's theirs if they want it. And if they don't, I'm not crushed.

St Ronan