Yesterday afternoon, I finally got myself out and over to the Henry Diltz Exhibit. As I exited the elevator and turned, I was greeted by a poster announcing the exhibit over the famous photo of Joni sitting and playing her dulcimer. I was thrilled by this welcome.
I entered the reception area with all the goodies for sale and with the gentlemen who appeared to be running the show. Unortunately Mr. Diltz was not available at the time I visited. I turned into the gallery and was greeted by what appeared to be the featured artist Paul McCartney with Linda. The photo dominating this section was the one of Paul and Linda from the cover of Life Magazine. To my right was Janis. It featured 2 photos in color and one in black and white of her in a velvet sort of tye dye suit, so to speak. I really loved the joy in Janis in these, especially one with Janis's arms spread out and her smiling. Then came the Doors, who I should mention I am a HUGE fan. All the pictures you've ever seen of the Doors, must have been taken by Diltz. Nothing much new here, just some outtakes of some very well known pictures. This being the case with most of the exhibit. James Taylor, Neil Young to the left and further on to the right my favorte photo in the entire exhibit. Mama Cass stretched out across a couch, dressed in sort of Ali Baba garb with shoes that curled up at the toes and fruit gathered all around her. This would be mine by now if I had a JOB! Finally further along came Joni. The first was of Graham Nash and Joni in B/W. Graham sort of holding Joni's face and Joni eyes drawn down, wearing a knitted tam. There was a B/W portrait of Joni, I forget the year - maybe 70ish. And a color portrait,1973, I believe. In the middle of the two portraits was my favorite of Joni. It was from 1970 and has Joni leaning out the window of "Our House." And there was the shot Joni with her dulcimer as well. The best priced photo and tempting was a shot of Bonnie Raiit, Maria Muldar and Linda Ronstadt in B/W. It appeared to be sort of a back stage discussion, possibly. As in all of these photos, they were soooo young! In the back was a section with Jackson Browne and the Eagles. Oh and of course right near Joni was the section full of CSN and some Young. And plenty of the Monkees! All of these works were so captivating. The innocent eyes and youth in all their faces. Knowing now how far they've come and /or what they've become artistically, historically - you can tell they had no idea back then what they would come to represent to us and the world. And that is what Henry has captured for all of us. I spoke briefly with one of the guys sort of running things. I mentioned of course the 60% discount for all JMDL members, he pretended not to speak english at that point! But seriously, I mention the JMDL and that many of you had visited the show in NYC. He got that "AHA" look on his face. He said that at the New York show they had sold more Joni than they ever had at one show, so far. And they had wondered why that was. SO don't miss this show when it comes to your neck of the woods! I am so glad I got out to see it. Peace, Susan Yahoo! Health - your guide to health and wellness http://health.yahoo.com
