Return-path: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Full-name: MINGSDANCE Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 10:47:47 EST Subject: Joni Statue To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows US sub 10578 X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: from multipart/alternative by demime 0.97c X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: Alternative section used was text/plain
Dear Committee Members: I have two photos of Joni taken at the 2000 Both Sides Now tour in West Palm Beach which I would like to submit for consideration. Each was published in the JoniMitchell.com Both Sides Now Tour Report, entitled "Mars Music Amphitheater West Palm Beach, FL 5/17/2000". I believe both of these photos depict a very lovely, statuesque Joni. The one where she's looking up is particularly reverent. Her shimmering hair and the pleated detail of her gown electrifies her image, presenting an artistic challenge to the sculptor which would age beautifully. I am often taken aback by the staring eyes of bronze statues, and believe that her pose looking up with eyes closed would enhance, and not detract from, this tribute. We remember Joni from our youth -- many fond memories of her past like images in a cherished album. Yet it is today's Joni, as she has evolved, which should be immortalized. These photos present her in this light. I was privileged to be designated the JoniMitchell.com photographer at her Atlanta 1998 birthday concert and the 2000 Palm Beach event. I also attended her Mendel Art Gallery opening "Voices" in Saskatoon in 2000. I shall send you the photos described above along with several of my favorites taken at these venues. I will admit that I have no photos of Joni sitting on a bench. We were all amused by her comment that if she were sculpted sitting on a bench she could come sit besides herself -- hence, the name of this project. Although this would be a whimsical presentation, I believe Joni's work deserving of a more formal tribute and one which would be well received long after we're all gone. Perhaps a nice stone bench sitting nearby where we could sit and imagine her singing . . . Having visited Saskatoon I believe that Joni's statue should be placed on the lawn of the Mendel Art Gallery and Civic Conservatory. The lovely grounds of the Mendel overlook the river which Joni often featured in song and on canvas. This venue is particularly fitting because Joni cherishes her visual art career as much (if not more) than her more universally renowned music career. Indeed, she chose the Mendel to unveil her vast work of visual art to the public. Also, Joni has a personal connection to the founding family of the Gallery. I would entrust the maintenance and preservation of this tribute to a gallery's Board of Trustees before I would the father's of a municipality. Those enjoying the sculpture would also be more protective (and not inclined to deface) if it were presented in an atmosphere of artistic sensitivity. Although the City has another lovely park on the river near the beautiful Bessbourgh Hotel (where Joni has often stayed) where there is more pedestrian traffic, I believe the Mendel would offer more respect and, for lack of a more descriptive word, more artistic spirituality. Many area corporate sponsors are aligned with the Mendel and could be a valuable source of continuing support for this project. And I understand that the founding family of the Mendel is still actively involved and was a strong supporter of her exhibit. Perhaps the family could be contacted to solicit involvement in this project. Incidentally, the Mendel's then Curator and Director -- Gilles Hebert, a very impressive art exhibitor -- was extremely proud to premiere Joni's work in her hometown. Based upon my conversations with both Joni and Mr. Hebert, I believe they would both agree that her legacy would be best preserved at the Mendel. Hey, wouldn't it be a boon to this Gallery if she also donated a piece of visual art to complement this tribute. Members of the committee are probably already acquainted with the Mr. Hebert (or, if he is no longer there, his successor) and others at the Gallery who could offer advice and support in this regard. Please email me with your physical address and I will have my photos delivered to you. Thank you for undertaking this important work and for allowing all of us to provide input. I know that we all wish you every success! Sincerely, David Mingus Fort Myers, Florida (941) 936-7258
