Early Days

Sweetie and Bobby

Photo Credit: Robert Janz, Sr.

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This is a classic photo in that it shows the tag-a-long nature of my childhood. Clearly in the middle of big shadows a little girl is skeptical of doing anything at all without her brother. This became so extreme that when I was put in a girl's convent school, I obstinately persisted in explaining to my parents that I needed to go to my brother's boys' school. Finally, I was allowed by the higher ups, who were tired of hearing my complaints, to be driven over to his school which ended later in the day to spend two hours in the chemistry lab (which was accessed by a secret staircase so I wouldn't be seen by boys) with a priest who strolled meditatively saying his prayers. First, though, he and I concocted a mixture of high falutin' elements in a glass beaker so that I could climb up into the dome and blow bubbles all over the city of Jerusalem. It was an exhilarating time and unforgettable. Characteristically, I gave my brother credit for this wonderful happenstance rather than my dad and Father Terence and Sister Marie Margaret who had all pulled strings. It was my brother who walked me to piano lessons, escorted me to movies, and showed me where the best rocks for my collection were hiding. At the age of ten, I was deserted (according to me) because my brother had the temerity to go away to school. However, all was not lost as I also went away to school four years later and, yep, it was to his school. Fortunately, by the time college came around I was spared having to attend the University of Chicago in bleak midwinters. I had learned to depend on my brother by remote control in a warmer setting. I seldom saw him after those days. Ten years would evaporate with postcards to remind me of our connectedness. I was very pleased last week to receive an announcement of his show in Ireland. Yes, I would very much like to tag-a-long to the place my dad called the most wonderful city in the most wonderful country but I am just as happy knowing all is going well. The shadows still loom large but we learned a lesson in childhood of optimism and perseverance. Wherever he is, there also am I. Antoinette & Bryan Murphy invite you to the Private View of SELECT The Peppercanister Gallery marks 10 exciting years with a very special show. SELECT brings together 15 gallery artists, each exhibiting a piece alongside 15 invited guest artists of their choice. Ranging between painting and sculpture, the exhibition will contain works of art by artists from Ireland, Britain, continental Europe and Canada. Nearly all of the exhibits will be for sale. Liam Belton | Bill Whelan | Breon O’Casey | Michael O’Donnell | Albert Irvin | Alan Davie | Deirdre McLoughlin | Rachel Parry | Neil Shawcross | Stuart Oxley | Graham Gingles | Andrew Stahl | Sonja Landweer | Hilary Orpen | Anne Donnelly | Camille Souter | Sarah Longley | Gina Ward | Joseph O’Connor | Eddie Mooney | Rosie McGurran | Gavin Lavelle | Ann Griffin-Bernstorff | Michael Quane | Robert Janz | Valentin Rothmaler | Jacinta Feeney | Basil Blackshaw | Ruth McHugh | Katharine West ...may the blessings of beautiful memories amidst the darkness be yours...