SlyBrand

Here are a few highlights from a story about Bethesda, Maryland artist Jean Shin I heard on NPR this morning.

“In Jean’s hands, the process of making these objects new again, of giving them life [and] restored purpose, and making us look at them — or asking us to look at them — in a completely new way is very artful,” says Joanna Marsh

Used lottery tickets form the basis of another piece, Chance City, where the losing tickets become colorful houses of cards — an imaginary city full of chance and, Shin says, optimism.

“Picking up your life and moving to the city and giving it all you can, your dreams may change — transform,” Shin says. “But somehow, I think all of us retain that memory of something that they really wanted to do, and against all odds, are able to succeed.”

Just heard the news on NPR of the death of folklorist, labor activist and storyteller, Archie Green. Here’s a quote from Torching the Fink Books and Other Essays on Vernacular Culture:

“The peasant fiddler is as worthy as the symphony violinist; the village cobbler more precious than a pair of boots.”

Thanks for reminding us Archie.