Credits, Artists, and Influences

A Homage to All

Having spent a good slice of my life doing something that most would probably see as a waste of time, I must express my gratitude to others who have done likewise . . . others who have made friends with time (and did not feel that they were spending it). Most of these people are artists. It is mainly artists that I wish to thank.

We might ask ourselves why artists create . . . what is it that drives them to occupy so much of their time in efforts that are not pragmatic? I suggest that even the earliest artists worked, essentially, to preserve something that they thought to be important; something personally important to them. Whether petroglyph's, or more elaborate graphic art on the walls of caves or canyons, these artists (as all artists) sought to thoughtfully preserve something that would have been enormously important to them______ they drew, and their drawings and paintings were mainly as public or private aids to memory. All graphic representation sought to help us remember. Writing is also a means of drawing (of graphic representation), as well as a means of memorializing thought and visions. These are the persons I would most like to remember for their contributions . . . graphic or otherwise.

My mom and dad were both artists and painters, above all I must acknowledge their influence and tolerance. They are now passed (but not forgotten), as are many who I would thank. There was my early adult exemplar: Louis Stedman and his wife Martha. Also departed but not forgotten are many thinkers, however of these I owe my greatest debt to José Ortega y Gasset (who set me my challenge at the end of his 'History as a System'). Of formal teachers, I would thank especially Paul O'Brien, Bob Levine, Franklin Knight, and Phil Silver. And last (but not at all least) Maxwell and Margaret (Moo) Small. It is, however, the women in my life to whom I am the more obligated.

Mostly, there is my Mary: Mary (Wolff) Buonocore. Mary is very 'down to Earth,'  and yet I have never known anyone more dedicated to laughing and having fun than 'my Sweetie.' Mary is as Themis: the natural mother. Together we have had much fun (when I was not preoccupied with wasting time). Her greatest contribution to this effort expresses her most extraordinary character . . . she is not judgmental: she accepted me for myself, and if something was important to me that was good enough. She never understood what it was that I was trying to remember, however she could see that it was important to me. I tried (in reciprocation) to be as sensitive to all that is important to her. If I sailed on Intuition, Mary epitomized intuition. She never took from those around her, yet always took care of them. If anyone, she herself deserves to be taken care of. And finally, I must express gratitude for a few really special friends . . . they have been my wealth (if, in any sense, I might be thought fortunate).

Of these I would note all (and in no particular order) yet some are identified by name also: Bob and Sudha Newman, Rhys and Colleen Isaac, Carolyn Hoernel, John Feuille, Mike and Ginny Smith, Christie and Jordan Smith, Ginny and Don Eckelberry,  Abe and Dixie Habib,  Jasmine (Habib-Hoernel), Emily and Don Halligan, Judith and Richard Nezezon, Fred and Debbie Maas,  Elsie Maas (Hoernel), Frank and Inga Knight, Mike Sullivan, Warren and Laurel Herminghausen, Adiente Franzoon, Topher and Colleen Small, Lucia and Wilfred Desir, Jack and Betty Oberholzer, Erik Oberholzer, Tony Benenoti, Bob Rosen, Martha Cronan, Sue and Arra Avakian, Greg, Richard and John Orr, Hener Agnew, Peter and Dianne Pagolli, Karen Frederick, Marsha Little, John  and Henelore Russell-Wood, Barbara Livant, Dick and Clair Reed, José Ramirez, Rebecca 'Redback' Russell, Liz Russell, Nola Iiles, Gladys Orr, Greg Orr, Tito and Angelica Miranda, Jenny and Adam McClannahan, Jessie and Scott Whitesell, Shawn and Andrea Kennihan, Richard Czacherowski, Bill, Lillian, Rosemary, and Billy Buonocore, David and Janet Soyer, Beatrix Valenzuela, Lyle Perkins, Bob and Marie Gladwish, José Ortega, Earnie Wolf, Katie Wolff, Jorge and Clair Acevedo, David and Haya Bigman, Mark Oberle, Micheal and Breta Lewis, Janet Hansen, Boyd Tallent, Tabita Hein, Elenore, 'Toot,' and Charles Sweat, Susan Conwell, Thomas (TaTas) Bedminister, Sandy Press, Trish Fowler, Mike Bellacosa, Cristina Lochart, Peter Lochart, Barbara Livant, Gino Newman, Harold Moitt,  Breta and Bernard Moitt, Bronwen Job, Albert Lander, Jasmine Hoernel, Ann Leigh (and Walt), Trini and Rigo Acevedo, Larry Stultz, Arthur and Douglas Baxter, Edwardo and Silvia Novoa, Ray and Inge Kea, Tom and Joyce Gotard, Javier Asern, Graham and Sue Carmichael, Rich and Ginny LaTorre, Sonia Rojas, Barry and Barbara Carr, Barry and Yvonne Bolger, Al Ettlinger, David Trotman, Althea Prince, Hubert Charles, Harold Benjamin, Kelvin Coppell, Graham Coppell, Ed Cox, Patricio Alceveo, Hazel Keményffy, Pete Bingham, Steve Cantrell, Suzanne and Terry Bruns, Jim Sewell, Paul, Ann, Fowler, and Connie Hoernel,, Ann (Wolff) Leigh and Walter, Doug Benbow, Hayee Tobar, Francisco 'Paco' Castillo, Carlos Correa Salinas, and all my friends at 'Proa al Cañaveral,' and . . . and all those un-named, who have called me 'friend.' Finally, I must thank my son Jaison  . . . who has learned to be tolerant of his somewhat less than typical parents, and his wife Kerryn. I also beg the indulgence of my grandchildren: Noah, Eliza, and Mia Hoernel (along with those no less grand: Mickey, Sam, Max, Miles, and Molly). There are many other friends, family members and selves who have not been mentioned . . . however, they (whilst, perhaps neglected) have all been influential. Most recently departed to the arms of the sea is my dearest friend Rhys . . . who is surely sailing still (and to you, my mate, I raise a glassy shot of 'Bundy' in fond remembrance).

One must pay homage, as all storys are posed, fashioned or figured upon those that came before (or that come after). Thank you one and all.

Bob Hoernel