By Paul Goldfinger, editor @Blogfinger. Re-post. 2012
John Aria. photos by Paul Goldfinger
Like the swallows returning to Capistrano, June in Ocean Grove brings back the artists who love the old houses, the tents and the vibrant life in our town. Today I took a bike ride and met two painters, both of whom were feeling inspired working in the Grove.
John Aria was deep in concentration late this sunny Tuesday afternoon. The air was clear and the visuals were spectacular—John was applying the finishing touches to his scene: a row of tents. OK, the subject matter is trite, but no one will ever do it exactly like John. John Aria’s visual voice is unique–like a fingerprint, if you could look very closely. So, no matter how many photos are taken or pictures painted of the tents, artists will return to the Grove to enjoy this special place near the ocean.
John is not a professional. He is a retired school teacher who lives in West Long Branch. But he loves to paint and he loves to visit OG.
Stephen D’Amato
We found Stephen D’Amato sitting in a chair right in front of Stoke’s statue. Stephen is a professional who is working on a painting project (oils and water colors) of shore scenes in Ocean Grove, Asbury Park and Wildwood. His gaze was fixed straight ahead at another trite subject: Stokes and his wonderful Great Auditorium. Today Stephen is making preparatory drawings.
I told him some of the history of the Great Auditorium and suggested that he read the new book by Bell, Bell and Dufresne. He also eagerly jotted down two words, “Stardust Memories.”
Stephen is planning the exhibit in December at the Cranford Library. After that it will wind up in a gallery. He was wearing earphones. He likes to listen to rock when he works. He says it puts him in the mood–it was the Allman Brothers this afternoon.
“If I could afford it, I would move here,” he said. He will be coming at least once per week now to draw and paint. Stephen is especially eager to go inside the GA when he and Mom will be coming to hear Johnny Mathis.
“Oxygen Tattoo” by Stephen D’Amato
Both these artists share a love of straw hats and of the visuals that surround us, especially in special places where the light evokes emotions, and the colors and shapes resonate in ways that carry beauty, ideas and music. Here is such a song that brings to mind the quest of the artist.
I have high hopes for this happy event, but we hope that it is aimed at our diverse community. Paul Goldfinger MD
I don’t think that the original OG Illumination Night, which was a boating festival on Wesley Lake, and which attracted thousands, was primarily a religious event.
I saw one on Martha’s Vineyard, and that was a fun holiday where the kids wore costumes, and tourists like us took in the sights. There was something going on in their open auditorium. Maybe it was religious themed.
The OG poster above says, “Live Music, ” but will it be by a Christian band or will there be a variety?
It will do well if it is for everyone: ie a real community event. And dress up the kids in colorful clothes. And food?
So invite your exes, relatives and old friends to the party and have fun:
5 pm 8/6/24. Paul Goldfinger photo. Rain is falling. End of day nears. Click once to enlarge. Ocean Grove, NJ beachfront. USA
By Paul Goldfinger, MD, Editor, Blogfinger.net
Lifeguards were huddled together, relaxing in their “room” on the boardwalk. I explained that I was from the OG press, but their supervisor wouldn’t allow me to take their picture. Too bad, the light was lovely.
Not long after they began to roll up the rugs and bring all their gear inside for lockup.
BOB DYLAN: ‘Here’s That Rainy Day.” From his album Triplicate.
