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Bill Bernbeck
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Artist Statement Journal
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Walkabout Journal
Ex Libris
I was searching my bookcase for something. Standing back to scan the titles, I forgot what I was looking for when I saw the lineup of books. They were in a random order, having been moved and juggled about the shelves many times over the years. At first, I saw an interesting still life picture with the bands of color displayed across the shelves.
It was only
afterward that I looked into the image and took note of the
content. Here, for all to see is a part of me.
I am presenting a glimpse
of material that has influenced me in some way. I had read these
books and thought enough of them to keep them. Looking over the
titles brought to mind the interesting stories and ideas
uncovered through the years.
I thought
how Colin Fletcher brought the tedious job of backpacking into
order to help me enjoy treks into the wild. Through his books, I
would enthusiastically absorb his mentoring as he solo hiked the
entire length of Grand Canyon, Death Valley, and the
John McPhee
makes any subject he covers interesting. He brings complete and
thorough background research and personal interviews into a
narrative that is insightful and easily understood by those of
us less informed. His themes are the most varied of any author I
have read.
As a young
boy, Jack London swept me into his swashbuckling adventure
tales. His stories ranged from prospecting the Alaskan frontier
to oyster pirating off the
The very
first book I can remember reading was Paddle-To-The-Sea. I had
recently purchased a copy of it, and still open it from time to
time to read a chapter of two.
And of
course, there is the simple elegance of Dr Seuss. Oh, the places
you’ll go!! His
verse has a metronomic cadence that pulls you through the entire
story. I even like his invention of names for his creatures.
His forced
rhymes are always ever so clever
You expect
them even more ever and ever
He’ll take
you to places you never have been,
‘Round the
world once, then ‘round it again.
“With
brains in your head, and feet in your shoes,
You can go any place
that you choose.”
“How to
Think like Leonardo Davinci” reset my views on accepting
opinion, hearsay, and accusation as nothing more than just that.
Author Michael Gelb brings forward the seven principles of
Davinci’s thinking as compiled from his notes. I identify with
the aims of Curiosita, Dimostrazione, and Sensazione. I fully
accept the principles of Arte/Scienza and Connessione, but am
still working on Sfumato and Corporalita.
Gelb presents Davinci as
a remarkable man, the stuff of his own legends, very much larger
than life. He may have been all that, but really, Mr. Gelb, I
remain skeptical that he could straighten a horseshoe with his
bare hands.
Who is my
favorite author? The answer will change with the mood. I do know
that James Herriot will always be at or near the top of my list.
Each of his chapters stands out as a complete and delightful
short story composition. I can open any of his books, randomly
open to any chapter, and enjoy a complete story with an
insightful ending. He masterfully blends personality, drama, and
humor into all of his stories.
Of course,
there are more shelves, with more books and more authors.
Do the books on our shelves give a meaningful reflection
of the inner person? If so, then here is a little bit of me.
Bill
Bernbeck
February 2009
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