Diary Of An Artist In A New World

Sensitive Hands Of The Pianist

After Leif's graduation ceremony he took me back stage in the school hall and pulled back the covers on the Kawai grand piano. He sat down, and without the benefit of any music in front of him he proceeded to play. I was entranced, but he, being a perfectionist, apologized for the imperfections. He said he would do better with music to read. Maybe so, but the music that he played was to me extraordinary for the beautiful surprise it represented. I had not heard him playing music for some time and it is plain that in the meantime he has discovered the most important ingredient - passion and real enjoyment of playing music.

After I took photographs I recorded him playing on my camera. It is not a perfect recording, but it has captured some of the magic of the moment. The recording is 4 minutes and 42 seconds long.

Leif's Graduation

My second son, Leif, graduated from High School on Friday. He has been going to the Cathedral College (along with his brother Gian). I had been told it would be in the school hall, but discovered upon arrival it was in St Mary's Cathedral. It was of course stunningly beautiful and very emotional. There is something incredible about the way great organs sound in great stone cathedrals, so it was an aural as well as visual splendor.

As a parent I had to take an active role, for example, parents flanked the boys as they were presented with their awards and were presented to the congregation as part of the graduating class. I had not been told exactly what to do so found myself utterly confused at times, but I muddled through without embarrassing Leif. We will know better next year for Gian's graduation.

Leif told no one in his family that he had a very special role during the night. The organ struck up, the choir started singing, and the boys came in, in procession down the main aisle of the cathedral. In the sanctuary they went to each side, but Leif stood aside. He then approached the microphone and gave the opening address, welcoming everyone, and providing the introduction to the evening. He spoke with confidence, and intelligently, it was beautiful to hear. And such a surprise.

After the ceremony the boys have a "going out" down the main aisle, and then we were able to relax. There was a light supper in the school hall where another surprise awaited me. Leif took me to the backstage area, pulled the covers off the Kawai grand piano and proceeded to play beautiful music for me. It was an impromptu performance, and he apologized because he did not have any music with him, but I thought it was quite magical. I recorded some of it on my camera (look at the next post).

I am very proud of my boys and it is beautiful seeing them turn into such gifted men.

Afterward it was my pleasure to watch Leif and Gian interacting with friends at a dinner at a Crown Street restaurant. They are both confident young men with the future at their feet. They both look like they are ready for anything and will do well on the road of life.

My Son, The Artist

Remember this name, Pablo Johansen, he is a very special artist. It seems amazing that one with such great talent and sensitivity could have a crisis of confidence, but Pablo has walked down some very black paths, and is only now regaining his passion for life, and sense of purpose. It has been a long journey, but now he has returned to drawing the model, and making exquisite marks on the paper. It is good to see.

Lunch With My Boys

I had the great pleasure of taking my boys and young men to lunch. We walked into the city to Hungry Jacks in Pitt Street. Pablo joined us there. Afterwards we went shopping at Woolworths supermarket. Luckily the rain had eased off a little for the walk.

Pablo's House

This is Pablo's house. Someone said to me "he has done well for himself." He has, he has a delightful home and place to paint and live. I am like any father, I worry that my children are okay. Pablo, like all sons has given me moments of concern, but I am fortunate, as he is, to see him happy and building a future, one step at a time.

Exhibition Opening For Pablo

Pablo was in the inaugural exhibition for Mission a new art space in Chippendale. He had too small a price on his painting but that ensured that it sold within minutes of the opening starting. The show was opened by John MacDonald but unfortunately the crowd was so dense I could not get close enough for some photos of that Here are the photos I did get of the crowds in the gallery and in the street, Reg Mombasa's Band playing, Pablo, Jane, Yaeli, and Niki Ginsberg the hostess of the evening and happy new gallery director. A wonderful night, congratulations Pablo and all else concerned.

Fish And Chips And Hamburgers

The boys asked for burgers and fish and chips so we went to our favorite fish and chip shop at the corner of Forbes and Cathedral Streets in Woolloomooloo, then enjoyed the food back at the studio.