What an inspiring artist and read. Thanks so much for writing and sharing this. It’s amazing that such a horrible thing as being forced into an internment camp had such an impactful silver lining for Ruth. (That bit reminded me that amidst the darkness, look for the light and I need reminders like that going forward…)
What beautiful art, a beautiful artist and a beautiful way of life. Thanks for this much-needed call back to community today.
I'm struck by the masks -- especially moved by how their eyes are all closed. Both memories of and mementoes for her nearest and dearest. A much more meaningful polaroid wall ;)
I fell in love with Asawa's wire sculptures at SFMOMA in 2016, during a visit to the city from my home Kentucky. Thanks for your moving account of her life. I'm charmed to know about her dog Henry; my dog is also named Henry!
Bailey, thank you for the happiness your writing delivered. I have long loved Ruth’s work. She is especially meaningful to me because i live in Black Mountain. Thank you for including the Black Mountain College connection.
One of your best pieces, imo. You've done your hero proud. You were the first person to introduce me to the work of Ruth Asawa (way back in 2010/11?) and now I shall love her even more.
Ooh it's all so wonderful, starting with that gorgeous portrait by Imogen. Thank you so much for putting this together, Bailey. I learned a lot.
Stumbling on Ruth's masks years ago set me off on a magical ride. There's something about the intricacy and tactility of her work that opens me up. It makes perfect sense that she herself would become art, as one with her husband and son. As earthen vessels to hold something beautiful like flowers.
She was not only an immense talent in terms of her craft. The way Ruth communed around her art, as you described, and taught with such generosity of spirit… Well … it's something to reflect on and draw on whenever any of us feel to self-absorbed about our work. There's a higher purpose if we want it.
What a beautiful article. Thank you for sharing this. I had no idea of the impact Ruth Asawa had on the arts and the community. I’ve walked in the communal garden in Fort Mason and to know that she was responsible for its existence is awesome inspiring.
What an inspiring artist and read. Thanks so much for writing and sharing this. It’s amazing that such a horrible thing as being forced into an internment camp had such an impactful silver lining for Ruth. (That bit reminded me that amidst the darkness, look for the light and I need reminders like that going forward…)
What beautiful art, a beautiful artist and a beautiful way of life. Thanks for this much-needed call back to community today.
I'm struck by the masks -- especially moved by how their eyes are all closed. Both memories of and mementoes for her nearest and dearest. A much more meaningful polaroid wall ;)
We need to fire up the mask ritual!!!!
In! 🎭
I fell in love with Asawa's wire sculptures at SFMOMA in 2016, during a visit to the city from my home Kentucky. Thanks for your moving account of her life. I'm charmed to know about her dog Henry; my dog is also named Henry!
Bailey, thank you for the happiness your writing delivered. I have long loved Ruth’s work. She is especially meaningful to me because i live in Black Mountain. Thank you for including the Black Mountain College connection.
I’m off to restack. in kinship, Katharine
Wow that is amazing. What is left of the college these days, anything?
Beautiful, Bailey. So nice to see you here!
Bailey, this is my favorite of your sublime series. Thank you for inspiring and also for introducing us to Ruth.
I love it that Henry got back to you.
One of your best pieces, imo. You've done your hero proud. You were the first person to introduce me to the work of Ruth Asawa (way back in 2010/11?) and now I shall love her even more.
Thank you for sharing this fascinating research.
What a beautiful piece you have written, I'm so happy to see it. I was entranced by seeing her drawing "Equisetum" at SFMOMA this summer, and delighted to see the masks at the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University on the same trip. SFMOMA is staging a retrospective exhibition opening in April 2025. Let's all go! https://www.sfmoma.org/press-release/sfmoma-announces-global-debut-of-major-ruth-asawa-retrospective-in-april-2025/
Ooh it's all so wonderful, starting with that gorgeous portrait by Imogen. Thank you so much for putting this together, Bailey. I learned a lot.
Stumbling on Ruth's masks years ago set me off on a magical ride. There's something about the intricacy and tactility of her work that opens me up. It makes perfect sense that she herself would become art, as one with her husband and son. As earthen vessels to hold something beautiful like flowers.
She was not only an immense talent in terms of her craft. The way Ruth communed around her art, as you described, and taught with such generosity of spirit… Well … it's something to reflect on and draw on whenever any of us feel to self-absorbed about our work. There's a higher purpose if we want it.
Ps Beasley the cat ❤️
Thank you, a wonderful story about a remarkable woman.
What a beautiful article. Thank you for sharing this. I had no idea of the impact Ruth Asawa had on the arts and the community. I’ve walked in the communal garden in Fort Mason and to know that she was responsible for its existence is awesome inspiring.
Digging into her story made me more deeply appreciate spaces in San Francisco as well 🫶 thank you for the kind note