Bridging the Divide

Bridging the Divide
Rachel Carren, Bonnard Cupola Brooch, 2010 2.4" x 2.4" x .4", polymer, acrylic, mica powder

A certain perceived divide has long existed between artists and art historians, likewise between writers and literary critics. Ernest Hemingway had a memorable barb: “Critics are geldings, standing in the field trying to evaluate the work of stallions.”

Hemingway was obviously more eloquent than the often quoted jibe, “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.” It often appears, at least to the public at large, as if the creative souls are in one camp, and the intellectual types who write critical or academic essays exist in their own separate sphere. How refreshing then to find those discrete talents, both creative and intellectual, successfully fused by one person…….our own Rachel Carren.

For your reading pleasure, an article on Rachel and her work in the current issue of Ornament.

Woody is an accomplished poet and recognized writer but his most important role is as muse to Elise