the EARTHIWORLD
CHAIR “ FORGOTTEN BEAUTY FOUND – THE ALL-AMERICAN DREAM ”
Once upon a time , the was a young boy who loved to rescue objects . He would find himself compelled to see the beauty in everything , especially what was abandoned , left discarded or simply overlooked .
Three decades later , the young boy would find himself on the streets of Havana , Cuba . Still an emerging artist , a photographer , and still the same soul whose vision for the lost and forgotten had only grown more profound .
During those days of wondering the streets , with his camera bags and open eyes , little did the artist know that he would meet a single , humble , chair that would transform his own life . Together , they would be able to help change the lives of others .
This isn ’ t a fairytale , as “ Once Upon A
Time ” suggests . It is the true story of a man and his CHAIR . It ’ s the story of how they met , came to be friends and collaborators , and how their worlds changed in a split second , giving them a new life and a new life to all who they meet along the way .
It is a story of Hope . It is a story of Faith . It a story of the endless possibility ’ s life has to offer when you least expect it . It is also the story of the power of believing .
In 2006 , Fidel Castro hosted Cuba ’ s international Art Biannual . It was a time when Cuba would invite the creative world to its country . Artists , Galleries , Art Lovers , and Collectors from all points of the globe would descend upon Cuba . Not only to share in the country ’ s rich traditions of the arts , it was also a time for artists to participate
CHAIR with Palm Tree - Havana Cuba in a global showcase .
It was a time when the iron fist of Castro dominated the country . Communism , although unspoken , was still the presiding was of life . It was a time when the Castro currency was the only form of monetary exchange . And , if one didn ’ t need to be reminded who was in charge , the power grids would be cut off on a moment ’ s notice demonstrating the omnipotent control of the government .
As an American , with a United States travel embargo being enforced , one might ask , how was I able to attend this international art exhibition . Although tensions between Cuba and the United States were as strained as the days of the Cuban Missel Crisis , there were small windows for international relief organizations to visit for humanitarian efforts .
16 PORTFOLIO MAGAZINE