Carty's Corner - Volume 29, May 2004

C a r t y ' s

o
r
n
e
r

answer to last month's trivia question: Dr. Phillip Chandler

picture of barry seated at the writing desk, viewed over his right
shoulder, head slightly turned toward the camera, pen in hand. He's wearing a
light-blue button down Oxford style shirt and a tie.

Christine Conko - Then and Now

Since I first started writing Carty's Corner in 2002, I've written two reflections on creative artist Christine Conko, in March and October of that year. It has been a year and a half, and I've learned so much more especially from her most recent interview by Barbara Helinski-Graves in the Tuscarora Review - 2004, a Frederick Community College Magazine of Creative Artists. Before this interview was an article in The Grapevine - a Multi-State Regional Magazine March 2004, by Katherine Lukaszewicz. I want to thank Ms. Conko for allowing me to refer from these two written pieces; and I also want to give Ms. Helinski-Graves and Ms. Lukaszewicz due credit as well.

Christine Conko is legally blind. Despite of this, she has created hundreds of paintings and drawings during the past fifteen years which I've learned from both articles. From the Grapevine, I've learned that she does have tunnel vision out of one eye; can see some large writing and some form. Christine does not see her paintings. Occasionally she sees some contrast if it is very sharp. In her blindness, Christine sees colorful spots, like fireworks, which prevent her from seeing the little she can. Pivotal persons in her life and career were retired Hood College art professor Mary Ellen Randolph who helped Christine create pastel drawings, collages aqnd even jewelry. Margaret Dowell, Christine's former high school art teacher became a mentor and supporter helping her works get into area art shows.

Today, Christine has been fortunate to work with Ed Ramsburg, a Frederick area abstract artist who decided to make it his mission to help her move forward as an artist. Before meeting with Ramsburg, Christine worked mainly in black and white. Now she uses many colors in thick calligraphic swirls and strokes. Christine Conko has an impressive resume that includes two solo exhibits at FCC; her "Twist" exhibition at WPAC in Georgetown; a group presentation at McDaniel College; and a multimedia exhibit at the Washington County Arts Council Gallery in Hagerstown, Maryland. Christine's new art piece Dancing in the Stars has just been selected by the National Exhibits by Blind Artists to be featured in a traveling exhibit opening October 2004 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Christine's upcoming plans include trying to get her work shown in the newly opened Steel Gallery of Contemporary Art in San Fransico, owned by best-selling author, Danielle Steel. Go girl!!

Barbara Helinski-Graves is on the Editorial Board of FCC's Magazine of Creative Arts. Katherine Lukaszewicz is Assistant Editor of the Frederick County Relocation Guide and 1997 winner of the Maryland State Arts Council's Individual Literature Award.

Classic Movie of the Month

John Wayne born May 26, 1907 - 1979 (72)

The Shootist - 1976
Three years before his death, 68 yr. old John Wayne portrays John Bernard Books, a notorious gunfighter. He used to be a lawman and later the wild country taught him to survive. He also had a credo saying, "I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to people and I require the same from them." Afflicted with a terminal illness, he becomes embroiled in one last valiant battle.

Movie Reviews for May 2004

The Day After Tomorrow, PG
From the director of the Sci-Fi surprise hit of 1996 - Independence Day, Roland Emmerich also directs; co-produces; came up with the original story; and co-wrote the screenplay to this new drama of imminent disaster of polar destruction. Dennis Quaid and Sela Ward give moving performances in this fine film of death and hope
My rating: 8B

Laws of Attraction, PG13
Romantic comedy starring the charming talents of Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore as New York City divorce attorneys at odds in the courtroom who really like each other but won't admit it. Yet they go to Ireland on a case, fight, get drunk, and end up married. The rest of this movie follows their "marriage" and what it means to their careers and personal lives. It's cute, pretty, and very predictable so rent it instead.
My rating: 5C+

Shrek 2, PG (for crude humor)
Dreamworks Pictures presents this computer animated sequel to the original which is just as funny and imaginative as the first and twice as tender and wise. This second film is about fighting for the right to love when everyone around you seeks to pass judgement. This is a movie that is ogre and proud.
My rating: 10A

Troy, R
From the directing talents of Wolfgang Petersen whose credits include Air Force One and The Perfect Storm is this massive and visually awe-inspiring epic. The battles and landscapes are definitely realistic. Peter O' Toole who has grace and nobiility in his aging years brings out the best in Brad Pitt who portrays Achilles as a mystery beneath his muscular shell. The rest of the cast is superb in one of the best movies of this year!
My rating: 10A+

Van Helsing, PG13
Universal Pictures presents this new adventure thriller starring Hugh Jackman as the supernatural vigilante out to stop Dracula from hatching thousands of deadly beasts while battling the WolfMan and Frankenstein. What remains unexplored is possibly it's most interesting subplot: Who is Van Helsing? Is he really an ancient, immortal warrior? Where does he get his super strength? The images are very frightening and the Creature action is extremely violent. Indeed!
My rating: 10A

Trivia Question: Can you guess Wolfgang Petersen's first hit film in 1982 that earned him Oscar nominations as Best Director and Screenplay?
.

questions? comments? make contact