Beato goes on
Guest commentary by Martin Gerwitz

March 3 marks what would have been Beatrice Wood's 110th birthday; March 12th, the fifth anniversary of her passing at her home in Ojai. I, with my assistant Karin Jensen, have had the good fortune to be caretakers of Beatrice's home, studio and art collections for more than three years. In fact, I'm typing these words from the same room - a room overlooking cactuses and birds of paradise - in which she herself wrote so many letters to friends and strangers. As I write, I hear her immediately protesting: "Qui est un étranger?"

I never knew Beatrice, who often attributed her long life to "young men and chocolates." I visited her home for five minutes in 1996 when, during my brief stint as Ojai Day coordinator, I picked up a drawing which she donated for the auction. So, I've gotten to know Beatrice through stories told by friends, colleagues and locals who met and/or knew her (which I get to relate to new visitors) and, of course, the art, books and writings she left behind. And, here again, I hear her protesting: "Mais, ami, I am still here." OK, I won't argue! In fact, when we made preparations for our re-opening of the Beatrice Wood Studio for Ojai Studio Artists in October 2000, my assistant and I walked into the studio that morning only to find some chocolate kisses we had put out the night before in the gallery (for guests!) wedged underneath her bedroom door, half open and half eaten. There was one time when a gentleman tried a bargaining technique one might find in an overseas flea market or bazaar and her voice whispered to me some great advice. (Sorry, I need to keep it between us!)

My belief is that Beatrice's legacy is alive and well in everyone whose life was touched by her. And it has become apparent to me that these not only include people she physically met or had contact with but those who were inspired by her being. I'm aware that she never held back, was free with her thoughts, and dispensed advice to those who may not have asked for any! I have heard of her conflicting ideas, beliefs and wishes - and I must conclude - and laugh - at the "dada" of it all. In fact, in one video she decries some forms of modern art and, five minutes later, extols all types of creative expression. How many times - from her intimates - have I heard, "Beatrice definitely wanted a museum," or conversely, "Beatrice definitely did not want a museum"! Contradictory notions were the hallmark of Beatrice's expression - both in her life and art.

For me, Beatrice's "way of being" emphasized the wisdom of detachment and the embrace of impermanence in our lives. Stephen Huyler, a cultural anthropologist and Beato's close friend (currently an artist-in-residence at The Thacher School) says: "Beatrice Wood was one of the most profound thinkers and philosophers I've ever had the privilege to know. She dedicated her life to the concept of nonviolence and to be scrupulously honest in all of her actions and dealing with human beings, regardless of the pain, inconvenience and embarrassment that might cause her. She believed in the ultimate responsibility of each of us to everyone else on the planet and, indeed, to all life forms. She tried to live her life in such a way as to open doors of communication and understanding with everyone she met."

Each year, before the anniversaries of Beato's birth and passing, I am often asked whether or not a tribute will take place. I know that some organize their own gatherings. This year, the Beatrice Wood Studio will be open all day on Monday, March 3. Come up and bring an easel and create a painting or a drawing. Come and take a photograph or just sit and look at the beauty of the land which Beato loved. Other suggestions: March for nonviolence which Beato so earnestly believed in. Write a letter to the president (yes, Beato corresponded with presidents!) Write a poem. Be kind. Be present. Be positive. Watch what you're attached to. Make love. Eat some chocolate.

Lastly, I end with Beatrice's own words from a letter she wrote, at age 103, to her *close friend, Randall Richman, who has graciously allowed me to reprint it here. (Note: I leave all her spelling and grammar intact, much to the chagrin of my Microsoft Word spell check.)
Dear Randall,

The photograph you sent is now in my bedroom. My pussycat that sleeps on my bed, because unfortunately there is no room for her, is jealous and is now keeping me awake at night. I'm glad your party went well - wish I could have been present, for I love dancing. Not only ballroom dancing but folkdancing also. I was trained by Clustine of the Russian Ballet in beautiful character dancing.
Concerned as I am with peace, I do propaghanda, boring many telling them that violence never ends with violence, confessing however that at times I am still violent but struggle to lift out of it. Since we spend millions taming wild animals and inventing instruments to kill, why can't we spend some of the money on the human species, making man aware that not only to kill is sinful, revolting and ignorant for men to kill other men when they have never seen or care about.? Humanity has just gotten mixed up in the way to think. Even though I'm no angel and sin and sin with hidden violences, I do wrestle to dissolve them and lift into different types of thought.
Love, Beatrice

P.S. In reference to the * in the last paragraph before Beatrice's letter, the * marks the exact spot when Mr. Richman called me at the studio while I was typing this at the computer, returning my inquiring call as to whether or not I could print the letter and use his name. Coincidence? I know otherwise.
Martin Gewirtz is the director of the Beatrice Wood Studio in Upper Ojai.

Choice matters
Bret Bradigan, OVN publisher

It is my conviction, as yet unproved except in the evidence of human progress, that the world of ideas works according to the same mechanisms as natural selection. This is to say that some ideas evolve and progress while others wither and die, and that man's ability to choose or preordain winners from this marketplace of ideas is surrounded by the fog of uncertainty. Yesterday's fighting faiths are tomorrow's punch lines. Just ask Trent Lott.

The talk about steelhead restoration is a case in point. Something is going to have to give, and while my sympathies may lie with the status quo - Ojai's identity is strongly based in its farming past and present - it is apparent that at least some of our limited water resources are eventually going to go for the fish ladder. Plenty of folks hereabouts aren't sympathetic to the plight of this endangered species, but it is a measure of our good stewardship that they prosper alongside us.

Another example is the latest volley in the Los Arboles saga. The developers of this benighted condo project have made a clever settlement offer to the Citizens to Preserve the Ojai. The CPO will have their "Not Anything, Not Anywhere "mentality exposed if they accept the $120,000 offer; they will be seen as legal extortionists if they accept it. If not there, then where? If not this, then what?

Whether it is giving U.N. sanctions a chance to work because the alternative forecloses on all options except suffering on an epic scale, or local zoning codes that build in enough flexibility to deal with the vague shadows of the future, we will never be foresighted enough to understand all the consequences of our actions. This world is an intricate mesh of life and possibility, and we cannot be sure what calamity will befall us if that mesh begins to unravel.

Surely, the greatest peril we face as a species comes when those who claim to have the truth on their side clash with those who also claim to have the truth on their side. Max Born, Nobel mathematician, wrote, "The belief that there is only one truth and that oneself is in possession of it seems to me that deepest root of all evil that is in the world."

History is a harsh judge. It is also a wise guide. It teaches us those decisions which allow the most choices to flourish, and preclude the fewest, allow that natural selection of ideas to work its wonders. The more choices people have, the more likely they are to make the right ones.

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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