Why are artists getting the shaft? I don't understand that headline. I have been working in Boston for the past 23 years, traveling up and down Summer Street, A Street, Congress Street, and Mulcher Street. I have not seen any improvement by any artist in the area that has run-down warehouses.
If artists want a community in which to work and live, they should stimulate their environment. For instance, this week at the corner of Mulcher Street and A Street, I noticed a new painting on an old diner (not done by a Fort Point artist) — it's very cool to look at when I drive by. I see drawings on the sidewalk in Boston (International Place, Congress Street courthouse). If the artists think they are getting the shaft, and want help from others for their cause, let's see what they have. Just because they have been at one location does not entitle them for squatters' rights.
Maybe a development company has ideas for condos, retail space, and restaurants for the area the artists do not want to vacate, which would stimulate the environment. Maybe I will not have to travel the same streets to see no change, with the exception of one painting every 23 years.
Bob Patukonis
West Bridgewater
Mixed messages
I am disappointed that you chose a writer (Greg Cook) who obviously was not familiar with Crumb's comics and cultural commentary to write "The Beast in Me: Robert Crumb at MassArt", and who made up for his lack of knowledge with numerous insults directed at the artist.
I don't mind bias or opinions in an article, but I think it helps to have a good idea of the subject in the first place.
Laura Bradford
Jamaica Plain
Greg Cook responds I appreciate Ms. Bradford's thoughtful criticism of my review of the Crumb exhibition, and her expertise when it comes to Crumb. But I find I must stand by what I said at the start of my review: "Robert Crumb is one of the greatest artists ever. It's as simple as that."
Six winning words
Recently, we asked our readers to submit their own six-word romantic memoirs for possible inclusion in the next edition of the Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure series. Here are some of our favorite responses:
1) I closed my eyes. You didn't.
2) We came loose: two mis-laundered sweaters.
3) Dealt spades and clubs. Shuffle. Fold.
Catherine Merrick
Cambridge
Look at me when you talk.
Tonia Allen Gould
Camarillo, California
He's just not that into you.
Judy McGurk
Boston
