Michele Bramlett
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The Artist at 46
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n one of those classically beautiful late spring New York City days when everything was in full bloom, after a bike ride around Central Park, we chanced upon a single poster billboard outside Carnegie Hall advertising a concert that very afternoon — Delaney and Bonnie and Friends. At that time, the duo was at the height of their fame with a collection of sidemen that included Eric Clapton and George Harrison. From a box above stage left of the fabled theatre, we witnessed a performance that to this day still inspires me. The showmanship and energy was off the charts. Many years later, I sent Delaney an e-mail thanking him for that memory and he was kind enough to respond. In his note, he asked if we would take a look at the art work of his daughter, Michele. Unfortunately, Delaney passed in Dec. 2008 at the age of 69, but his loving heart and depth of emotion live on in Michele, and in all the others — musicians and fans — who were touched by the man and his music. “Growing up with my dad, on the ranch just outside Los Angeles, was country life in the city. We had horses and chickens — it wasn’t like living with a rock star, he was just my dad,” said Michele from her mother Patty’s
Conviction of the Heart, Acrylic on canvas, 24” x 36”, inspired by Kenny Loggins’ song of the same name
Michele Bramlett with Spirit, photo by Dakota
The child is holding close to her heart a fish, and apple, and a bird representing water, earth and air. She represents us as children, our innocence, needing to be guided and loved. We need to first learn how, then teach them what it means to be keepers of the Earth. The child running on the sheet music is meant to communicate the importance of instilling art as a foundation for the spiritual growth of our children should be able to run in to their unknown feeling confident and loved. The moon is reminding us to look to theancient once for wisdom and guidance. The sky is tumultuous which represents change... But know that the rain will come. Fine Art Magazine • Spring 2009 • 33