Saturday, August 11, 2007

Art work









14 comments:

Eric V. Kirk said...

Nice paintings Steven. I got kind of lost in the bottom one.

Of course, you do know what MLK had to say about Israel?

Steve Lewis said...

Yes, I do but he's forgiven. You do know what Albert Einstein had to say about Israel, of course?

Eric V. Kirk said...

Well, he was concerned about the nationalism. However, he raised for Jewish resettlement in Israel, and to found universities in Israel.

I'm sure King would have been thankful for your forgiveness.

Steve Lewis said...

Let's see how Einstein lines up with you, Eric, SoHum's Zionist promoter, or me, the anti-Zionist. And I am sure Martin Luther King would support Einstein's views if he knew them re Zionism.

As for forgiveness, that, Eric, is the reason Judaism was made obsolete 2000 years ago, the inability of the religion to forgive Gentiles or even look upon Gentiles as human beings.

Eric, you should serious worry about whether you yourself are forgiven for your continuing crime of supporting fascist Zionism. Read Einstein's letter:

Einstein Letter Warning Of
Zionist Facism In Israel
Letter That Albert Einstein Sent to the New York Times
1948, Protesting the Visit of Menachem Begin
11-1-4

Letters to the Editor
New York Times
December 4, 1948

TO THE EDITORS OF THE NEW YORK TIMES:

Among the most disturbing political phenomena of our times is the emergence in the newly created state of Israel of the "Freedom Party" (Tnuat Haherut), a political party closely akin in its organization, methods, political philosophy and social appeal to the Nazi and Fascist parties. It was formed out of the membership and following of the former Irgun Zvai Leumi, a terrorist, right-wing, chauvinist organization in Palestine.

The current visit of Menachem Begin, leader of this party, to the United States is obviously calculated to give the impression of American support for his party in the coming Israeli elections, and to cement political ties with conservative Zionist elements in the United States. Several Americans of national repute have lent their names to welcome his visit. It is inconceivable that those who oppose fascism throughoutthe world, if correctly informed as to Mr. Begin's political record and perspectives, could add their names and support to the movement he represents.


Before irreparable damage is done by way of financial contributions, public manifestations in Begin's behalf, and the creation in Palestine of the impression that a large segment of America supports Fascist elements in Israel, the American public must be informed as to the record and objectives of Mr. Begin and his movement. The public avowals of Begin's party are no guide whatever to its actual character. Today they speak of freedom, democracy and anti-imperialism, whereas until recently they openly preached the doctrine of the Fascist state. It is in its actions that the terrorist party betrays its real character; from its past actions we can judge what it may be expected to do in the future.

Attack on Arab Village

A shocking example was their behavior in the Arab village of Deir Yassin. This village, off the main roads and surrounded by Jewish lands, had taken no part in the war, and had even fought off Arab bands who wanted to use the village as their base. On April 9 (THE NEW YORK TIMES), terrorist bands attacked this peaceful village, which was not a military objective in the fighting, killed most of its inhabitants ? 240men, women, and children - and kept a few of them alive to parade as captives through the streets of Jerusalem. Most of the Jewish community was horrified at the deed, and the Jewish Agency sent a telegram of apology to King Abdullah of Trans-Jordan. But the terrorists, far from being ashamed of their act, were proud of this massacre, publicized it widely, and invited all the foreign correspondents present in the country to view the heaped corpses and the general havoc at Deir Yassin. The Deir Yassin incident exemplifies the character and actions of the Freedom Party.

Within the Jewish community they have preached an admixture of ultranationalism, religious mysticism, and racial superiority. Like other Fascist parties they have been used to break strikes, and have themselves pressed for the destruction of free trade unions. In their stead they have proposed corporate unions on the Italian Fascist model. During the last years of sporadic anti-British violence, the IZL and Stern groups inaugurated a reign of terror in the Palestine Jewish community. Teachers were beaten up for speaking against them, adults were shot for not letting their children join them. By gangster methods, beatings, window-smashing, and wide-spread robberies, the terrorists intimidated the population and exacted a heavy tribute.

The people of the Freedom Party have had no part in the constructive achievements in Palestine. They have reclaimed no land, built no settlements, and only detracted from the Jewish defense activity. Their much-publicized immigration endeavors were minute, and devoted mainly to bringing in Fascist compatriots.

Discrepancies Seen

The discrepancies between the bold claims now being made by Begin and his party, and their record of past performance in Palestine bear the imprint of no ordinary political party. This is the unmistakable stamp of a Fascist party for whom terrorism (against Jews, Arabs, and British alike), and misrepresentation are means, and a "Leader State" is the goal.

In the light of the foregoing considerations, it is imperative that the truth about Mr. Begin and his movement be made known in this country. It is all the more tragic that the top leadership of American Zionism has refused to campaign against Begin's efforts, or even to expose to its own constituents the dangers to Israel from support to Begin.

The undersigned therefore take this means of publicly presenting a few salient facts concerning Begin and his party; and of urging all concerned not to support this latest manifestation of fascism.

ISIDORE ABRAMOWITZ
HANNAH ARENDT
ABRAHAM BRICK
RABBI JESSURUN CARDOZO
ALBERT EINSTEIN
HERMAN EISEN, M.D.
HAYIM FINEMAN
M. GALLEN, M.D.
H.H. HARRIS
ZELIG S. HARRIS
SIDNEY HOOK
FRED KARUSH
BRURIA KAUFMAN
IRMA L. LINDHEIM
NACHMAN MAISEL
SEYMOUR MELMAN
MYER D. MENDELSON
M.D., HARRY M. OSLINSKY
SAMUEL PITLICK
FRITZ ROHRLICH
LOUIS P. ROCKER
RUTH SAGIS
ITZHAK SANKOWSKY
I.J. SHOENBERG
SAMUEL SHUMAN
M. SINGER
IRMA WOLFE
STEFAN WOLF.

New York, Dec. 2, 1948

Anonymous said...

Who did the paintings? Looks like three different artists.

Steve Lewis said...

Me, myself, and I.

Anonymous said...

The third one is more than excellent--it is stunning. VERY inspired! I rate it as one of the best (obsessive compulsive type abstractions) to be seen anywhere. I thought it was painted by someone else but I am more than likely confused. I saw it displayed at Platypus Press and in Jay Moelers old office in Redway next to the liquor store. I stood before it for a long LONG time entranced, enraptured. I am not exaggerating. And I am not talking out of my ass either, I am an artist and have studied art my whole life. I remember JoAnnne at Platypus telling me it was done by (can't remember the name) a local sign painter. Is that right? Is that you? I'd be more than interested in hearing more about your art and your artistic endeavors. And to see more of your work too!!! Once again that third one really kicks ass! I hope you're still painting. This world needs more work that is inspired, that comes from the soul. Your piece combines a POP sensibility with an abstract expressionist vigor and spontaneity. Lichenstien meets Gorky. But forgive me for blabbing on about it--the work speaks for itself. I am glad to finally have the chance to thank you for it.

Steve Lewis said...

Thanks, anon 10:33. My art..

I was one of the '60's psychedelic artists but never produced many paintings because social change activism competed with my artist career ambitions and always won. During the '60's when I was most active as an artist I couldn't stand dealing with gallery owners and their rich clientele.

I had several gallery offers to show but they all wanted a full show which for me was near impossible to produce. That painting you like took 200 hours and to do, say, 12 large paintings would take over a year to produce and I was married, had kids, had to work, blah blah blah, no time for art. So I've produced very few paintings.

That one was also selected by the Curator of the De Young Museum to go into the 1975 San Francisco Rainbow Show. I have another psychedelic artist friend who tells me he thinks it is the best psychedelic art piece produced during that era. At times looking at it, I too felt it was one of the best abstract paintings in the world but I admit to a little prejudice and a trifle tad of ego involvement.

The Psychedelic Art Movement artists never got their fair share of recognition because the galleries were mostly afraid to show it due to the illegal drug connection. So Pop Art was in when Psychedelic Art was happening and underground. Then "Visionary Art" comes in as acceptable and non-drug related.

Some have thought I did the piece under the influence of speed but no, speed was never my thing. It is pure psychedelic inspiration. The painting is my attempt to capture one fleeting second from images I'v e seen behind my eyes under hallucinogins. To me, my painting is like a old Matthew Brady black and white Civil War photograph compared to a three dimensional super cinemascope movie, my painting is so far from being able to really show the visions as they are.

There is a movie that does come close to what psychedelic visions look like only the colors are lacking--the movie is a French made Western, "Blueberry", I think is the name.

Steve Lewis said...

Three more pictures added. Two from 1965 and The Whale done around 1976.

I was commissioned by the Watts who owned the Benbow Inn to do a painting of the Inn in the last year I worked there as night auditor. That painting is currently being destroyed by the present Benbow Inn owners, the Porters, who are letting the painting fall to pieces, there's a rip in the canvas and bat shit all over the painting in the attic of the Benbow Inn or so I assume as of last contact with them.

Anonymous said...

Here's the Blueberry trip scene
Like you said the color is lacking. I thought the guy who plays the shaman was good.
I liked this peyote trip from Beavis and Butthead Do America a lot better.

Steve Lewis said...

Thanks for the links. I couldn't get the Beavis and Butthead link to work.
You got another link to that site?

Anonymous said...

sorry, try this one

Steve Lewis said...

That one's not working for me either.

Anonymous said...

Hmm too bad about the links, the first one takes forever to load but the second one works fine for me. Too bad about the painting in the attic too, but I'm not surprised. People in this hick-town know zilch about art. Comments like, 'kind of lost in the bottom one' above ooze with ignorance. Very discouraging, but one gets used to it, or leaves. Sad to say but art that is worth a damn needs to make its way out of this neck of the woods to valued. Your visionary paintings need to get into a respectable collection. There might be a chance that the Morris Graves museum would want something of yours, otherwise it's gotta be outa here or bat-shit. It'd be a real shame if they somehow were to end up in the hands of some local yokel jerks like the people at the Benbow Inn.

Steve Lewis Blog

A Biomystical Christian activist perspective on current events

We are Holy One

We are Holy One
Altarnative

Blog Archive

About Me

My photo
Prophesy bearer for four religious traditions, revealer of Christ's Sword, revealer of Josephine bearing the Spirit of Christ, revealer of the identity of God, revealer of the Celestial Torah astro-theological code within the Bible. Celestial Torah Christian Theologian, Climax Civilization theorist and activist, Eco-Village Organizer, Master Psychedelic Artist, Inventor of the Next Big Thing in wearable tech, and always your Prophet-At-Large.