I have noticed that you meet people in your life who continue to reappear and shape your future, often over the occur of a decade or more. They signal significant moments that alter your path and fuel your passion, while providing information that would otherwise remain lost. One of my main reasons to drive to Louisville was to see Brian Traynor, a fellow scenic artist, in Chicago. Without Brian, I would not be on the trajectory I am now.
Brian and I first made contact while I was researching information about Chicago scenic artists during the mid-1990s. This was for Lance Brockman’s “Theatre of the Fraternity” exhibit at the Weisman Art Museum in 1996. I cold-called Brian on the phone about 1995 and we chatted about scenic studios and individual artists in the Chicago area. From the first moment we spoke, there was an instant connection, one that has exponentially grown over the years. Our conversations have always been like rapid ping pong matches with facts, figures and personalities bouncing back and forth. He always knows exactly what I am talking about or referring to, whether it is projects, people, or painting techniques.
We next connected when I was designing and writing the text for the University of Minnesota Scenic Collections Database. Again, I contacted Brian to verify information and sources. We were both a little older and had individual gathered even more knowledge and information about the Chicago artists.
The third time was when I was working on a restoration project and Brian contacted me with news that a scenery collection was destined for the dumpster. This was the Peoria Scottish Rite and we both tried in vane to find a University or facility willing to take it at the time, or even temporarily store it. This was when we decided that I should simply rent a truck and pick it up, using it as an instructional tool.
Then Brian began the transfer some of the artifacts that he had housed for years. Fortunately, Brian salvaged a plethora of information and artifacts that would have otherwise been lost forever. Studio records, stage designs, historic pounces, drawings, photographs, paintings, dry pigment, aniline dye, hide glue, and much more appeared on my door step over the years; all from Brian. We both recognized that our homes were becoming temporary storage facilities, until we could identify permanent homes for the objects. Somehow along the way, we both became foster homes for scenic art artifacts awaiting a permanent collection.
Fast forward to last Monday. My stop this time was to return a few scenic studio sales catalogues and pick up a few more.
Elgin, Illinois, became our designated meeting space as it was close to where I was spending the night with friends. This time, I also wanted to officially interview Brian about his personal history and career as a professional scenic artist and historian. He has become part of the legacy to preserve our history; a jumbled tale swirling around James Maronek, John Rothgeb, Lance Brockman and many others.
Once again, we chatted over lunch and left with our respective bundles of historic artifacts. Our shared enthusiasm provides me with the necessary fuel to keep plugging along with my own research and journey. That being said, we have big plans ahead of us.
To be continued…
