It is time to share with the world what Hermon has been working on for at least 30 years. While we lived and worked in Raymond, MS, Hermon got a commission for a painting of Hiawatha carrying Minnehaha across the river. The gentleman who wanted it, sent Hermon a photo of a statue of the subject. Hermon proceded to do research on the subject and in doing so, decided to read the epic poem, The Song of Hiawatha, by Longfellow. He thought there might be some word pictures within the poem. By the time he finished reading it, he had easily found over two hundred word pictures, which inspired the majority of his paintings over the years of his career. He is finally beginning a culmination of the images in book form. It is intended to be a coffee table edition of a limited number. He has at least thirty pages completed and recorded. Of course, I want him to hurry up and do it. It is going to be gorgeous and very moving. One of the first paintings that I remember being put to the words of Longfellow, is called "The Spirit's Hand." I will relate this to you, just to give you a sample of what the book will include.
The Song of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Prelude
"Ye whose hearts are fresh and simple, Who have faith in God and Nature,
Who believe that in all ages Every human heart is human,
That in even savage bosoms there are longings, yearnings, strivings
For the good they comprehend not, That the feeble hands and helpless,
Groping blindly in the darkness, Touch God's right hand in that darkness,
And are lifted up and strengthened; Listen to this simple story,
To this song of Hiawatha!"
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
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