BLAME IT ON THE BAUHAUS?

My newly released book is based on the real-life story of Otti Berger, gifted Bauhaus student who took the art of weaving from a craft to an art but who, as a secret Jew, could not figure out how to deal with Hitler and the Nazis in 1920s and 30s Germany. The name of my book is Blame It On The Bauhaus?

Did you know that the Bauhaus was the first modern school of art and design and was probably the first building with glass and steel walls?

Mies Van der Rohe, one of the directors of the Bauhaus, innovated the use of tall glass and steel buildings which became known as the International Style.

But he loved working so much in Germany, what do you think he did when Hitler and the Nazis got into power?

Upholstery fabric by Otti Berger for new means of transportation in the 1920s and 30s. — Otti’s Sample of Upholstery for Tubular Furniture, Double-Weave of Cotton and Plastic Fiber

COMING OUT OF COVID (maybe)

I am beginning to take my PowerPoint and information on Augusta Savage back on the road. In March of 2022, I was asked to give a presentation to two English classes at a Chicago area high school. The kids were very responsive, and the teacher ordered some of the books for independent reading when the students said they really wanted to read Graven Images on their own.

JOSEPHINE BAKER

Josephine Baker is being honored by the French today (November 30, 2021). She figured prominently in my last book, Graven Images. There will be a parade and a ceremony at the Pantheon. She was a great entertainer in the 1920s through the 1960s and was a spy for the French, enticing Nazi soldiers and then obtaining secrets from them.

Bisa Butler’s fabric portrait; she uses only fabric and layers them as a painter might layer glazes, adding detail and texture. Her pieces are usually about 8’x10′.

She is an American artist, and about 20 of her works of art are displayed now at the Art Institute of Chicago. This is an introduction to the next artist about whom I will write—Otti Berger—who made fabric design into a fine art.

Positive Feedback re: Graven Images

In the last few weeks, there have been several positive things happening in regards to my book about Augusta Savage. Readers made positive comments on Amazon, a book club in Georgia read the book and said they loved it, and a journalist called me wanting to know more about Augusta Savage. It’s nice to know that there is renewed interest in this artist who gave so much but suffered so much too.

AUGUSTA’S PICTURE IN the Harlem Renaissance Hotel

Miami, Florida

I recommend this book:

This is the story of two young lovers brought together and torn apart by fate, hatred, and the willful intervention of forces opposed to the joy of love. Although the plot takes place in the eighth century, its action and romance scenes make it entertaining for the modern reader. The ending surprises and shows the impact that history makes on individuals and how individuals affect history.
**Way to go, Rocco Blasi, distinguished author!**

Augusta Savage’s Sculpture, REALIZATION

When Augusta Savage finished this statue in the late 1930s, the people of Harlem chipped in and had it bronzed for her. Although it was exhibited and admired, no group or individual bought it. In Graven Images, Savage says, “When would I ever learn that sculpting my Negro people would only lead to rejection?” A writer for Time magazine says that in replacing statues of slave owners we should think about not trying to put up historical figures. Rather we may want to “embrace representations of those who have previously been stigmatized or invisible.” Savage’s Realization would be perfect. If anyone knows where the statue went, please leave a comment on my blog.

gail tanzer

Historic Fiction

Author: artwriter3