People and Projects I Support:

Malia Peterson:
Two days ago, December 7th, marked a year since Malia's body died and her spirit went on to someplace better.  You might recognize Malia's name from the dedication in Some Bright Morning, as well as the many poems within the book itself that were inspired by her.  She remains a strong presence in the hearts of all of us who love and miss her.

Behind Painted Lines:
You might also recognize Cara Goodwin's name from the acknowledgements in Some Bright Morning.  (Her mother, Jane, holds the mutual book dedication, with Malia.)  You may not recognize the name Joshua Harris, though.  He inspired three poems in Some Bright Morning, as well:  "About Serving," "Good Soldier" and "Memorial Prayer."  For more information on these incredible people, please read on.

The following was initially published in my personal journal, on December 6th, 2011:

The stage stands empty now. Bare. There is no evidence of the coming magic that will unfold there in just six months. The power, though, does not exist in the performance space, itself. It exists inside people, both present and past. One who has left his creative echo and others who will capture it in a way no one expects.

Behind Painted Lines is a dance concert, which will premiere June 1, 2012. Cara Goodwin will be taking the artwork of her boyfriend, Navy SEAL Joshua Thomas Harris, and bringing it to life through movement. The concert is in Joshua's memory. Proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and families of Navy SEALS, like Joshua, who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Joshua Harris lost his life when he drowned in an Afghanistan combat mission in 2008. However, his legacy doesn't end there, with the hole he left behind in the hearts of his loved ones. His family has decided to share his creativity with others, and some of his paintings are now on display at the National Navy UDT Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida. Joshua's art has been so popular his exhibit has been extended until the end of the year.

The paintings vary in composition and color. Where one is stark black-lined heads on white background, another is a smiling clown to brighten a corner. While still another pictures two white hands holding an over-easy egg apiece. There are paintings like these and then there are those that delve deeper. There are those that beg the audience to look beyond the surface.

There is one painting I cannot stop looking at. It's as if Josh wanted us to see the man in this piece from behind, at his most vulnerable. The subject is pictured from lower torso to head. He is wearing almost nothing. Muscular arms are pictured in a way that suggests the painted man is moving forward. His skin is a flawless pink, sometimes darkened by shadows. In the back of Josh's person of interest is a gaping hole - not disgusting but intriguing - with indecipherable symbols painted white in the darkness of the space. He has sharp black and red lines protruding from the back of his head. The most intriguing part for me, though, is his face. Joshua's anomalous warrior is wearing a mask. His head is turned slightly, so the viewer of the painting can see the smiling facade.

What expression is Josh's subject really wearing? Who is he? Is this a self-portrait? Is he really venturing out into the light of full moon? What will he do once he gets there? Why is his back opened so we might see inside it?

I can't wait to see just what Cara shares with us, when the lights come up at New York's Symphony Space. When she and her dance company bring to life what emotion may exist behind painted lines in this image and so many more...so that in Josh's place those who loved him will not know only a painful void. Instead, through this show, they might be comforted by a resonant reassurance that Josh's spirit remains with them...and that maybe, he's not so far away after all...



For more information on Behind Painted Lines, and to see the painting I described, by Navy SEAL, Joshua Harris, click here.