If you peek behind the curtain of historically famous art and art movements, you'll discover a wizard. In most cases the wizard doesn't have any tangible art talent. What wizards do have is the ability to recognize and nurture the talents of others. Think Wizard of Oz. Think de Medicis. Think M.Durand-Ruel. (See Archives - Oct.,2010) Think Mabel Dodge Luhan. (1879-1962)
Born into a wealthy New York family, Luhan (nee Ganson) became prominent for her salons in New York and Europe. Wherever she was, she gathered together the artists, writers, politicians, eccentrics and radicals of all types. Her list of guests were the names that appeared on the pages of art and society during the early 1900s. However for such a Victorian woman, Luhan had a decidedly free-spirit streak. Luhan wanted to leave the strictures of the East. Her need for self expression led her to Santa Barbara and then to Taos, New Mexico.
Born into a wealthy New York family, Luhan (nee Ganson) became prominent for her salons in New York and Europe. Wherever she was, she gathered together the artists, writers, politicians, eccentrics and radicals of all types. Her list of guests were the names that appeared on the pages of art and society during the early 1900s. However for such a Victorian woman, Luhan had a decidedly free-spirit streak. Luhan wanted to leave the strictures of the East. Her need for self expression led her to Santa Barbara and then to Taos, New Mexico.None of her friends understood how such a well-bred sophisticated woman wanted to live in a remote dusty place such as Taos. Luhan loved the area and wrote about the sense of space and spirituality. In Taos, she met and married Tony Luhan, a Taos Pueblo man. Together, they expanded a small adobe house into a large compound.
Ms. Luhan invited her Eastern friends to come for a visit. Once again, she gathered together the avant-garde artists and thinkers of post-war America. It was under her influence that Georgia O' Keeffe decided to settle near Taos.
Many other artists accepted her invitation. Willa Cather, D. H. Lawrence,
Ansel Adams, Thomas Wolfe, Carl Jung, Edna Ferber, Leopold Stowkowski and Greta Garbo represented only a small portion of the guests who stayed and felt the influence of Taos- thanks to Luhan.
Although Luhan died in 1962, her home - registered as a historic landmark - remains a retreat for creativity. If the experiences of a workshop, a need for artistic solitude or a desire to free the mind from clutter appeals to you, Luhan's wizardry is waiting.
Ms. Luhan invited her Eastern friends to come for a visit. Once again, she gathered together the avant-garde artists and thinkers of post-war America. It was under her influence that Georgia O' Keeffe decided to settle near Taos.Many other artists accepted her invitation. Willa Cather, D. H. Lawrence,
Ansel Adams, Thomas Wolfe, Carl Jung, Edna Ferber, Leopold Stowkowski and Greta Garbo represented only a small portion of the guests who stayed and felt the influence of Taos- thanks to Luhan.Although Luhan died in 1962, her home - registered as a historic landmark - remains a retreat for creativity. If the experiences of a workshop, a need for artistic solitude or a desire to free the mind from clutter appeals to you, Luhan's wizardry is waiting.
It's interesting to find out how Georgia O' Keeffe happened to decide to live in Taos. Interesting how many people support the artist behind the scenes. Jean
ReplyDeleteNice! MJK
ReplyDeleteI want to go there! sz
ReplyDeleteToo funny ... my husband and I are spending the week just outside Taos and planned to visit her gallery today! Nothing like perfect timing ... Your blog is my fave. Thanks so much. lesliebo
ReplyDeleteThank you. So glad you are enjoying the blogs. RA
ReplyDeleteR. interesting that you write about Luhan and Taos. You are aware that I lived in Taos for 10 years and I have been in the famous Mable Dodge Luhan house. Actually artists, authors and musicians were already in Taos when Mabel went there. They drew her to the area, then she invited her friends from back east to visit as she loved to surround herself with artists. The colony existed, but she expanded it with her salon. She truely brought other famous artist to Taos. Thanks for your blog on this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your personal knowledge and experience on about Taos. I haven't been there in many years. RA
ReplyDeleteWonderful article, Atencio Art! I have read about Mabel's influence and her incredible support that she gave to artists and there is definitely magic surrounding her story and her place. Just a walk through the compound was spiritually uplifting. Lots of incredible energy there. Paula G.
ReplyDelete