Customer Reviews

Painting with O'Keeffe

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There is no end to books about O'Keeffe and to the interest in her life and work. This book, howver, has an unusual story to tell. O'Keeffe who had stopped painting in 1971 because of loss of most of her vision never lost her desire to paint. In 1975 she decided to do something about it by creating new paintings.In order to do this she had to use someone else to paint her ideas on the canvass but under her direction. John Poling was a young man doing odd jobs for O'Keeffe when he was called upon to be a substitute artist. The ethical questions that arose when O'Keeffe passed those works off as her own original work caused a furor when a local newspaper published the story. Nearly 25 years later,Poling tells his side of the story. Whatever readers may decide about the ethics,this book gives a first hand look at O'Keeffe's daily life in her later years. It also offers additional insight into the role of Juan Hamilton in her life. The original newspaper articles that broke the story in 1980 are reproduced in two appendices. There is a bibliography and an index. There a photographs of O'Keeffe and related subject matter. There are no photos of the paintings because Poling was denied permission to use them.Now a professor at St. Olaf College, Poling still regards O'Keeffe as a mentor and an importnt influence in his life.

Reviewed in ENCHANTMENT,Book Chat with Marcia, Mutt, Oct. 1999 (120,000 circulation)

"Artists are notorously circumspect about the origins of their work. It is difficult enough to describe to oneself the mysterious process by which a poem or painting comes into existence, let alone to an apprentice or public audience. How fortunate we are, then, to have John Poling's account of painting with Georgia O'Keeffe. Here is a portrait of an aging artist discovering ways to create even after she had lost her sight. Painting, she said, is "like the thread that runs through ..all other things that make one's life." And for one magical season John Poling helped her to find that thread again".

Christopher Merrill, College of the Holy Cross; Book Review Editor, EL PALACIO.

I've not read everything about O'Keeffe but Poling's easy read, page-turning narrative certainly gives perspective to this remarkable lady. His very personal association, that of "servant", student, errand boy, you name it, gives a warmth to her that has not always been revealed. Clearly, the author's good sense of humor, his openness with her and the quick retorts to her candid, frank observations cannot help but bring smiles to readers. The chronology here is a very nice contribution to the history of Georgia O'Keeffe. Douglas C. Billian, Publisher, ART & ANTIQUES

A fascinating story of the intertwining of art and life, of a remakable woman, of his painting with her for a season and finding his own life transformed...he offers helpful insights into O'Keeffe's aesthetic world and beautifully evokes the personal inspiration he found in O'Keeffe's life and work.

John J. Compton Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, Vanderbilt University.

Obviously, one of my first priorities, when I went to interview John Poling, was to try and determine whether he was seeking some kind of personal gain by going public with his story. We spent, I would guess, at least 10 or 12 hours, in a series of meetings. I backtracked and criss-crossed over the facts again and again, and he remained absolutely consistent, down to the smallest detail. By the end, I believed that his motive was one of ethics, and nothing more.

I found it quite a beautiful story--the relationship between this young maintenance man and the aging artist. I enjoyed the writing.

Hope Aldrich, Staff writer and later Publisher of the SANTA FE REPORTER.

It's hard to imagine anyone who admires Georgia O'Keeffe's art(and who doesn't)not being fascinated by these recollections of the philosopher/handyman who helped paint both her house and her canvases. John Poling reveals insights into the character of the artist herself and of Juan Hamilton, her controversial agent/companion.

Tony Hillerman

I found this book a fascinating confluence of ideas and life themes that allow O'Keeffe fans insights into her personal life and her approach towards artistic expression -- as a well as the real-life story of a young man's coming of age in search of his place in this universe.

It is filled with observations and insights that allow the reader to consider what it would be like to work with one of Americas' greatest artists - and to appreciate the solitary and disciplined life-style that she led -- especially in her final years.

I also found this story to be very sad yet poignant. O'Keeffe was obviously manipulated by her personal affairs manager, Juan Hamilton, and apparently fearful of his reaction to the close relationship that blossomed between Mr. Poling and Ms. O'Keeffe one summer while he was away in New York City.

I have also know the author as a personal friend since childhood and find this book to be true to his nature as an individual - insightful and honest. I would recommend it highly!