Viewing page 4 of 40

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Dear Dorothy and Ed:

Your very swell letter is here and poses  some tough questions. Of course you are both more than welcome to see the paintings in the studio but even that cannot be done till I return. I was not certain what my next move would be so when I left New York I rolled and packed for sipping all the paintings. As well as the books, records, and other gear I might want to keep. No, I had no place to go, but I had to clear the decks. It now appears that I might return to the city near the latter part of January unless some unknown factor appears to alter the plan.

I am curious about what you are planning to do with pictures you have seen. A group show? I have seen some of the work you looked at here in San Francisco and I am depressed by the lack of imagination, drive, and intellectual rigor. In retreat into the alibi called facility there has been found all to soon by these youngsters the same old sanctuary we fought so hard to eliminate. Conservatism and smugness seems their major forte. I presume they all are really aesthetes at heart. Certainly they are a bitter lot. And a smog of death seems everywhere. 

Equally with you I regret that I did not get to see you before I left. Your friendship was something I can never forget and made my stay in New York a great time. I made a sharp mistake in accepting the temporary job with MacAgy and had to correct the error with a rather violent gesture. That is now past, and I look forward to seeing both of you soon.

With deepest regards,

Clyff

3 A Varennes St.
San Francisco
California