LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

[June 22nd, 2005] IN DEFENSE OF CRITICS

Let's hear it for the power of the word. A long time ago, in the city of Portland, an unwritten law constrained critics from the least bit of criticism when writing about locally produced art. Along came Paul Sutinen to change all that. He treated our little art scene as if it really mattered. We survived, the scene thrived, and Portland emerged a shade less provincial.

Now, we have Nancy Rommelmann, daring to speak her truth about dining out in Portland ["Drink and Be Merry, WW, May 11, 2005]. Clearly, the Saucebox/Bluehour powerhouse has wrought wonders. When Zefiro, their first restaurant, opened, it raised our level of expectations and put us on the map. We owe those guys a debt of gratitude-which does not include unquestioning reverence for everything they do. To read the vitriol aimed at Ms. Rommelmann, one would think their reputation lay in ruins. I, for one, can hardly wait to spend an evening in the "Selma Hayek of bars" test-driving the "two-minutes-and-they're-gone-superb" hijitos.

In a perfect world, the less flattering aspects of the Saucebox review would lead to a fresh round of self-examination. If one is to assume the mantle of "food critic," must she not cast a critical eye on all aspects of the dining experience and share with us her honest assessments? Ms. Rommelmann's taste buds, by the way, are sufficiently developed to guide her through writing feature articles for Bon Appétit.

Ricki Grady
Northeast Rainier Avenue

ONCE MORE, WITH FEELING

Though I'm assuming your June 8 story "Art Wars Break Out" was intended as mostly tongue-in-cheek cultural satire, the piece left me with head in hands. Why should intelligent, engaged adults care about these ego antics?

I propose some alternative definitions and cultural projects for these aspiring public figures. Let "post-moderns" try to find the means to heal the alienation of head, heart and hands from each other, a legacy of the "text-based, analytic and idea-driven" ethos of the modern era. "Neo-Romantics," do you have the courage to inquire into what is worthy of your love and passion? Perhaps the sincere exploration of beauty, goodness and truth.

For readers in search of personal meaning, social function and aesthetic pleasure through art, I suggest viewing the current exhibit in the lobby of the Portland Building. It celebrates 25 years of public art in the city. Or check out www.vbc.cityrepair.org on the just-completed, fifth annual Village Building Convergence. Hundreds of true romantics with powerful social concepts worked on 16 sculptural/architectural projects in neighborhoods throughout Portland.

Finally, I recommend viewing the work of California artist James Hubbell at www.hubbellandhubbell.com. James is not ashamed of beauty. One project of particular note is the ongoing building of a school in the slums of Tijuana, Mexico, by Mr. Hubbell and other volunteers inspired by him. The emerging campus is worthy of Antoni Gaudí.

John Early
Southeast 52nd Avenue