by Philip Smith
Pop was saying hello—loud and clear. And of course he would have chosen a tangible object that involved an image so that I could not have dismissed his communication as simply the meanderings of my own mind. The existence of this photograph would always be a reminder of his continued presence.
At that moment, I realized that he was still with me, guiding and protecting me as he always had and always will. Even though I couldn’t see him, he was still watching my every move. But unlike before, I was delighted to have him spying on me.
Acknowledgments
With Thanks…
Unlike my usual solitary experience of making a painting, this book involved a legion of dear friends and generous associates. I am grateful to all those mentioned here as well as to many more who lent ears, support, and time to this very personal project.
First and foremost, Eric Schorr for his constant brilliance, patience, and extraordinary kindness.
Diane Coffield for telling me decades ago that this book needed to be written.
Max and Sedell Rand for remembering long-forgotten stories.
Bruce Deitchman, for friendship, facts, and more facts.
Dirk Wittenborn, Eric Konigsberg, and A. M. Holmes, a talented posse of esteemed writers and friends who each patiently and generously advised me on the nature of making a book, especially when the finish line seemed impossibly far away.
Manuel Gonzalez, who has rightly insisted that whenever possible I should mambo through life—but especially when writing this book.
Patrick Lilly, Gabriele Fiorentino, Kirsten Wittenborn, Helen McEachrane, and Guido Apicella for their very thoughtful and valuable input.
Al Zuckerman, who immediately loved my father’s story and became a great ally in making this book possible.
Judith Curr, a gracious and remarkable true patron of the arts whose magical ideas and endless curiosity are always inspirational.
The astute and visionary Michael Selleck, who was intrigued enough with my story told to him over dinner to spend his vacation reading the manuscript. Michael, you have made a dream come true, and my father has asked me to personally thank you.
The extraordinarily talented Mr. Peter Borland, a true gentleman and a scholar. Peter has been the devoted guardian angel of this book. His delightful, insightful, and brilliant guidance made these words tell an even better story than I ever thought was possible.
For my many new friends at Atria, you are all so kind, generous, and patient.
And finally, at a loss for words, I bow my head with profound gratitude and endless appreciation to Kaicho Nakamura; my debt for all your precious wisdom can never be repaid.
