I spent the Millennium New Year’s Eve in Palm Springs partying away the night at the Kaufman House. Pink Martini played live on the tennis court. What a party! All these years later, I am still haunted by the Akari paper lanterns smattered and aglow in the desert trees beyond the poolhouse. It was all so magical!

Cut to this past Saturday, I went to hear Clarence Greenwood of Citizen Cope sing an acoustic set at the Bearsville Theatre. I sat in the small balcony transfixed by the paper lanterns lighting both sides of the room (pictured a bit blurry, sorry.) I have always been in awe of the simple clean texture an Akari light sculpture gives off. Like a flame to the moth, I can’t help but be transfixed by a grouping of the lanterns. It’s no surprise that they were the creation of design avatar Isamu Noguchi. Years ago I was moved to tears when I visited the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City for the first time. Being a world class crybaby this outburst is a happy memory. I relish the rare moments where my soul is moved by the breadth of one man’s body of work.

I encourage all who can to get over to Long Island City to experience what a true master of invention the Japanese American artist was. — Allison R.