“THE SHOWER,” George Braque, oil on canvas, 1952, the Phillips Collection.
1. “THE SHOWER,” George Braque, oil on canvas, 1952, the Phillips Collection.
The “shower” isn’t even there – which makes you realize that what happened before is even more important. Braque considered it a work that showed Cubism was still relevant. I never go to the Phillips without looking at this reference point.
HE ‘BUFFALO BRIDGE” (aka the Dumbarton Street Bridge), 25th and Q streets
2. THE ‘BUFFALO BRIDGE” (aka the Dumbarton Street Bridge), 25th and Q streets NW.
These sculptures created by Alexander Phimister Proctor in 1914-1915 are a wonderful monument to the land. They always remind me that Washington is part hill and part valley. They are so strong, even at night.
3. ROCK CREEK PARK NEAR BEACH DRIVE and KENNEDY STREET NW.
The huge boulders in the creek mark the most beautiful point in the park, preceded by the swirl of trees that almost hides the sky.
They are very masculine and were probably placed there to slow the water down during floods. I have admired them for more than 50 years.
UTOPIA RESTAURANT, 1418 U St NW
4. UTOPIA RESTAURANT, 1418 U St NW
There are lots of people in this noisy restaurant near my studio. It has great atmosphere and they have always shown art by beginners there. This makes me think of similar places on the Left Bank in Paris, where I got started.
Looks like new again after a recent cleaning and its brightness at night makes Lincoln appear “ever ready,” just like Clint Eastwood! It is totally superior to almost anything else on the National Mall.
6. GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER WALK, Anacostia.
This forest-like area with many large trees is filled with winding footpaths that are a metaphor for all of the shortcuts people have taken over the years.
7. UPPER 13th STREET NW at Cardozo High School.
After all the painted houses with flagpoles, is one of the most interesting streets in Washington. Its deep slope provides one of the best views of downtown and the monuments you will ever see.
Artist Sam Gilliam at his studio.
