Issue Four
Letter from the Editor
Traffic East is about developing and preserving integrity...
How do you compose yourself?
If you have pride and passion in and about what you do in life, you will lead. You will set an example. The example will become infectious. This is how communities can revive–and cities can be built. It has to start with the individual mind set. Look into yourself to find what it is you want to do and work it–live it. It’s (life) all about seeking progression within and searching for some (perhaps unattainable) solace and peace of mind. Its the search that’s important, and to reach beyond what’s possible to attain.
In keeping, Traffic East is about developing and preserving integrity (of art–both written and visual) in print.
In this issue, Ray Kelly paints us into the world of Craig LaRotonda. When I first went to Craig LaRotonda’s studio, in Buffalo several years back, I was, to put it simply, blown away by his work. Craig now lives in San Francisco and is making great advances with his art and in the art world. Be sure to check out Craig’s (and his partner Kim’s) web site at www.revelationart.net.
Nobel laureate Herbert Hauptman’s accomplishments are too many to mention. Herb’s essay, Are Scientists Responsible, in this issue is an important read as he explains the relationship between science and technology, and how they have affected, and may affect in the future, life and society. Note the Breverman painting with this piece.
Derek Nikitas is our featured writer in this issue. His story, Burden is a well written piece of fiction and we are excited to feature it–and Kim Maria’s illustration with it.
Don Scott’s, humorous, off beat, Zen and The Art of Snowblowing is another great read–and check out Nina’s painting with that.
Stacy has written another great food piece, (as only she can) on the Bright Food Shop and Kitchen Market, in Chelsea, New York, where they effectively fuse Asian and Mexican cuisine in a down-home environment.
Luanne diBernardo has written our style/fashion piece on Irish Fashion Designer Lucy Downes.
Joe Sweeney talks to Janet Reed about her life in dance. Thad reviews The Professor’s House by Willa Cather, and Keith Frome discusses the plight of the independent bookstore with Talking Leaves’ Jonathan Welch. We travel through Istanbul, Turkey, with Jennifer Irwin. Jen’s piece is entitled, The Sultan of Spring. We also have the poetry of Charles Bernstein and much more...
And we welcome Karen Lewis and Jennifer Tappenden as poetry editors.
Finally, we are pleased to acknowledge the national release of Robert (R.P.) Gatewood’s beautifully written first novel, The Sound of the Trees, published by Henry Holt and Company. This is a serious piece of literature and and I urge everyone to read this book. Seldom does a writer release a first novel of this caliber. I have no doubt that Bob will, in time, be an important figure in American literature. We’re proud of you Bob! The Sound of the Trees is available at bookstores nationwide. Bob will give a reading on June 19th at Talking Leaves Bookstore on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo.
So… you can see, Traffic East is alive and well and still on the move! We believe this is our best to issue date. Please view it, read it and take it to heart. Thanks for staying with us!
Mark Ernest Dellas
If you have pride and passion in and about what you do in life, you will lead. You will set an example. The example will become infectious. This is how communities can revive–and cities can be built. It has to start with the individual mind set. Look into yourself to find what it is you want to do and work it–live it. It’s (life) all about seeking progression within and searching for some (perhaps unattainable) solace and peace of mind. Its the search that’s important, and to reach beyond what’s possible to attain.
In keeping, Traffic East is about developing and preserving integrity (of art–both written and visual) in print.
In this issue, Ray Kelly paints us into the world of Craig LaRotonda. When I first went to Craig LaRotonda’s studio, in Buffalo several years back, I was, to put it simply, blown away by his work. Craig now lives in San Francisco and is making great advances with his art and in the art world. Be sure to check out Craig’s (and his partner Kim’s) web site at www.revelationart.net.
Nobel laureate Herbert Hauptman’s accomplishments are too many to mention. Herb’s essay, Are Scientists Responsible, in this issue is an important read as he explains the relationship between science and technology, and how they have affected, and may affect in the future, life and society. Note the Breverman painting with this piece.
Derek Nikitas is our featured writer in this issue. His story, Burden is a well written piece of fiction and we are excited to feature it–and Kim Maria’s illustration with it.
Don Scott’s, humorous, off beat, Zen and The Art of Snowblowing is another great read–and check out Nina’s painting with that.
Stacy has written another great food piece, (as only she can) on the Bright Food Shop and Kitchen Market, in Chelsea, New York, where they effectively fuse Asian and Mexican cuisine in a down-home environment.
Luanne diBernardo has written our style/fashion piece on Irish Fashion Designer Lucy Downes.
Joe Sweeney talks to Janet Reed about her life in dance. Thad reviews The Professor’s House by Willa Cather, and Keith Frome discusses the plight of the independent bookstore with Talking Leaves’ Jonathan Welch. We travel through Istanbul, Turkey, with Jennifer Irwin. Jen’s piece is entitled, The Sultan of Spring. We also have the poetry of Charles Bernstein and much more...
And we welcome Karen Lewis and Jennifer Tappenden as poetry editors.
Finally, we are pleased to acknowledge the national release of Robert (R.P.) Gatewood’s beautifully written first novel, The Sound of the Trees, published by Henry Holt and Company. This is a serious piece of literature and and I urge everyone to read this book. Seldom does a writer release a first novel of this caliber. I have no doubt that Bob will, in time, be an important figure in American literature. We’re proud of you Bob! The Sound of the Trees is available at bookstores nationwide. Bob will give a reading on June 19th at Talking Leaves Bookstore on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo.
So… you can see, Traffic East is alive and well and still on the move! We believe this is our best to issue date. Please view it, read it and take it to heart. Thanks for staying with us!
Mark Ernest Dellas