Trattoria Mitchelli's
Breakfast and shopping with Ed Ruscha -- what a treat. I received a phone call from Richard Hines inquiring about vintage clothing, sharing Ed Ruscha's interest. After a brief conversation, I enthusiastically agreed to acquaint Ed Ruscha with the well known vintage clothing store, Fritzi Ritz, 
located in the Pike Place Market. We had breakfast at Trattoria Mitchelli's in Pioneer Square. We enjoyed each other's company, spending a couple of hours and a few cups of coffee at the restaurant. I remember Ed explaining a technique involving holograms that he was using in his work. We left and headed up First Avenue to Fritzi Ritz. Ed was an avid vintage clothing enthusiast, which was confirmed by his focused interest in carefully inspecting a variety of garments. He decided on a light brown vintage, tweed sport jacket, circa 1940's; with his slim build the jacket fit him well. Some years later in a photograph of Leo Costelli and his stable of artists, Ed Ruscha appeared on the cover of ARTnews wearing that very jacket. My son Brent, of "COLLIER" clothing, in Portland Oregon is the owner of an Ed Ruscha print, "Just an Average Guy". He purchased the print from a friend of ours twenty or so years ago. The print was originally purchased the evening of the opening of the Ed Ruscha exhibition at the Richard Hines Gallery. That piece is a personal favorite -- so pleased to know it is being enjoyed in good company.
Ed Ruscha, bottom row, 2nd from Right, next to Leo
"Just an Average Guy"
L to R: Robert Rauschenberg, William Collier, Richard Hines
Meeting Robert Rauschenberg, and being present while his exhibit was being installed at the Hines Gallery was a pleasure. The casual banter between Rauschenberg and Hines was interesting, and unintentionally entertaining. My personal experience of Rauschenberg after spending time with him during the installation at the gallery, and sitting next to him during dinner that evening (a memorable honor), might be summed up in one word "complicated" and maybe not? Maybe just incredibly simplistic. After dinner I distinctly remember thinking, "Who was that masked man?" with imagery of "high planes drifter" -- a very ambiguous experience. It causes me to wonder about the complications of exclusive celebrity status and the freedom so much character interpretation offers, while being viewed remotely by the source. A memorably pleasant evening.
Richard Serra, commissioned to do an installation at the Hines Gallery turned into a very unexpected and completely coincidental informal introduction. The Gallery situated directly below our salon, and connected by a stairway, gave access to a door allowing totally unexpecting entry to the exhibition space. On a mid morning break, I make my routine visit via the back door heading to Richard's office. As I enter the main gallery space, I am immediately aware of a person on his knees diligently working on what turned out to be Belgian linen. I do not break stride and with the utmost effort to minimize my presence, proceed to Richard's office. Well, no such luck, Richard Serra pops right up as I approach the area where he is working and with a forthright tone in his voice begins a brief interrogation. I had over heard a brief comment prior to his arrival indicating his personality could be rather "feisty". I responded to his inquiry of "What the f... are you doing in here?" Sharing my association with Richard, he calmed down leaving me with a sense of bare tolerance. His installation was incredible. Epitomizing an effortless invitation into a minimalistic no frills experience.
Richard Serra "Ink on Belgian Linen"