Images(2)

Baja (For Joanna)

Maker H. C. (Horace Clifford) Westermann (American, 1922-1981)

Date1973

MediumInk and watercolor on wove paper

Dimensions11 3/16 x 15 in. (28.4 x 38.1 cm)

Credit LineThe H.C. Westermann Study Collection, Gift of the Estate of Joanna Beall Westermann

CopyrightArt © Estate of Lester Beall/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

Collections

H.C. Westermann Study Collection

Object number2002.172

Status

Not on view

Description

Website Text

At the top of this watercolor Westermann has written "With all my love to ‘the little flower,’" his pet name for Joanna. It is also the English translation of his mother’s name, Florita. "Baja" refers to a particularly memorable boat trip Cliff and Joanna took in 1973. He was inspired by the trip to write a poem about his "little flower," which he sent to his friend Ed Janss in December of that year:

The Little Flower

Something rotten psyched

her out a thousand years ago

forever, I guess―you understand.

Well she retained all of

her fine qualities, intact &

made her peace with the

world & thats the way it is.

Now she pedals awhile &

coasts & pedals & coasts, a

beautiful rhythm & she’ll go

on as long as the stars