Yousuf Karsh

Peter Fetterman Gallery, Santa Monica, CA

Illustrated. p.85. Yousuf Karsh : Regarding Heroes. David R. Godine Publisher Boston 2009

“One never knows what each day is going to bring. The important thing is to be open and ready for it.” - Henry Moore

I have always loved Henry Moore’s sculptures and where ever I travel I always seek them out... I think they have even more relevance for all of us now, especially his family sculptures shown here in this image. They are even more of a metaphor for the connection we all seek to sustain us during these surreal times.

I grabbed the opportunity to acquire this rare Karsh portrait of him a few years ago. Moore and Karsh were destined to meet as two of the greatest artistic talents in their respective fields.

Here are Karsh’s eloquent words on their collaboration.
“We went together over spacious lawns and hillocks populated by his monumental bronzes, photographing Moore with his sculptures. He commented frequently on the play of natural light on his work- a fascination he had adapted to the indoor Center in Toronto. It was designed under his supervision to provide an easy flow of overhead light. Only after an aperitif we were sitting down to Irina Moore’s delectable lunch, did we learn that their daughter Mary had been much in their thoughts all morning. The night before, on their way back from London, she and a friend had been victims of a hit and run driver. The Moore's had been awakened at three AM to learn that Mary was in the hospital with a severe gash in her forehead. With typical thoughtfulness, they withheld the news until our photographic session was over. As we were finishing dessert , Mary arrived home. To witness the Moore's concern for her friend and for Mary-the gift of their marriage, born only after seventeen years together ,and the most important person in their lives-was a genuine touching experience.”