An Art in the AM reading prompted by the Ian Friedland piece pictured at the bottom. The artfulness of a marquetry master flows through every decision he makes. He considers and selects specific veneers based on their species, their color, their grain, the way each can be cut. From thin sheets of wood and the use of sharp implements, the artist is able to piece together the picture he has imagined. Depth and pattern are created in juxtaposition, each piece placed and honed to fit exactly so. I imagine he sometimes takes a step back to deal with ragged cuts…

The watercolor shows a solitary, deeply shadowed figure facing the viewer from the near end of a long hallway. Multiple grey stone archways form the hall, leading from an iron-gated second entryway in the foreground, to arched double doors at the far end. Several rooms can be seen off to the right. Bright sun washes the walls and the flagstone floor in yellow. The picture depicts a church, maybe, or a museum. A piece of artwork stands out on the wall of the room nearest the gate. Pendent lights align above, ready to light the hall when the sun fades.…

Our mother was born on Christmas Eve. We made sure to celebrate her birthday independent of the Christmas rush. Daddy made dinner, so we always had steak, not your typical holiday menu, and quite a splurge for our large family. Mom’s favorite cake was this tricky-to-make three-layer spice concoction, which I made for her once I was old enough. Christmas Eve was for decorating the tree, going to church, entertaining family, and just being together. Mom died when I was twenty-five, but we continued to serve steak at the family Christmas gathering, although eventually no longer held on Christmas Eve.…

The following is an ekphrastic essay (inspired by artwork) written for Art in the AM and read on December 10, 2025. The full Mary Jo Tarallo photograph that served as inspiration is below the essay. For the moment, she stands alone. Her formidable perch rises from a restless sea. A rocky bluff: solid, unshakable. The path to the summit requires navigating rough terrain, pushing through hard climb, pausing on respite ledges, and nursing wounds from unexpected stumbles. Crystal blue waves swirl against the cliff face, returning to a playful dance after a retreating storm. She doesn’t notice their invitation to…