MY SENDAK PIECE...AND RAGNAR

One of my artist friends, Ragnar Naess http://www.ragnarclay.com/welcome.html, is a clay artist who lives and works in a Brooklyn brownstone.  Behind his studio, as part of his work, he has created a breathtakingly beautiful flower and sculpture garden (frequently opened to the public).  When I received my two complimentary tickets to the BEA Auction to which I had donated my Sendak piece (http://thewendywatsonblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-expo-america.html)  (http://thewendywatsonblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/my-sendak-piece.html)  I thought immediately of Ragnar.  Over the years he had expressed much interest in my world of children's book illustration; and I was not able to be in NYC for the auction.  I queried him:  Would he like to use my tickets?  Yes! was his reply.  Good, I thought.  I had happily supported the fight against censorship by donating a piece; Ragnar would happily support it by attending the auction.

But that was not the end of the story.  When the auction was over, I received an email from Ragnar.  I opened it eagerly, expecting a  detailed description of the event, perhaps of the refreshments (since Ragnar and I both like to cook).  I was not disappointed.  But then followed a completely unexpected sentence:

We are the proud owners of one Wendy Watson drawing/watercolor, your Sendak piece, which delights us. 

When I've donated pieces for fund-raising auctions in the past, I've not usually known who has won pieces that I've donated; in fact I've never known.  But it gives me very great pleasure now to know that my Sendak piece is part of Ragnar's world...along with his luxuriant gardens and his stunning clay creations.  If you are in New York, attend his open studio June 8th and 9th; view one of his shows---enjoy his very beautiful work in every way. http://www.ragnarclay.com/welcome.html