(#77) ASILOMAR:

Edition of 1952 of which 300 copies are signed 1-300, 26 copies are signed A-Z as artist's proofs, and five sets are signed as progressives.

September 8, 1978 Seven colors 18" x 24"

Client: Ernest E. Karsten, Jr. A-Z: Artist's own use

(Communication Arts CA79; Color in Art and Design, Mary Pat Fisher and Paul Zelanski, John Calmann & King, LTD, London, 1988) (facsimile)

My high school Latin teacher, Ernie Karsten, provided support and encouragement that idealizes the student-teacher relationship. He befriended me through heartbreak and joy, and made sure that I had enough to eat in lean student days. He even paid my college tuition one semester. He offered praise at every turn, overlooking my shortcomings and never trampling on tender budding efforts.

How do you repay such generosity? Fifteen years later, Ernie got stuck with the publicity for a conference of high school English teachers at Asilomar. At last I was given the opportunity to repay a fraction of what I owed. Asilomar liked the poster so well that they made tiles and rugs from the design. I even got to stay there free one night and admire my own handiwork.