Robert H. Foote in The Garden of Artifacts

New treasures have been unveiled in The Garden of Artifacts at The Development Gallery. I am honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Robert Foote, who is a subject in my upcoming film series …In the Woods (and Elsewhere). On view now is his powerful story, which captures his groundbreaking contributions to reproductive biology and animal cloning. After he passed, his wife sent me their cherished lei: a memory from their honeymoon in Hawaii. Since, it’s fallen apart, but still beautiful (below).

Dr. Robert H. Foote (June 21, 1922 – June 12, 2013) was a pioneering American scientist known for his groundbreaking work in animal cloning and reproductive biology. He was a key figure in the development of cloning techniques, particularly with cattle, contributing significantly to advancements in artificial insemination and embryo transfer. Dr. Foote's research laid the foundation for later breakthroughs in cloning, including the creation of Dolly the sheep. He served as a professor at Cornell University for over four decades. Dr. Foote was married to Jean Foote, with whom he shared a lifelong commitment to scientific exploration and family.

Dr. Foote’s visionary work at Cornell reshaped the world of biotechnology, opening pathways in genetic engineering that transformed agriculture and medicine. From pioneering animal cloning to laying the foundations of in vitro fertilization, his research has left an indelible mark.

In Memory of David Lynch

January 29th. My birthday. Here images I took of Lynch’s artwork at his last exhibition in NYC in 2022, Big Bongo Night! I mentioned to him on YT that I would post the images back in 2022, so I will share a gallery of those images and a few words soon. Always soon. Everything takes me time. Sometimes we don’t have time.

Now’s about a good time.

January 30, 2025

So it was his exhibition in New York in 2022. I don’t go out much, but I made sure to go. I got there late and the security guard let me in to wander around, alone. Felt right. I loved the exhibition, as I have loved all things created by Lynch.

Aside from him being a brilliant artist who illuminated our minds with his magnificent imagination, David Lynch was a giver. I didn’t know him personally, aside from a few interactions, but always felt his kindheartedness.

Sorry for those who did know him.  It’s a profound loss for the world and for art. In my mind I felt if there was anyone to see my exhibit, he would be my first choice in patron. His curiosity for discovery.

He was marvelous!

Goodbye David Lynch. Hope you’re having a Big Bongo time! You most certainly deserve it.

Over these last years, the only artist I have been compared to with my film work has been Lynch. Of course an honor, but I didn’t really think it was actually so (and I am sure he wouldn’t think so either) —outside of the fact that I made a few intense, and perhaps to other people, out there film experiences like In the Woods Pathway, so easy to equate me with him because there aren’t artists to equate me with. I just watched ItW Pathway. Soon I will screen and debut further paths from ItW Pathway in the gallery. Recently, in tribute to Lynch, I’ve been playing his music in the space.

Over the years, upon further observation, I felt a certain kinship to his kindness and for his concern for people, and in that way I did feel similar. I had never meditated per se, so upon his passing I started meditating. He wanted that for everyone and I now understand why. So if you are one of the few humans on the planet who haven’t tried meditating, maybe you too should check it out. I don’t do any type of meditation ”practice” rather just sit and be.

I felt your heart David. You are one of the very few people I miss and did not know personally — and I think I share that feeling with many.

What a life!

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