Dear Friends from all over,

Apr, 2009

 

I’ve been going to write some “Gil says” for quite some time but just didn’t have anything worth saying or needing to be said.  As most of you know we are in the gripes of the most devastating economic period of History since the Great Depression.  Being born in 1932 I felt the pain of being there.  My parents didn’t talk of it but I knew something fearful existed.  Few photos during that time were of people smiling.  Ninety percent margin did it then with filthy rich and painfully poor being the population.  Now similar policies and greed have done it again.  Few artists are left making a living at what they love most.  The art shows are indicating desperation in finding suitable artists to fill the shows. The quality will suffer with imports abounding. 

 

I just watched with Jan a tribute to Martin Luther King narrated by Lou Gossett.  It was so wonderful watching the youthful choirs singing their hearts out.  They loved what they were doing and somehow have found the time and ability to train their gifts.  The music was so uplifting as was the youthful smiling faces.  Also it is above freezing for the first time in a month or more here in good ole Chelsea, Michigan.  The winter has been the worst in years and kept us in.  Jan has major difficulty with her thermostat and this weather has made me feel we are no longer meant to be here.  Just thinking, no real plans.  Take it slow, Gil.  I hear of communities in the south where they are like family and care for one another.  I love a variety of ages but old people do have time to help each other.

Wonder if we could find some who like jokes as I do. 

 

We often show people the photo albums of paintings Jan had painted.  I started numbering here paintings years ago, about half way through her career, and photographing all of them.  She is now in the 2800s.  All have been sold with about fifty remaining.  I’m not sure there will be any more.  Time has taken its toll.  We have the names and addresses of most who own her numbered paintings.  The new move is the giclee program.  It is a process of reproduction that is fantastic.  Some of the giclees have to be touched by Jan to make sure which is the original and which the print.  We have nineteen giclees limited to 50 images of each.  Having all the names of owners, allows us to contact those we feel have special paintings for permission to have the paintings screened for reproduction.  The artist has all reproductive rights for many and many years.  Harvey is our print rep who sells to frame shops and galleries.  We started with him in the middle of last year and he has done well considering the times.  It is a way for people to have Jan’s images inexpensively.  The giclee testing says they will last 90 or so years unlike the old method that will last maybe twenty if in the light.  To contact me it is best to use dorergj@aol.com.  It works best the chest1nut thing was a mistake by me of punching a key at the wrong time. 

 

We love to hear from people.  It makes us feel our efforts were worth while.  I just reread the email file and I’ll share some with you.  We have many and I’m just giving you a few of the collection.  These are people from our past and from all over the country.  Have some from Europe but can’t find them right now.

 

Many years ago, when I first moved to Chicago from Boston, I discovered you and your work at an art fair. There I had the good sense to buy one of Jan’s collage pieces (#934-1992) and it has provided immense pleasure ever since. I wish I could keep track of the number of sharp intakes of breath the work inspires in those who first see it.

 

Hi Gil- You write such genuine and entertaining newsletters and notes. It’s just another dimension to the lovely portfolio both you and Jan represent.

 

My wife and I were at the Boston Mills Art Fest, Sat. the 6^th.  We saw Jan’s work and my wife really liked her work, particularly one painting….should have bought it then.  Is there anyway to see what painting Jan had at that show…..so I can see if I can pick out the one my wife liked and give it to her for her birthday….

 

Hi. I am familiar with Jan’s work and bought a piece at Boston Mills a few years back.  I was very unhappy to have missed you this year.  I decided to look you up on the web.  I am interested in the painting #2292. Could you send me price info and also shipping prices on this piece?

 

I would be interested in acquiring one of your original works.  I purchased one of your prints from the Boston Mills Artfest last July and really love it.  I have now decided to acquire only originals and would be interested in starting with one of yours.  I looked on your site and found a liking o the #2342.  I would also like to see photos of others in the 3’to4’ size. 

 

Saw your work about a year and half ago in Ann Arbor, fell in love with it, but I had just started building a house and wanted to wait.  I have had your art work constantly on my mind.  To be honest, I think I planned everything else around your art.  I will need three to 6 pieces of your larger work.  Do you deliver?  Will you hang the work? Comment, “We do and We did”.

 

My mother purchased a number of your paintings several years ago.  Unfortunately, we lost her in a lingering illness and another family member inherited the paintings.  I was not able to get into the schedule on your web site.  Please tell me when you’ll be to Chicago again for I want to buy two paintings for us.  Finally, just wanted to let you know how much my family has enjoyed your art.  My sister-in-law tells me that everyone in her small town always remarks on the beauty of the pictures when they enter her home.

 

We purchased a couple of your paintings from your Kennesaw studio back in the 80s…and another at the Plaza Art Show in Kansas City.  We saw that you had repurchased a large seascape from Mr. Erbs in Dallas.  As it turns out we are looking for a large painting (about 48”x60”).  Can you tell us about this painting or do you have a photo?  Do you have other large paintings that might also be available now?

 

I’m not very good at this computer stuff so please bear with me.  I’ve been debating for some time about purchasing (can’t spell either) another piece by Mrs. Dorer and have finally decided to go ahead.  If I wait longer I may not have the funds.  So today I decided to do it except I can’t figure out how.  Was wondering if you could help?

 

I have been meaning for ages to get on the computer and see if you had a web site and finally got to it today.  I am so glad to have found your site.  You may remember my mom and dad.  How are Cindy and Bob?  As you know my parents passed away some time ago. I still have all 45 Dorer paintings they purchased from you and they have always been prominently displayed in my houses, first in Grosse Pointe, and now California. All of the Dorer pink paintings are still dedicated to a bedroom but now it’s the guestroom rather than my bedroom.  The only Dorer I’ve ever taken down is the paint over Jan did of my wedding invitation.  Bill and I are getting divorced and it didn’t seem right to keep it up anymore.    I have always judged other artists by the “Jan standard” and mostly found them wanting. Don’t have as much wall space in CA as I did in MI. but maybe a new Dorer will be in my future sometime.

 

Wendy’s father, Carl, would say, “Jan, I have few vices.  I like good Scotch, good books, and Jan Dorer paintings.”  He and Lynn were the love of our life.  We dearly miss them.

 

After rereading some of these letters I feel we are really filthy rich.

 

Remember we love hearing from you and the artists visiting this web site.  It’s dorergj@aol.com or 734 475 4300.  When things get better for selling Jan’s paintings we will consider buying back more of her paintings that are available.

 

 

Love to all Gil with Jan sometimes looking over my shoulder.