To the editors:
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Mr. Ervin in his article left out the most important element of the Buffalo controversy. He did this in a small swirl of confusing facts. Walt’s Tree Service did not show up during the first confrontation at the site of the sculpture when I climbed on top to prevent its destruction. Walt’s showed up several days later under the cover of darkness and after, as city officials were well aware, all judges had left their chambers. This was during the agreement that I had with city officials that if the sculpture were to remain off, they (the city) would not dismantle it. Sure enough, in the four hours it took my attorneys to get a temporary restraining order, the sculpture was almost entirely destroyed. In the area of $100,000 worth of damage was done to the piece in what was later described by the New York State Supreme Court as actions “abhorrent to the (court’s) understanding of the laws of the community.”
To win this case in the New York State Supreme Court I had to pay attorneys’ fees approaching $20,000. This eventually required the liquidation of my home and studio, personal relationships were lost, I lost my job as a rowing coach at a local high school, and I was repeatedly subjected to death threats. I left Buffalo because it became impossible to live and work there. I now live in Cleveland after giving strong consideration to Chicago. Both cities have in common a warm, generous, and supportive populace.
Me. Three years later and trying to start up all over again, I see that it’s art for yuppies. Fancy ornamentation for Saabs and BMWs, video draperies for the home, laser clocks for the ceiling, and hologram pets for the children. Anything. As long as I don’t have to think. Amen.
