Forgive me, since this isn't exactly a romantic idea, and one that I find abhorrent and a self-fullfilling prophecy of doom, but it is a part of many marriages, so I thought I'd address it by posting this article. I am open to any discourse or other point of view. Perhaps there are instances I haven't thought of where it makes absolute sense, but for me, it never would:

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photo by Mike Slack ===================

There are some who get really into the way in which this ritual is enacted - this guy spent time on his proposal, big time. But, what if she couldn't get to the level in the game where it actually happens? I guess its because he'd never propose to someone who couldn't.

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It was a tremendous weekend. The artists really pulled out all the stops. I'm proud to have been asked to be a part of this, and to have gotten the strongly positive feedback I've been getting.

Here's a link to an article Geoff Tuck has invested time and talent into explaining the show, and going through some of the artist's studios. This is the first part of his piece celebrating Michele O'Marah's solo show at CAF which launched simultaneously with The Home Show:

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And, this is part of the article focusing on the studio visit with me:

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There are many weekends ahead for visitation possibilities. Fridays and Saturdays: 11 am - 5 pm, Sunday: noon - 5 pm, through July 17th. Check the website for detailed information:

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There really is a website for anyone looking for marriage. Just a sampling:

click here for Muslims

and here for ugly millionaires

and here for Russian women

and here for Christians

and for polyamorists

and how about some good ole mail order husbands

last but not least, my personal favorite, click here to marry a character online

GOP donors wield their clout for gay rites

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"When I first met Ruben it was pretty amazing, because I wasn't looking to get into a relationship, and he literally knocked my socks off. I loved his energy. I loved everything about him from day one. I’d never felt that kind of exctiement before." ~Bec

"I don’t think I had a doubt in my mind, even before I looked closely as to what the project was about. I knew I wanted to get married with Bec. I wanted to do something that wasn’t traditional, something where both her and I would have fun with it." ~Ruben

"To have this opportunity is amazing for both of us and to be working and collaborating with so many brilliant artists is unbelievable..it's a dream come true. We’re just so excited a to how its unfolding." ~Bec

I will share the stats. I tried to import the actual invite, but my limited computer skills put up a blockade. Stats remain:

James Fuentes LLC presents

William Stone

FRAMES

May 11 - June 12, 2011
Reception: Wednesday, May 11, 6-8pm

55 Delancey Streeet, New York, NY 10002, 1.212.577.1201

Gallery hours Wednesday - Sunday, 11-6

www.jamesfuentes.com

This will explain itself without going into any unnecessary details, though the break-up came from several emerging and increasing discordant desires. I do think we will be happier now that we have gone different routes. I wish them the very best in their own wedding planning, and in married life as well. ~ Bettina

Dear Jon and Liz,

I have taken the weekend to think this through very carefully and thoughtfully. I do not take this decision lightly. I do appreciate and honor the work and time and care you have put into this project. Your intelligence and insight into the issues and the respectful focus for each part of the venture have been remarkable. I thank you for reiterating your belief and interest in my idea for Get Hubbied. My idea though, does require my own guest list, which would include my best friends, a few of the participating artists, and a couple of hand-selected press, within the playful framework that I've been orchestrating.

I do believe, and my belief is shared by those closest to me, that we have very different approaches, outlooks, and wishes that are coming to light to look a bit like oil and water - in the end this does not make for a pleasant shared experience. I think that in order for you to look back on this event and see your friends and loved ones in the purest of ways, then you should have that; and the same goes for me in seeing this project through the spirit in which I conceived it. I know you have taken this step of marriage with much thought, discussion and seriousness. We have run into a wall that I believe is called: irreconcilable differences. I think we can gracefully and with mutual respect, take our respective forks in the road and wish each other the fulfillment we desire and deserve.

This will indeed become a part of this project for me, and a learning experience. It is sad to be sure, but I don't see it as a waste of either of our times - I think we all enjoyed the ride, until we began not to. The first couple of months couldn't have gone better to me. But, as it is true with any relationship, it took some time to start to see that our differences in approach were too great to have a happy match. And I want to look back in 20 years and see something joyful regarding what I and all my cohorts have been working on for long and hard and with so much energy and passion.

With respect,

Bettina

PS - There is some immediate enthusiastic interest by another couple of people to replace Jon and Liz. More on that in the next blog: onward forward.

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that's it on that, I promise

True to himself, being an absolute inventor of playful intelligent forms, Joe does it again!

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