There has been an immense increase in depression during and since the pandemic—researchers found that the rate tripled across all demographics. Chris Kresser, cofounder of California Center for Functional Medicine, sent out a reminder at one point about the importance, now more than ever, of positive psychology. The outlined strategy includes the acronym HERO: Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, Optimism. What do you do that makes you feel like a hero?
One of the three formative exhibitions in my life was Holt Quentel’s last show at Stux Gallery in New York in 1990, where she showed sculpture for the first time. The exhibition was universally panned by critics, so immediately after, she permanently absented herself from the art world. I never forgot her or that show, and for years, when I couldn’t sleep, I would often google Quentel and her work. After a long time of searching for her, I found a clue, and through an artist she was friends with, I was eventually able to reconnect with Quentel and ultimately restage that same New York exhibition at the Aspen Art Museum. Works from 1990 and 1991 looked incredibly fresh twenty years later—she was known in particular for her tarp paintings. When we were communicating about the show, she told me the recluse thing was real, so I’m happy I never gave up hope of finding her and getting to see that work again. It was totally worth it for myself, the artist, and those that came to see the exhibition.
