Musing Stella
Growing up on New York City’s Lower East Side, you’re in short reach of most of the cultural experiences NYC is known for. I’ve always been a commiserative fan of graffiti culture in NYC and watched it transition into a mainstream art form, leaving me with an affinity for New York based artists.
Frank Stella of course reflected NYC to me, but sort of in the same way I followed squash before my time on the steel court, from a proverbial ten thousand feet.
Some background:
Link to James Zug article on US Squash website
When I learned of Stella’s involvement in squash and his long-time passion for the game, I instantly thought of that moment, where in an early round at a recent Tournament of Champions in Grand Central Terminal, I noticed Stella, couldn’t place who he was and racked my brain for some minutes grappling with why I felt so familiar with the man.
At the news of his passing and my learning of his involvement with squash, my sincerest first thought was wondering if he had seen or knew of the steel court. A sense of “wow” grew as I discovered more of his deep involvement with squash. It grew in proportion for my regret that he may never have seen the art that is the steel court at Maspeth Steel. I somberly wonder what his thoughts of its design and the space it creates might be.
Image by: Avalon Garcia
Art is reflective. As is the energy I feel from some of the people I’ve experienced through my time playing squash regularly here. I met Avalon Garcia, at a Street Squash event. He currently attends New York’s FIT and I learned a bit more about him and his experiences with squash. The timing to me seemed in line with my current thoughts about Frank Stella. I thought I’d draw on some of it. I asked Avalon to see the court for the first time and leave me with some impressions.
Afterward, Avalon told me he wants more time to see what he sees. I get that. This place will grow on you. I look forward to getting more of his fresh takes, as well the impressions left on me by the professionals and enhtusisasts that experience the steel court. This place is special. I wish Frank Stella would have seen it. And I wish I could have heard his take on it, whatever that would have been.
Image. by: Avalon Garcia
