Those of you that listen to the show regularly probably know that my partner and I frequently travel down to Marfa, Texas. If you’ve never been, I really can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s my opinion that seeing Donald Judd’s work permanently installed at the Chinati Foundation is one of the most pure experiences you can have seeing a work of art. But here’s the thing, there’s also a lot about Far West Texas that’s interesting for reasons entirely separate from Donald Judd. This brings me to my guest, writer, curator, and historian Lonn Taylor. Lonn is a bit of a local celebrity in Marfa. His books Texas, My Texas, Musings of the Rambling Boy, and, most recently, Marfa for the Perplexed are my first recommendations to anyone interested in the region. That’s because Lonn’s writing offers a most insightful and unique view into the lives of some of the most eccentric Texans. Reading Lonn’s essays, many of which were originally published between the pages of the Big Bend Sentinel, has opened up a world of stories, both big and small. They make a real case for why we should all read a bit of history, and, for me, they’ve changed the way I think about a place I’ve loved for a long time. If you thought you knew all there was to know about Marfa, I guarantee Lonn will show you something new.
For someone so influential in Marfa, Lonn actually lives one town down the road in Ft. Davis, where he retired after a 20 year career as a curator at the Smithsonian. He’s completed major projects on the history of furniture in Texas and New Mexico, the myth of the American Cowboy, as well as a landmark book on the Star Spangled Banner. We had our conversation one afternoon at Lonn’s desk looking out at the mountains which surround the town. You can see them in the portrait we shot together, which you’ll find at our website www.williamjesslaird.com/imageculture or on Instagram @william.jess.laird or @image.culture
Finally I just wanted to say a quick word about another legendary Texas resident, Boyd Elder, who passed away last week. I met Boyd when I was a kid, the first time I ever came to Marfa with my family. It’s funny that I just had this conversation with Lonn, because his work is really about exploring the exceptional people that make a place special. Boyd was certainly one of those people. I’ll miss him, I know many will. Rest in peace Boyd.
I’d like to thank Lonn and Dedie for having us by their home. I’d also like to thank all the staff and volunteers at the Chinati Foundation, Jenny Moore, Caitlin Murray, Tim Johnson, Robert and Rosario Halpern, Buck Johnston, Camp Bosworth, Elise Pepple, and Marfa Public Radio. Of course a final thank you to Boyd Elder for everything you gave to Marfa.
This show is produced by Sarah Levine, our music is by Jack and Eliza.If you like the show it makes a big difference if you subscribe, leave a review, or give us a rating on Apple Podcasts. Thanks so much for listening. See you next week.
