This painting hangs at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management Student Center. As I was exhibiting my paintings at Cleveland's largest exposition venue, the I-X center, a distinguished woman came by and said, “May I have your card?” She asked no other questions before continuing on her way. This left me wondering, What just happened?
Months later, I received a phone call, asking me to meet at the Weatherhead School. “You can't miss it,” I was told. “It resembles a stainless steel airline crash!”
“Well and good,” I replied, “but you must first see my work.”
To this my caller answered, “That will not be necessary. You come highly recommended.” I finally convinced him to drop by my studio gallery, and he paid a brief visit.
We soon arranged for a photo shoot at the subjects’ home in Pepper Pike. When I arrived, Iris Wolstein greeted me at her door, and while still in her foyer, I asked who had recommended me. She replied, “I did.” It was then that I remembered our fleeting encounter at the Home and Garden Show held at the I-X Center.
I remember vividly the times spent with Bert and Iris, especially that photo shoot. The setting was their spacious master bedroom, where they sat on the hearth of their backlit onyx fireplace wall. The sculpture on the right had been Iris's gift to Bert so I included it along with the flames in the background, symbolizing their perpetual love.
Bert was a developer of strip malls throughout the United States. I was told at the surprise unveiling, held many months later, that the occupational strife he experienced throughout his career had left him without a smile for years. Being terminally ill with cancer also left him with the realization of his own mortality. The Wolsteins believed that they had been invited to attend the dedication of a restored Student Center, which they had sponsored. Although they knew a double portrait was in the works, they had not counted on the long days and nights I spent working to complete the portrait in time for the dedication. Not wanting to ruin the surprise, I did my best to mingle among the other guests, hoping that Bert and Iris would not notice me. As Bert, along with several university officials, stood on stage speaking, he gradually became aware that something was about to happen, having noticed a black fabric draped behind him. When the veil was dropped, Bert exclaimed, “It is perfect!” while Iris added, “This artist is better than a plastic surgeon!”
I later told her that her hand on his was symbolic of his career. She agreed and had the image of the hands engraved on their granite monument. Now Bert’s smile is immortalized for all viewers of the portrait to enjoy.