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 A little more than a year ago, the Berkeleyside contacted me to do a brief interview with me about my 641 Garage BLM Memorial Mural. And they were going to send a photographer. It surprised me how reluctant I was at first. Well, as a documentary filmmaker I know how an article in any paper can distort our work, or leave out the essence. Of course we need exposure to get our films out into the world, but I would always find it excruciating and nerve wrecking. How many things would get left out and misrepresented? For the most part I used to have good luck.

With the memorial I am engaged in an experiment that my heart had asked for, it really needs no press or advertisement. The mural itself is already exposed to the public by gradually appearing on the garage doors. It was my brother who said on the phone from Germany: “Don’t resist, don’t stand in the way, just go with the flow. “ And I am glad I did – asking the interviewer to present this Memorial with respect and not just as a sensation. And so she did. Thank you Minhae Shim Roth for doing such a good job of listening and writing. And thank you Pete Rosos for the fine photo documentation. The story was published on July 24th, 2020.

https://www.berkeleyside.com/2020/07/24/making-the-work-to-remember-in-berkeley-hills-artist-draws-on-her-german-heritage-to-make-black-lives-matter-mural

The article brought a long and steady flow of visitors. All kinds of people, old and young, made “pilgrimages” to see the Memorial, take stills, get into meaningful discussions with me, come back with their family or friends, or send others. It was amazing. I remember vividly an elder woman with hiking poles in the middle of the street, approaching and shouting: “Aahh, we made it – here it is!” She and her companion had hiked up all the way on long winding Euclid Avenue. So many lively encounters, and lovely people.

The times were such. Covid had slowed down most people who were not essential workers, the uncertainty opened minds and hearts. The police killings, uprisings and protests made people more receptive to understanding the plight of Black Lives Matter, and seeing what a huge divide exists in this country. White privilege, systemic racism.

Looking back, this period of awakening seemed short lived, diluted by now, less open and attentive. People are back to their routines, business, and habits. To the old ways of not “seeing,” not noticing. When in truth we know there will be no way back to normal. Times are changing rapidly whether we like it or not. What is asked of us is imagination and an open heart.

We are still in progress…..

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