“The Twisted Sisters”…they entered our life, our home, our hearts...

  John Jarratt and Gene Wright

 Walking up to the home of Gene Wright’s and John Jarratt’s, you are greeted at the end of the sidewalk by a life-size sculpture of a Sun Goddess, created by the “Twisted Sisters”, the steel, copper, and brass reflecting in the sun-light.  Across the top of the sculpture is a band of steel, inscribed at the request of John, “Going Toward the Sun”, a phrase both Gene and John used frequently.

 Slowly walking the path of the sidewalk, you glance to a wooded area of dogwoods, cypress, and fir trees, and you see a magnificent circle or ribbon of steel; again by the artful and creative hands of the “Twisted Sisters”.  Gene and John always gave each piece that adorned their home a name.  This piece, standing amongst the height of the evergreens is the “Never-ending Circle of Love”; representing the relationship that Gene and John shared.

 One hasn’t even entered the doorway yet, and the greeting on their “Santa Fe” condo is a metal sculpture that Linda and Debbie created called “Dos Santos”, a condo in Santa Fe, New Mexico that Gene and John had picked out for their retirement.  

Opening the door into the southwestern condo…is stepping into Gene and John’s “gallery”.  Everyone comments… on its beauty, originality, and creativity; an art gallery filled with paintings by Gene and other artists; with the sculpture of the “Twisted Sisters” adorning every room.  A condo, nestled in the woods, Gene and John referred to it as their “tree house”; four levels, all floors covered with the sun-baked terra cotta tiles of New Mexico.  The center of the house features an atrium, where, once again, a favorite piece of the “Twisted Sisters” brightly shines during the day, and in the evening spotlights bringing the revolving six foot tall abstract sculpture to life…with all its color and reflective glow that is magical.  And like turning a globe, one sees a “different continent” …what Gene and John referred to as a masterpiece of creativity in color, movement, and sculpture… “round and round she turns”.

 The “Twisted Sisters” work reflects beautifully against the palette of colors  adobe, mesa tan, turquoise, Cheyenne red, and purple, as one moves from one level to the next.

 It was several years ago that Gene and John wanted a “makeover” of the kitchen, and who better to call-on than the “Twisted Sisters”.  Instead of the typical granite, marble, or concrete that has become so popular for modern constructed homes, we asked the “Twisted Sisters” if they could (not install) but “call on their magical artistry” and create copper counters and backsplash.  Not only did they work their “magic”, but once experimenting with our home, they have since had numerous requests for the finest of homes.  Watching them take their blow-torch and create the most marvelous color and patina was like watching Gene at his canvas, never knowing what the next splash of color, form, or movement might bring.  They even placed the roots of an oak tree against the backsplash, knowing how much John loved oak trees.  The counters get better as they age! It’s easy to care for, and looks magnificent against the turquoise kitchen and Mexican tile floors. 

As you move from the kitchen, one can’t help but notice the open loft where John’s beautiful parlor grand piano is placed in the center, and surrounded in art.  “The music loft”, Gene and John called it.  Many an evening was spent in the loft with music and song, a favorite gathering place for neighbors, friends, and family.  John would play the piano, as Gene would play his accordion, where both would make a “joyful noise”, filled with music, fun, and laughter.  The piano was a gift to John from his mother, who sold her burial policy so that her son could have something better than the $50.00 up-right that he grew-up with.

In front of the curve of the marvelous ebony grand stands the figure of his mother, a tiny lady of elegance, beauty, and culture, as Linda Hobdy, one of the “Twisted Sisters”, was a designer by profession, prior to entering the “twisted and creative” world of metal sculpture, with her ever so talented sister Debbie.  Together, “they make magic”!  The three dimensional, life-size figure of John’s mother, Gracie Fay Jarratt, is covered in metal-sculpted lace, buttons, and jewels, draping that delicate figure.  John plays the piano every evening for both Gene and his mother, now deceased.

 The music loft is filled with the art of the “Twisted Sisters”.  Perhaps John’s favorite piece… “How do I possibly choose a favorite?”  …as each piece is my favorite…just like Gene’s paintings…and each has a story.  But yes, a favorite of mine is the black and white oil portrait of Gene and me, a gift to John when Gene died New Year’s Day 2007 of a cerebral hemorrhage, followed by a massive stroke.  The portrait was framed by the “Twisted Sisters”; a frame like no other one will see in any gallery or studio,  “Only the ‘Twisted Sisters’ could have brought the portrait to life”, says John.

 On each side of the portrait are two sconces of the “Twisted Sisters”; one large, one small, one with so much detail and grandeur of copper, metal, and steel; the other simple yet elegant gray steel…both directing the perfect light on Gene and John’s portrait. 

 We haven’t even left the music loft, and one can’t help but notice a replica of the accordion Gene played as a child, using a real accordion, found by…you guessed it…the “Twisted Sisters”…framing it so creatively with the music staff and notes of some of our favorite songs.  Only the “Twisted Sisters” could replicate such memories.  And …as if that wasn’t enough, there stands beside the settee a clarinet floor lamp; an instrument John played, along with a number of other instruments while in the band.  A heart-warming story of the clarinet...while Gene was in ICU, following his stroke…non-verbal…he somehow managed to contact the “Twisted Sisters”, ordering me the clarinet floor lamp for Christmas of 2006.  Not only is it light to read by, but the “Twisted Sisters” have brought the life, love, and joy of Gene and John in their memorable creation.

 Stepping down from the loft is the “Heart of Gene and John”, created by the “Twisted Sisters”.  It’s form, color, and character speaks clearly to the heart.  And on the floor by the “Heart of Gene and John” is a beautiful metal sculpted heart-shaped vase, with cut-outs like the Valentines of the Victorian era.  A dozen red roses are in that vase each week for my Gene, celebrating the love and joy we shared together.

 We then enter the living room.  A work of “art and soul” can be seen from every corner.  It is called, “I Hope You Dance”.  The movement, creativity, and “art-full-ness” can not even be described in words; so much emotion and expression in the sculpture of the dancer.  It’s especially meaningful to John, as one late evening, a few nights before Gene died, he called out my name, even though non-verbal or responsive.  He said, “John, I see the most beautiful purple light surrounding us both.”  He patted my hand…with such life…and said “I hope you dance!” The sculpture is brought to life and light by a purple-globe lamp made by the “Twisted Sisters”. 

 We then make our way to the outside, on the deck, stretching the length of the condo, overlooking the woods, with every specimen of tree imaginable, and the creek flowing, bringing moisture, nurturing, and life to the 500 purple tulips that John planted in honor and memory of Gene.  On the deck is a work commissioned by John, bigger than life, as Gene was bigger than life, more than 6’ 2” tall.  Sculpted at the corner of the deck is a group of angels, the face of the sun, as well as the moon.  Why is this particular sculpture so special?  John delivered the eulogy of his life partner, companion, and best friend, Gene, closing the eulogy and service with a quote from Hamlett, “Goodnight My Sweet Prince, as a flight of angels take thee to thy rest.”  “Goodnight Gene, My Sweet Prince.”

 There is so much more…so many marvelous pieces…yet to see…or describe…that have adorned our home and our life, all having such significance, meaning, and joy.  The newsletter simply does not allow enough space to comment on every magnificent, creative, metal-sculpted piece.  Gene and I often laughed as we commented to one another, “There’s no room in the inn…we’ll have to suspend the next work of art from the ceiling!”  And not surprisingly, this is exactly what we did!

 In closing, John would like to express his heart-felt gratitude for the love and friendship of the “Twisted Sisters”, not to mention their art, as their art has brought tears, laughter, joy, and hope to mind, body, and spirit.  Every creative piece has a story, and every work of art hangs in a place of honor.

 If you were to ask Gene or John their purpose in life, they would probably respond with a quote from Emile Zola, “If you ask me what I came to do in this world…I, an artist…I will answer you…I am here to live out loud!”

 Gene and I encouraged one another as we discovered…and as we uncovered…the magical world of the arts, both visual and performing, as the arts are food for the soul.  “Commit to your creativity”, we would say to one another.  “Give birth to your ideas.  Let your colors flow, and drench the world with beauty.”

 The “Twisted Sisters” drench our world with creativity, beauty, and imagination; bringing to us a mosaic tapestry of life filled with love, laughter, joy, and hope.