The story of a marriage in paint and poetry: An art show 50 years in the making

There will also be times when we pull together and other times we feel pulled apart.

Abstract artist Brain Damon has visualized the intricacies of a 50-year relationship in "Intrepid Coalescing," a traveling exhibit that features his prints and paintings alongside poetry composed by his wife, writer Paula Bosco Damon.  

"We called the show 'intrepid' because that's another word for fearless and unflinching,'" Paula said. "While 'coalescing' means combining elements and coming together."

"That really does encapsulate my relationship with Paula," Brian said. "We may not always be in perfect harmony but we come together in the end."

Love at first sight

This has been the case practically from the minute Paula, then 16, met Brian, then 18, during Spanish class at their Jamestown, New York, high school.

"One of my girlfriends wanted me to pass a note to this cute boy in Spanish," Paula remembered with a laugh. "I threw the note away because I was interested in Brian myself."

Despite some concerns, Brian was also attracted to Paula.

"Now, Paula is very Catholic, very Italian and emotional while I'm Swedish, Lutheran and very low-key," he admitted. "I thought there'd be this clash of culture that never occurred."

Moving to Iowa for college, Brian married Paula during his junior year.

"I became a psychotherapist," Brian said. "Paula and I laid down roots and raised our three children in North Sioux City."

Paula worked in public relations while writing a weekly newspaper column, while Brian pursued a career in counseling.

Artistic aspirations

It wasn't until Brian retired after more than 30 years at Mercy Medical Center that he decided to return to school.

"Even though I loved being a psychiatric social worker, art was my passion," he said. "When I retired, I enrolled as an art student at Briar Cliff University."

Luckily, Brian had Paula's support.

"Some people learn to become artists while others are just born with the ability," Paula said. "Brian was born to be an artist."

Others apparently agreed. Since graduating suma cum laude from Briar Cliff University in 2015, Brian's paintings have been exhibited in 20 different shows in Iowa. Nebraska and South Dakota.

A collaboration 50 years in the making

It wan't long before Brian invited his wife to exhibit her writing in one of his shows.

"I was a journalist who only began writing poetry a few years ago," Paula said. "The thought of combining my poetry with Brian's art was terrifying."

Brian nodded his head in agreement.

"Abstract art is, of course, meant to be abstract," Brian said. "On the other hand, Paula really had to put herself out there through her words.

"She did an amazing job," Brian added.

Over the past three months, "Intrepid Coalescing" has been exhibited at both the Le Mars Arts Center as well as the North Sioux City Community Library.

Paula said the experience has been an eye-opener for her. 

"Brian and I bring such diverse perspectives in our journey together," she said. "It's amazing to see our personalities reflected in our art."

Even after 50 years together, a relationship is still hard to sustain, according to Brian.

"No matter what, there's still some give and some take," he said.

However, Paula said that's what makes their relationship work.

"We all have different strengths and different weaknesses," she said. "When  one partner is down, the other one can pick up the slack."

Indeed, that's part of the journey for any couple.

According to Brian, a person needs to have drive, passion and a desire to make art. 

"However, it's more fun when I'm able to explore art with my wife," he said.