My husband travels quite a bit for work and I often drop him off at the airport and pick him up when he returns. This makes me quite familiar with our area airport and I often lament not having my own designated parking space. With that familiarity comes an interesting observation – it has always tickled me that the Orlando International Airport is the home to a sculpture by artist Duane Hanson. Naturally titled, “The Traveler,” and dated 1986, this piece stands out for how well he blends in with his surroundings. Understand that there is a lot of really terrible decorative “art” throughout the OIA. Then one finds oneself standing in front of a real work of art and only questions come to mind. How? Why? Ultimately, it doesn’t matter. I am all for public art – I love it! As long as it is good public art. For a number of years, this exceptional example of hyperrealism was sadly tucked away in less-frequented areas of the airport. I am now pleased to report that “The Traveler” has been placed in a prominent location for all to marvel at and enjoy.
The Traveler
I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida.
In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium.
The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too.
Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.
The Wandering Art Historian 