Absinthe "The Green Fairy"

This alcoholic spirit has taken on a certainly unusual mystique, legendary stature and even persona like no other. Absinthe; “The Green Fairy” is the drink that inspired a generation of artists and writers in Europe (particularly France and Spain) in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This thriving culture lasted until it was banned because of tons of bad press, word of mouth and a binge drinking farmer that topped off a day of mixing a variety of other intense booze with a bottle of absinthe, murdering his wife and finally suicide.

My first knowledge of absinthe came from my high school studies of the great bohemian artists of and around France. Degas, Lautrec, Van Gogh and later Picasso would consume the drink as well as paint saloon patrons and often reference the beverage.  Writers like Hemingway and Wilde were also fans. Theirs were heady and decadent times. They were also times of the most productive, both experimentally and creatively the world has of yet seen. Absinthe was the Heroin, LSD or Meth of it’s day all served in a unique customized reservoir glass.  

The spirit has recently made a comeback in all of it’s myth and glory to most of it's once banned (almost 100 years) European countries and the United States. “The Green Fairy” is available with the most crucial ingredient; wormwood. The botanical substance derived from a flower is essential to the proof rating and power of the drink. 

One of the greatest pleasures of the absinthe experience is the finishing of the fermentation process traditionally done per glass. It is a somewhat but not overly involve thing. The finishing, almost ritualistic, process requires an absinthe (specially designed flat/sieved) spoon or sufficient substitute, sugar cube, cold water and a glass. First add about 1 oz. absinthe to your glass. Next; balance your spoon on the top of your glass and center the sugar cube. Then slowly drip/dissolve the sugar with the cold water. It is important that this is done slowly.  Usually the ratio is two or three parts water to one part absinthe. Absinthe is one of the more powerful spirits and begins usually at 110 proof. The amount of water mixed should be accorded to your own expectations. BE CAREFUL.

Another warning is; Absinthe is sometimes served “Bohemian Style” where the contents are set to blaze. This is completely unnecessary and is only a form of showmanship. This should not be tried by unprofessionals as in Washington D.C. Absinthe Bars only allow licensed practitioners. These servers alone are legally allowed to be Absinthe Mixologist. 

I made my first time trying Absinthe a complete and full event. I started with looking into selected art books from the Impressionist period through to early Cubism and Da Da. I followed that with watching Peter Sellers in a “Pink Panther” compilation, that; just for the laughs and then followed with singer Sade in concert. She has always impressed me with being a Saloon Singer/Entertainer in the vein of Django Reinhardt, Edith Piaf and Josephine Baker. I was impressed with this heady spirit; Absinthe, it’s pale green color, herbal flavor, licorice bouquet, historical provenance and sophistication. Hope your’s goes equally and deliciously well. Cheers!  

In a Time of Sorrow: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

 Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec as Pierrot

Within the short span of the last sixteen months the Nation of France has been struck with three sobering, disastrous and murderous attacks. In this climate of uncertainty and mourning we reflect and pray as we of many nations look for solace, strength and understanding. A lesser nation than France might succumb to the senseless, wanton disregard for peace, liberty and the joy of living all people of good will seek to enjoy. The French are an exceptional people who will not succumb. Neither will the free world as we have to try to look away from the insanity toward the light of possibility. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s life and work remain a beacon of light for the entire world. The Artist Lautrec is one of France’s national treasures. 

Toulouse-Lautrec; a man possessing personal resolve and character celebrated the passions and joys of living in spite of personal obstacles. We will look to his work for it’s greatness and glory…this, as our hearts and spirits weep.

My first encounter with the art of Toulouse-Lautrec was when I walked into the “Art” department at my high school in South Western Virginia.  On the wall at the entrance amid the plaster casts, drawing tables and pottery wheels was a seemingly gigantic poster reading Moulin Rouge, Moulin Rouge, Moulin Rouge. The poster colorfully featured dancer La Goulue and the patrons of the world famous establishment in a moment of feverous excitement. I was at the time and remain transfixed by the work’s exquisite beauty, sense of style and most importantly daring nature.   Seeing it would be the greatest lesson I would ever receive in art. I had never experienced anything as lovely as this! I knew I was going to enjoy my journey into this larger world of art, history, culture and contemporary fashion. 

                                                             


I would take much from my beautiful and exuberant young teacher; Mrs. Wonderly. The Moulin Rouge poster was her own and not the schools. It was a way of enriching her student’s lives and adding her own flair to our class room. We would work and learn while the music of the day; Santana, Led Zeppelin, James Taylor and Cher played in the background.  Our lessons included not only the importance of technique but an enhanced and enriched way of seeing along with a genuine love of this most indescribable addiction;  Art.

Toulouse-Lautrec draftsmanship, skill and dedication were central to the teachings of Mrs. Wonderly and in turn our learning. Lautrec’s uniquely distinctive abilities, his tolerance in living and his triumphant joy over life’s obstacles are a reminder of all that is good in this world and in humanity. The wit and wonder of the man is a beacon of the best a single person can offer…a beacon in a time of sorrow.