Daily Bulletin
May 25, 2001
R.C. Artist's Works on Display
"The Pendragon Collection: Visions of King Arthur's Realm," a photo exhibit by Rancho Cucamonga resident Scott Grossberg, is on display through Thursday at Borders Book Store, 5055 South Plaza Lane, Montclair.
Grossberg has captured the visions of what most people think of as myth - the kingdom of King Arthur.
From his many travels to Britain, Scott's photos include Camelot, Arthur's birthplace, the Isle of Avalon, Merlyn's grave site and even the resting place of the Holy Grail.
The free exhibition at Borders presents images chronicling the birth, reign and death of the famed Dark Age ruler.
Among the prints are photographs of Tintagel (Arthur's birthplace), Dozmary Pool (where Arthur received his sword, Excalibur), Chalice Well (the resting place for the Holy Grail), Camelot (Arthur's famed castle site), Glastonbury Tor (the Isle of Avalon) and Camlaan (the site of Arthur's final battle).
"These images are the heart and soul of a legend that has inspired millions," Grossberg said.
"I have attempted to capture the legacies of Arthur, Gwenhyfar, Lancelot and Merlyn so that people in the States can see what only those who live in or visit Britain are privileged to behold."
The exhibit may also be viewed online at http://scottgrossberg.tripod.com.
Information: Grossberg at SGrossberg@hotmail.com.
Los Angeles Times
May 10, 2001
Lawyer's photos conjure up images of King Arthur
Scott
Grossberg's Pendragon Collection will be on display through the end of the month
at Borders Books & Music in Montclair.
When Scott
Grossberg went to England on his honeymoon last fall, he certainly didn't think
the pictures he took for a book he's writing about the legendary King Arthur
would wind up in an art exhibit. But when his wife showed the pictures to
friends working at Borders Books & Music in Montclair, they asked Grossberg
to display them in the store.
This is the first time the Rancho Cucamonga lawyer
has ever had any of his work exhibited publicly. Grossberg has been fascinated
by the legend since he was a child.
"It's the largest myth ever written,"
Grossberg said. "It's got something in it that attracts every little kid to
adult that sees it -- magic, damsels in distress. Heck, who wouldn't like
it?"
The 43-year-old admits that he once bought into
the "Hollywood" image of King Arthur after watching films like
"Excalibur" and "First Knight." But he says that his
research and visits to historic places associated with the legend, such as the
Isle of Avalon, Dozmary Pool and Chalice Well, helped him discover the reality
in the myth. He hopes his Pendragon Collection exhibit paints a truthful view of
the king.
"Whenever you go to England, it's not a myth
to them," Grossberg said. "The man actually lived. The local people
will show you, if you take the time to ask them. A lot of places are just
steeped in the myth of King Arthur. It's more than Merlin and his magic."
Although he's attempting to determine what's real
about the legend, it's the magic in the tales that most excites Grossberg.
He said he has "been passionate about
anything that has magic" since childhood. Though Grossberg practiced law
for more than 20 years, at one time he was a professional magician, performing
at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Grossberg misses the days when children
believed in magic and wanted to be heroes such as, "policemen, firemen and
knights in shining armor."
He is disturbed that kids today look up to actors
and athletes and, "people who get in trouble with the law, who have no
substance to them."
Grossberg said his photographs attempt to reveal
the majestic quality of Arthur. He believes that photos are really the only way
to enlighten people about the life of King Arthur.
"The reality is that the locations involved
in the King Arthur myth are so hauntingly beautiful, that describing them in
mere words doesn't do them justice," Grossberg said. "The closest
thing people are gonna get is the photos ... Through photos people can take
their own piece of Camelot with them."
And, so far, people have had extremely visceral
responses to Grossberg's work.
"I've gotten a number of e-mails from people
who've told me how beautiful they find [the pictures]," he said. "One
woman said they took her breath away and that she didn't know things like that
really existed. ... I'm overwhelmed by the reception it's gotten. It's very nice
when other people enjoy your work."
The Pendragon Collection will be on display at
Borders Books & Music, Montclair, until May 31. The exhibit can also be
viewed online at http://scottgrossberg.tripod.com.
For information: SGrossberg@hotmail.com.
© Copyright 2000-2005 by Scott J. Grossberg. All Rights Reserved.