Toward an oral history of Cape Ann : Meyerowitz, William and Berstein, Theresa

Meyerowitz, William, Interviewee · June 23, 1978

2 sound files, digital, MPEG3 file The following names and terms were used in this interview:Muzhik, Dnepropetrovsk, Socialist realism, Cossack. Linda Brayton and David Masters, principal oral historians; Interviewer(s):David Masters(6/23/1978). TRACKS: Meyerowitz was born in Russia in the city of Dnepropetrovsk - his wife, Theresa Bernstein, was born in this country in Philadelphia -- Russian experiments - started painting as a child with a theme of homes -- Some political ideas - communism is a 'form of Utopia' that has not been achieved in Russia or anywhere else for that matter, history of Russia since approximately 1900, the use of Cossacks in imperial Russia -- Some ideas about his Jewish identity and how it may have affected his painting -- Some occurrences in pre-revolutionary Russia -- 1909 arrival in New York - I was born twice, once in Russia, once in U.S. -- The Meyerowitzes meet each other in 1917 -- Marc Chagall and others -- The economics of painting, did architectural work when he was young -- 10 Other talents include cantorial and opera singing, The Italians couldn't sing German that well which led to opera singing, I speak Italian fluently from experiences in the opera -- Comparison of Gloucester to other cities, Mrs. Bernstein paints and is tremendously affected by people and their unconscious attitudes -- Old days on Rocky Neck -- Only paint Gloucester when here -- This Other Gloucester by James O'Gorman - Meyerowitz's contribution thereto -- Sings for the Universalist church and for the synagogue during the high holy days -- I use all my arts the best way possible. Why not? -- Acquaintance with Justice Holmes, and etching was made of him -- Favorite Cape Ann artists, I developed my art painting here. It was one of the great places to paint. Originally issued on sound cassettes and transferred to compact discs.