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Videographer’s Notes
Pam Turner

This interview with Richard Carlyon was conducted on July 12, 2005. Julie Martin, the current Director of Experiments in Art and Technology (EAT) who is active in the New York art community, was invited as a guest speaker by the Department of Kinetic Imaging at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Richard Carlyon attended the lecture and was introduced to Ms. Martin afterwards, knowing they would have a lot to talk about. Richard told her about John Cage’s visit to VCU to perform Variations VI. As she is documenting artwork connected to EAT, she encouraged us to interview Richard and find out what we could.

Stephen Vitiello and I videotaped Richard. Ours are the voices you hear in the background asking questions or commenting on the equipment.

What unfolded was a delightful and revealing visit to the past as Richard paints a picture of his early entry into art and the environment at what was still Richmond Professional Institute. It is also a memorable and treasured recording of Richard. His ability to recount details and to illuminate the essence of what this all means is truly remarkable, as he was remarkable and remains so in our memory and our learning through him.

John Cage came to Richmond in March 1966 to perform his Variations VI at Richmond Professional Institute’s BANG! festival. It was the third year, and thus called BANG! BANG! BANG! Barnett Newman and Donald Judd also participated that year. Cage was joined by David Tudor for the performance at 8:15 p.m. on March 21—this was the premiere of Variations VI.

The venue no longer exists (it was the Scottish Rite Temple).

Richard was such a rich and generous resource for the students and community of VCU—arts and beyond. I occasionally hear a friend say one of their biggest regrets is not sitting in on his Introduction to Contemporary Arts lectures. Every seat was filled. No one missed it. He was a spark that energized all who were in the same room. He was one of those few people who do that. He was really one of those few people!    

Pam Turner is a multimedia artist working in film and experimental animation. Her award-winning films have appeared in numerous festivals such as the Annual Black Maria Film and Video Festival, the Brooklyn Film Festival, the Madcat Women’s International Film Festival, and elsewhere. She is associate professor of new media and animation, and Chair of the Department of Kinetic Imaging at Virginia Commonwealth University.