As attested to by the numerous interspersed sentiments expressed below by past and present PA members since the May 19
passing of Hobart (Hoby) Rosen, the wit, inspiring productivity and generous life
experience of this eighty-nine-year-old poet, photographer/artist has inspired a swell of treasured memories among friends and creative associates of arts organizations in the Stamford area and beyond.
"He
was such a lovely man. A gentle man, an artist and a man who loved life."
--Bill Buschel
A shaper of words as much as light, bronze and other media in
his Canal Street studio space at the Loft Artists Association (see the interview below beginning at 3:49), Baltimore-born Hoby initially studied film at Johns Hopkins and the
University of Southern California, fought in the Battle of the Bulge during
World War II as a nineteen-year-old infantryman (which he recounted as part of
his featured presentation at Curley’s in 2012) and went on to work in the animation
field (see the personable puppet characterizations in the clip from a stop-motion animated version of Hansel & Gretel near the end of this post).
While convalescing in an English hospital following the war, his
extensive romantic correspondence with Norma Lipman, his cousin’s university
roommate, culminated in marriage during a Manhattan blizzard in 1948.
Less than ten years later, his traumatic wartime experiences
were ultimately addressed with a tranquil, life-affirming undertaking in the
form of the Point O’Pines camp for girls, located in New York’s beautiful
Adirondack Mountains. Founded by Norma and Hoby, the camp is now in its
fifty-seventh season and is still going strong. The galactic, long view is
likewise contrasted with miracles implicit in everyday life and small-scale
observation in his reading of “Questions for You”, found here as part of his
multi-disciplinary Youtube page.
"He
was a complete man. I shall miss him. No doubt we all will."
--John
O'Keefe
Upon learning of
his death, one of the many reminiscences from campers (known as “Hoby’s Girls”)
and staffers perfectly represents the quiet enthusiasm and muti-layered humor
for which he was so well known in Stamford: “"I never knew anyone who
could pull off such stern looks with so much love behind them." After
retiring from the camp, he continued his support of youth through the Horizons Art Happening program in New Canaan, where he shared his love of sculpture with children.Predeceased by Norma, and his daughter, Emily, Hoby is remembered by by his son, Andy Rosen (Paula), daughter, Julie Bowman (Tom), and companion, Sandy Semel, along with five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
"… this is a moment to reflect on the
moments we each have to use our lives to the fullest and creatively not put off
anything we need to do.
I met Hoby at the
Artists Studios down on Canal Street - he had a studio there and patiently
showed me his work - so it was very wonderful to meet him again
at Curleys. He was so artful in turning a phrase that had stark
simplicity and layers of meaning. I miss him.
Peace to you and everyone in our Curley's family."
--Renee Neely
"Hoby
was an amazing man. I miss him all ready. This is so sad."
--Nicholas Miele
