Stuart Finch’s Rock Art

* Re “Bulldozing of Sculptures Rocks Beach-Goers,” Jan. 5.

Thank you for the comprehensive article and photos of Stuart Finch and his stone sculptures, reported by Catherine Blake and Carlos Chavez.

We were shocked to learn that the stone structures had been bulldozed. Of the many places we could take guests in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the Ventura beachfront had become our destination of choice for a waterfront walk and viewing Mr. Finch’s graceful and amazing balancing rocks. Our family and friends made numerous trips there during November and December, also dining and shopping in Ventura as part of each visit.

Every day the sculptures were different--changed by the wind, the sea, the artist, other people. It was a joy to see people and nature interact--Mr. Finch carefully balancing the rocks against a background of sea and sky, people photographing the results and talking to the artist, both adults and children trying their hands at a little rock balancing, etc. Innocent and fun activities in today’s complex times.

A potential hazard when the rocks tumbled? Perhaps a bit--but easily avoided by adult supervision of their children, the same way adults supervise children with the nearby “hazard” of the ocean.

We hope a resolution is possible between the city of Ventura and the artist. It would be a shame for the city and the public to lose this pure example of art in public places, this fine juxtaposition of the works of nature and man, this attraction that brought in revenue to the city from tourists like us, this opportunity for people with different lifestyles to interact in comfort and useful information exchange.

JAN and BOB BURNS

Malibu

* On a recent trip to Ventura, we were lucky enough to come upon the soaring towers of rock created by Stuart Finch. When we asked him why he did it, he replied that the people of Ventura got him started.

Seems that, as a homeless man, when he walked in town and smiled at people, they just looked away. When he began to build his sculptures, everyone who came upon them smiled. We were among them.

Nothing in your article or picture in any way captured their beauty. I’m sorry more people did not have the chance to see his magnificent “installation.” One can only wonder why the parents who demanded that they be knocked down, lest their children be hurt (you’d have to go out of your way to walk among them), didn’t take the opportunity to teach their children about beauty, unexpected wonders and how everyone--including a homeless man most people shunned--has gifts to share with us all.

Shame on them. Shame on all of us.

JAMIE SIMONS

Burbank

* Re “The Vision Remains,” Ventura County editorial, Jan. 9.

This is a perfect example of the frivolous use of the word “art.” If Stuart Finch’s rock piling is artistic sculpture, then my granddaughter is a genius. At the age of 10, her rock and sand exhibits at the beach make Finch’s childish endeavors look like just what they are: someone stacking rocks.

The world’s gone nuts!

JOHN GILBERT

Ventura