#1 Adam (2001)

#1 Adam (2001)
By TL Lange (1965-2002)
48 x 48 inches, mixed media on canvas

Lange was a popular and prolific artist from Charleston, SC. One of three artist brothers. Eventually he chose to settle in Black Mountain, NC, with a huge studio and gallery in the River Arts District. Faced with a severe health crisis, he took his own life in January 2002. This painting was in a series of his last works, signed and dated 2001 on the back, along with the words “Puck Taliscense.”

I first saw this painting, and was taken by its mood, in about 2001-02. It was hanging inside the entrance of the Delta Airlines SkyClub at the newly remodeled Detroit Metro Airport (all three of the clubs had some quite interesting art installed). I immediately liked this painting, and for a few years would be happy to be departing from that end of the airport. It took longer than it usually does for me to do this, but in about 2016 I finally offered to buy it off the wall.

It was not that easy. Adventure follows. And a pandemic. And an auction. There is more to that story, but by late 2023, the framed painting was in its intended spot.

Twenty-two years later!