The Art Of Being Human: A Portrait Of Frederick Franck

Pipe-smoking, grandfatherly artist and humanitarian Frederick Franck gets an affectionate but fairly pedestrian tribute. Born at the border of France and Belgium--the beginning site of two world wars--Franck was forged by his closehand observation of man's capacity for inhumanity. Now residing in upstate New York, he has devoted his paintings, sculpture, and books to helping people "see" (not merely recognize) the humanity in others. In a tour of his "Pacem in Terris" exhibit, Franck ruminates on the life-affirming philosophy expressed through his art. Three historical figures in particular have inspired him: Albert Schweitzer, Pope John XXIII, and a Zen Buddhist (whose name is unintelligible due to Franck's somewhat thick accent). Much of his work is a tribute to these men. Franck's spiritual nature and his view of art as a means to "transmit the preciousness of life" is an ennobling one which may be most appropriate for classroom use. However, the formulaic production is strictly functional, making this an optional purchase. (J. Dick)