Yes We Can

In the winter of 1989 I went one Motzai Shabbos to see "Who is Harry Crumb?" with some friends. On the way back, in the train station I stopped and bought a unique carved Coke can from the proud artist who made it. Over the years it's garnered many compliments, most everyone finding it cool. From time to time I wondered why I never saw him or anyone like him again.

This Tuesday just past I was walking down Broadway on the Upper West Side and I saw a fellow selling these carved Coke cans. I chatted with him. There's only him, he says - he's "The Can Man." I tell him I bought one from him about twenty years ago, ask where he's been. He says he's been down south. People gather to see what he's selling, drawn in by something special that emanates from this man and his work.

The can pictured on the left is 22 years old, the one on the right is new. They each have the sculptor's name etched onto the bottom - B. Lewis. Maybe I should get a display case for the new one.