While planning this Summer Fun Day, I realized that I had unintentionally combined two significant activities that, at first glance, seemed unrelated but were profoundly connected. We started our day in a pottery studio, working side by side on pottery wheels. Each of us began by centering a wad of clay on the wheel. As we spun the wheel, we gently formed the clay with our hands. Sometimes, the shape broke or flopped, but other times, it flowed into a beautiful form. This process took a lot of practice. I knew this because my father, Irv Lezberg, made beautiful pots on the wheel. He had the touch, but he also spent decades perfecting his craft, always striving to improve..
Our next activity was a visit to Graceland Cemetery, famously known as the “Cemetery of Architects.” Its design and exceptional natural beauty were owed to two 19th-century landscape architects. The cemetery’s paths and plots were initially planned by landscape architect H.W.S. Cleveland in the 1870s, and William Le Baron Jenney contributed significantly with his design and engineering input. Later, Ossian Simonds enhanced the Victorian park-style atmosphere with his innovative use of native plants. Today, Graceland remains one of the most beautiful places in Chicago, attracting residents and tourists alike.
Graceland was owned and operated by the Trustees of the Graceland Cemetery Improvement Fund, a not-for-profit trust. Its architectural masterpieces, local history, and beauty make it a magnet for visitors and a spot to return to again and again for Chicago residents. Besides the famous architects, Graceland holds fascinating stories of private eyes and public figures, baseball and boxing greats, merchants and inventors, and other unique individuals.
Learning about Graceland Cemetery’s rich history and its connection to more than a dozen famous architects inspired me to engage my team in a creative project. Each team member drew the name of one architect and created a project to honor their work, which we shared as we toured the grounds.
This led me to think about the correlation between our activities. Didn’t we all attach ourselves to a symbolic wheel and start spinning through life? Our paths and forms changed as we moved along. I wondered what these great architects had in mind as they set out on their creative journeys. Like many others interested in art and architecture, I had once been enamored by Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead. Howard Roark, the protagonist, embodied the ideal of an uncompromising young architect who battled against conventional standards, reflecting Rand's belief in the superiority of individualism over collectivism. Roark's opposition to "second-handers," who valued conformity over independence and integrity, raised questions about our career paths.
How often do we choose security over passion? Do we think about leaving a legacy as architects did, or do the everyday contributions we make matter just as much? Our lives, much like a pot on a wheel, continuously take shape as we spin the wheel.
When researching the architects buried at Graceland, I found a compelling quote by architect Fazlur Khan (1929–1982): “The technical man must not be lost in his technology. He must appreciate life; life is art, drama, music, and most importantly, people.”
Another inspiring figure was Marion Mahony Griffin (1871–1971), the first licensed female architect in the U.S. and a significant talent behind the Prairie School. She and her husband believed buildings should be ecologically sound and enhance the well-being of those who use them.
These architects had a passion and mission to leave a legacy and shape the world. The architect I randomly selected was Bruce Goff (1904–1982). Known for his bold and visionary approach to architecture, Goff also created abstract paintings throughout his career. His quote resonated with me:
“I was playing around with color, interested in music, and discovering more about architecture as it happened in the past and the present. All of these things had a terrific influence on me … I tried many ideas. Some of them were pretty bad, and many were wrong, but they were all part of the wasteful process of growing.”
Bruce Goff
Like Goff, I enjoy the creative process and seeing what develops. My style has evolved, much like a pot on a wheel. Goff's paintings allowed him to test new ideas, and his artistic creativity in one medium inspired his work in another.
In conclusion, leaving a legacy is more than the desire to be remembered. For these famous architects, it was about the curiosity and peace of mind that came from being in the flow of the creative process. Their practiced hands became adept at forming and refining their life's work. The journey was not just about the final masterpiece but the continuous evolution and joy of shaping each moment with purpose and passion. As we spin our wheels, we find our unique forms and leave meaningful imprints on the world. It is this passion for creating that makes us whole.