Dieter Tsitra, an artist, a painter, 50 years old, lives in Cologne. He's a short guy, very vivid and intelligent. Not the odd cliché of the poor artist. He's one of those who enjoys listening to people, but also likes an audience to whom he can passionately tell his stories and ideas.
Mr. Tsitra teaches people how to paint pictures reasonably. In various techniques: Acryl, pastel chalk or watercolour. By the way, he was born in the sign of the zodiac Aquarius, and he believes in the influence of Astrology.
What a coincidence - Dieter would say: "There is no such thing as coincidence. There is an imaginary concept." - Thursday last week I went to Dieter's studio, as I do every Thursday, and happened to experience something unusual. While I was placing my utensils on the table I was all of a sudden attracted by a letter that was on the table. Of course, I usually never read other people's mail. But I could not help being attracted to the two words "Brian O'Donnell". The attraction of this name was much stronger than my conscience. For heaven's sake, I've heard this name before. Where and when? I felt it took me ages to find the answer in the sticky labyrinth of my weary brain. Artist, Achill Island, Ireland, summer holiday 1998. I got it!
As if he could read my mind, Dieter said: "I am investigating an odd story. The owner of an art gallery on Achill Island, in Ireland sent me a letter because he wants to find family and friends of a painter called Brian O'Donnell
"Gee wiz", I interrupted Dieter, "I know the story, the owner of …" I got so excited that I just could'nt go on."
Dieter went on: "… the Western Light Art Gallery, Sean Cannon, sent this letter to people who might be related to Brian or friends of his. Perhaps they know whether he is still alive and if so where he lives now. One thing is for sure: He immigrated to the United States and became quite a well-known painter. Sean Cannon had a representative of Christies of London estimate the paintings, their value is about 2.5 million Irish Pounds, mind you!
"Yes", I said, "Sean Cannon told me about this treasure two years ago, when I spent my holiday in Keel on Achill Island. I can't believe it." I still had not recovered from the shock.
Lisa, who hadn't shown any interest in what we talked about up till then, turned her head away from her huge maritime painting on the wall. "I used to think Cologne is a village, but I think Europe is a village, it's amazing, it's incredible, I can't believe it. How come that the owner of the gallery got your address, Dieter? Have you ever been to Ireland?"
"No, I haven't. Cannon didn't send it to me, he sent it to my father, who had met Brian O'Donnell many times. My father used to be a sailor who went to Ireland quite often. He was really fascinated by Brian's artistic skills: maritime motives in a contemporary style and portraits which represent a very individual perspective. The pictures that were found in the back room of a pub were probably produced between 1940 and 1959. So, the two chaps became very close friends. Even when Brian went to the States they kept in contact. But things have changed within the last 5 years. My father hasn't been very well. He will be 90 in December but is in hospital at the moment. Dad asked me to find out, whether Brian is still alive, he would be 85 now. But my father is fairly sure that he is still alive, he says: 'there is still an invisible chord between Brian and me'.
There will be a meeting on Achill Island in February 2001", Dieter went on, "where we have the opportunity to give information where the artist is living now, or if he is no more alive, his relatives can establish their entitlement to a share of this collection then.
To be honest, I would love to go to Ireland."