Inspiration for the painting – King of the Parking Angels

Song for Henry Diamond – the cabbie with “uncanny abilities”

I must have mentioned parking angels during a conversation with my friend Lach. He told me the story of his grandfather, Henry Diamond, a cab driver from Flatbush. Henry was famous among cab drivers, and a perfect parking spot became known as a “Henry Diamond.”

I believe in synchronicity. I love to follow the path of “coincidental” clues that aren’t coincidence at all – they are breadcrumbs from the Universe signifying I am both on the right path, and, are signals toward the next best actions.

Paying attention and noticing patterns are good skills. As an adventurous person, I’m certain the powers of positivity and optimism have saved my life numerous times.

I lived in New York City for twenty years – I could write a book about parking adventures. Parking spots hold a lot of power – and can be a metaphor for anything a person might be trying to manifest.

I fell in love with the story of Henry Diamond. His tale makes me smile every time I think of it.

So I made a painting in his honor.

A couple of days ago, Lach sent me an image of this New York Times Q & A – Cabby’s Uncanny Power.

Thanks Lach, and thanks to Henry Diamond – for the inspiration. I’m grateful and feel lucky to have pressed on to complete King of the Parking Angels (Song for Henry Diamond).

April 29, 2025

King of the Parking Angels (Song for Henry Diamond)

Oil on primed cardboard
UV Varnish
23.25″ x 33″

King of the Parking Angels (Song for Henry Diamond)

This is another painting began in Brooklyn. It was the summer of 2023 when I was preparing work for my show at the Kingston Pop Museum. I had two weeks to do a show’s worth of paintings. I succeeded in finishing six paintings for the show. This was one of several paintings that were in various stages of completion.

While I was at the show, there was a flood in my building and many of my pieces were destroyed. This one was almost ruined, too!

I had a clear idea of what this painting was going to look like when I began it. It has the same structure, but a different outcome.

King of the Parking Angels is featured or makes appearances in the videos below.