Doug Brin, Renaissance Man for Our Time

As writer, artist, and diarist, with careers in advertising, public relations, fine arts, teaching, journalism—(he worked as feature writer of politics and show business for The Daily News)—Doug Brin has been called by Donald Rubin, the founder and Chairman of The Rubin Museum of Art, "A great, undiscovered American artist!"

And to thousands of Manhattan audiences Doug is a guru they flock to hear—especially his stimulating discussions on world and local politics!

Based in New York City, Doug seems bigger than life! No shrinking violet in person or stature, this creative artist also has a photographic memory for names—which endears him to his audiences in the Big Apple!

He has been called a Renaissance Man for the 21st Century.

Through July 31, 2015, his art works are presented at the Derfner Judaica Museum at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, in the lobby gallery of the William Goldfine Pavillion. The free event is open to the public. (Tel. 718-581-1596.)

Doug's 17 illustrated journals were created between 1987 and 2013 and represent a selection from a larger body of writings begun at age 22. Brin, now 67, utilizes micrographic writing, abstracted drawing, and collage elements to explore topical, historical, and literary themes.

Filled with personal observations, plus cut and pasted excerpts from newspapers and magazines, the journals comprise a unique history of our times.

Brin's musings reflect a broad range of current events from the worlds of politics, entertainment, and literature.

He provides running commentaries on national elections, the aftermath of 9/11, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Tennessee Williams, and Mary McCarthy.

His imagery has been called "excruciatingly detailed, recording wide-ranging personal and popular interests."

Critics describe Brin's journals as an "obsessive-compulsive" nature to record a life that has included over 30 jobs, including independent school teaching and current events seminars for adults (some I have attended are delightfully hilarious—on American presidents and their wives).

Brin's novel THE SEVENTH SON, published by Electron Press, might be of interest to CWC readers.

"This is not a conventional crime novel, but it has several murders and a much-hunted down protagonist… I've always felt it could be a new Catcher in the Rye for the young folk who otherwise don't read!" (Doug Brin)

To his many friends and adoring audiences, Doug is NEVER dull! In 2007 he made NY headlines by losing his job as a volunteer docent at the Central Park Zoo—where he admits he was "perhaps the best guide there is!"—after making a crack to his listeners about the president!

A smiling Doug can be found on Facebook.

Shy and retiring—not at all adjectives for this talented New Yorker. Watch for his comments in the Grey Lady's letters to the editor and in his various lectures on topics such as "The Kings and Queens of England" (guaranteed to make you laugh!)

You can contact Doug Brin at dbrin@rcn.com—or ask me when he is scheduled to give a talk (always entertaining!) at the 92nd Street Y!

Some people make a lasting impression—either in person, by their work or by their art. Doug walks into a room and at once everyone notices him! You may want to look for his art, his writings, or, better still, try to attend one of his artistic, literary or world news lectures! I am delighted to share this fascinating, talented man with readers of Crime Writer's Chronicle today.

T. J. Straw

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