Memo To Hollywood
May 4, 2009 by Janice · 10 Comments
See those people in the photo? They are having too much fun. They are at Cannes, more importantly they are at the Hôtel du Caprice. It’s a place that caters to whims. Name it, you’ve got it. Not to mention it has the most gorgeous sky, sea and the best thread count on earth. How do I know this? Why am I agitated? Because that terrace is mine.
Well, in my mind it is mine.
I once had a very close call to actually being there. Alas, it was not to be. And by alas, I mean “WTF do you mean we are not going? How dare they cut us from the trip.” There was flouncing too. And some very immature pouting. What can I say? I really was looking forward to it.
Anyway, in my mind when I think of some happy places this is one. My imagined terrace on the Mediterranean. Sigh. People who take you places and bring you things. Possible peel me a grape opportunities. And here they are in the Magazine section of the New York Times. On my terrace. Hmph. Where legends are made. Myths abound.
Well sure. The myths are half of it. No, actually the myths are a huge part of it. Oh, the films are done, that work is finished, packaged and ready for the spin. The stories, the insider parties, the who did that silly thing that time at the Ritz. Or who is in bed with whom on a deal. Look who just arrived. Did they fall in love on set? We thrive on stories surrounding the works of art. In Cannes the art is film. But it is also the art of story.
For an artist, it may seem superfluous, the myth. But it isn’t. Art is always created in a context. And story can follow it, increase the cachet. Doesn’t change the quality of the art, just creates another dimension to that call and response I am always mentioning. For collectors art works become trophies at some point, touchstones and talisman. They are for the artists as well, just get a glimpse of any artist’s private collection of their own work. These are about moments. States of being. Context and story.
This week ( Yes it’s an Organizing Monday) I am beyond excited to be delving into the drawings again. Cutting up, rearranging, deconstructing and constructing again. Playing as if I had no idea what comes next. Making the truest marks I can for my context and story. I may even haul out some Lemoncello in honor of my “near miss” terrace. Create my own retreat with a view of these Texas pecan trees. Because the place we are in, in this very moment, is exactly the place we are supposed to be. It has it’s own shape and form. And I would hate to miss it. So I am eagerly sharpening my pencils, looking forward to making some beautiful lines and I may even add some color. We”ll see.
We create our own stories. If we are lucky they resonate both within ourselves and to the observer, who actually becomes a participant. A lot to ask of some paper and some lines? Well, this may not be Cannes, but we can give it a try. Hm. I wonder if I could train that cat to fluff up my pillows?
How about you? What kind of story does your work tell about you? And what kind of art do you like in your home? Any favorites?
And yes, Memo To Hollywood: have a great time on my terrace. Just saying.