by Sandy | Jan 7, 2007 | Culture, Movies
He is known for his movies – Malcom X, The 25th Day and the most recent – The Insider. (loved it! – nice little mystery. Such an abundance of talent, all at the top of their games and so obviously enjoying it all.)
Mr. Lee makes good movies and sometimes great ones, but he also makes documentaries. He will occasionally veer from the fictional format that he’s conquered, to much acclaim, ever since his first film, DoThe Right Thing. When he tackles real events, the results are supreme.
His most recent non fiction work – When the Levee Breaks, originally HBO and now in DVD – was moving to watch because he let the people of New Orleans tell their stories about what happened in September 2005 when water and wind ravaged their city. Not out to ridicule or embarrass (like some recent “documentariesâ€), no need to fictionalize the tragedy- it is raw, angry, direct, sad.
Like an earlier documentary – 4 Girls, about the church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama in the 60’s and the little girls that died in the blast– he allows rage and grief to be expressed in a straight forward way.
Spike’s films are often terrific. His documentaries are terrific and powerful, always.
by Sandy | Dec 24, 2006 | Art, Culture
There is an exhibit that has been traveling around the country for the last 2 yrs or so – “The Quilts of Gee’s Bendâ€.
The quilts were sewn by the women of a small Alabama community. Beginning more than 60 years ago, they created works of art out of worn dresses, old jeans, and scraps of cloth. They may have been made for warmth, but their beauty couldn’t help but be noticed.
Some have described them as primitive, but when the quilts are lined up on a wall, it becomes apparent that the women pored so much of themselves into the work and took such pride in their craft, their art is stunning. The use of color, along with a loving attention to pattern and design, is very sophisticated in its simplicity.
Go see them if you get the chance.
by Bob Martin | Dec 8, 2006 | Art, Artist, Culture
There will be lots written today about John Lennon, his importance etc. I recall the day because it was one of my worst days. I was in bed sick, couldn’t walk and thinking, rather more like promising myself, that I would stop fooling myself. I hated pretending to be a “business man”. The randomness of Lennon’s death was a kind of wake up alarm.
I hit the snooze button.
A day or two later when I could walk a little, my kid had this great idea and asked if I would limp down to her school and teach drawing to her 6 grade class. I had never done this before, but it connected for me. The alarm was still ringing.
I hit the snooze button.
There were tons of alarms and clues and eventually I woke up. Sure sometimes I think about the time I wasted not painting, being around artist. Those feelings quickly fade as soon as I pick up a brush.
Thanks Kid.
by Sandy | Dec 7, 2006 | Artist, Culture
My niece, an accomplished, talented cinematographer, sent an email to family & friends declaring her intention to be even more successful, appreciated and rewarded for her work. Big intent, but, she works hard – this is not a lot to ask.
I think that sometimes our visions are too small for our talent.
The ambitious intentions of the playwright August Wilson, (April 27, 1945 – October 2, 2005, consisted of a play for every decade of the 20th century that would chronicle some part of the black experience in America. Through the use of his great ear for dialogue, Wilson was able to give us some insight into the daily life – both struggles and triumphs – of an assortment of universal characters that his audience could easily recognize.
In 2005, August Wilson completed a ten-play cycle:
An ambitious undertaking, but, his huge vision was realized and, btw, it resulted in 2 Pulitzers and a Tony award.
He accomplished a lot doing what he loved to do and perhaps more importantly, August Wilson left a powerful body of work that will be read and performed for years to come.
I think artists need to dream bigger.
by Bob Martin | Dec 1, 2006 | Art, Artist, Culture
Tomorrow, I will be exhibiting a number of my paintings in support Zeta21 a foundation that trains and supports “Non-Traditional Leaders”. This event is important to me for a many reasons. One I get to support people who want to and can make an important contribution to people. Second, I introduce myself to a lot of folks who had no clue that I even existed. I’ve made mention of this before and have referred to other art bloggers’ post on this subject, that the most important thing that we artist can do is to find ways to introduce ourselves to new audiences. Third, I made a promise to myself in July that I would have two exhibit before the end of the year.
by Bob Martin | Nov 28, 2006 | Art, Artist, Culture
Charlie Rose’s November 24th program featured a discussion about THE ART OF LUCIAN FREUD which was insightful for me. I’ve always appreciated his work, and once traveled to London to see a retrospective at the Tate.
Standing in front of his work all the background stories, who his grandfather was, his friendship with Bacon and other non important stuff just slips away. You find yourself experiencing the intensity of a wonderful communicator. Let the paintings speak for themselves.
