Yesterday, I visited the permanent collection at MOCA Grand in LA and said “Hello” to certain favorites, most notably– Lee Krasner. I read the description provided. One line in particular resonated.
“Through the act of painting, the artist endeavors to find herself.”
This is why I love Krasner. Her strength is in this search for the self, through the unknown, armed with only a collection of gestures and some paint. It’s not about just making work, but clarifying an intention by marking an instinctual action and response.
So much of life is like this.
A few days ago, our short film “Back to Abstraction” played at El Cid in LA. I didn’t think about Krasner then, but I am now.
While developing this short film, I learned how valuable it is to accept a constant state of becoming and to record this becoming. I don’t necessarily believe in making work for the self, but I do believe in making work to exorcise the self, meaning: to let go.
This film represents a certain letting go for me. It’s a complex mix of art history, Back to The Future . . . and intimate aspects of my life . . . which I was very nervous about sharing with my collaborators, let alone an audience!
My dear friend Matthew Quezada held these stories with great care as he orchestrated the building of a crew to assist and create this cinematic piece. We were a scrappy but passionate bunch. I listened fervently as others added their insights and revelations to the structure, style, and presentation. I learned so much about trust and how necessary it is when collaborating. I let the story go and what came back was much more beautiful than I could ever have done on my own.
When we introduced the film at El Cid, my director Matt said, “It’s a personal film, but it’s from all of us.”
This made my little heart soar.
Through the act of making a film, the artist endeavors to find herself less alone, but together.
I am very thankful that Kitchen Table Gallery first installed this film for my show in Philly. If they had never offered me the space and time slot, then I would never have had all these wonderful epiphanies or experiences with other creative folks.
This leads me to some exciting news!
Most recently, Kitchen Table Gallery released a podcast series called Kitchen Table Talks. What I love about this show is the host: Chris O’Rourke. I’ve known Chris for years and he has always been one of the best talkers I know. His knowledge and curiosity stretches beyond the everyday. He is funny and engaging. He really digs deep and connects with people.
So, it was an extra true dream come try to have Chris interview me about this film and other sundry aspects of art-making. Please give it a listen if you have an extra hour to spare.
Revising Loneliness 