Artoo-Detoo

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of “The Empire Strikes Back” one of the   greatest   films to date in the Sci-Fi / Fantasy genre’. George Lucas even created the label “Space Fantasy” to avoid the ridged and unrealistic explanations that the science fiction purist had come to required. The films were only movies not text books. “Empire” was the second installment released in the most endearing and puzzling of franchises known to film goers; ” Star Wars”. Within the “Star Wars” series Lucas created three remarkable films and three that were sadly disappointing. An artist and creator should always be judged by their best work and Lucas remains in a very small fraternity of extraordinary master film makers.

Lucas has used and taken every element of film and expanded   them to phenomenal levels; effects, sound, editing, character and story. This includes the end results as well as the actual “nuts and bolts.” The dialogue from “Empire” alone is repeated in countless movies and writings to this day. The mythology and mystery of film is much vaster because of the mind and heart of George Lucas.  “The Empire Strikes Back”; his opus.

                                                                 



R2-D2 and C-3PO were the “Laurel and Hardy” of the serials and are as loved and ubiquitous as any creations of fiction. The pair was originally intended to be the center of the series and the story would unfold from their unique points of view. They represent Lucas and his vision very well and I chose a photo from another “American Master”;  Annie  Leibovitz to animate.
                                                            

Her portrait of Artoo in a shipping crate which first appeared in Vanity Fair was my inspiration and the only source material for my short piece “Artoo in Box”. The original portrait was part of a spread depicting a behind the scenes look at “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones” the fifth “Star Wars” film to be released. The other stills featured here are all by Leibovitz.

                                                      "Artoo In A Box"

                                        
                    Many thanks to you George and Annnie.  I hope “Artoo in a Box” brings you a smile.

Thanksgiving

Humility; reverence, piety, appreciation are all embodied in the brilliant work “The Thankful Poor.” The American Master; Henry O. Tanner is at his most self assured and brilliance in this piece. It is a quiet celebration; an American painting for the ages. As it illuminates the world it is Tanner’s great triumph. It is a reflection of our best selves.

Today is a day of many celebrations; balloons, banners, bands, football and feasts. I hope we all have our moment of piety; our quiet celebrations as we give thanks.

Drawings

                            
                                       

Drawing is the basis of almost every creative and productive endeavor. It is the great clarifier and instructor.  It can be elegant; simple, complex, humorous, poignant, mechanical…and even scary. It encompasses every aspect of life; every art form and every science. Without it our world would be so much less interesting; an extremely dull place. It is something that almost every human being has done or does now at least some of the time. I have never known a child that didn’t love to draw. Humanity possesses no greater article in the arsenal against apathy and ignorance. There is no more powerful or empowering tool.   Drawing is a wonderful and enchanting thing. Simply put…the art and act of drawing is phenomenal.

A work of art should be able to stand on it’s own without reference or context.   Explanations   can be distractions. These are some of my favorite drawings; among the best I believe you’ll see. They range from sketches to fully realized academic pieces. They speak more eloquently for themselves and for their creators than I or anyone could. I hope you agree and I hope you enjoy.

                                                                                                                             

                                                                       

                      

                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

                                                             

                                     

   

                                                                                    

    

To the credit of:

Steven Assael  John Currin

Jim Dine  Brad Holland

Frank Gehry  David levine

Robert Liberace

"Inspirations All"