Sunday, September 30, 2012

Myth Opportunities

I spent most of today doing research for the Museum's upcoming exhibition, Heroes & Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross. I know... I know... after yesterday's post about adolescent obsessions, spending the day looking at comic books might seem a little regressive. Hey, it's for work... and it's a hell of a lot more fun than following the news (Meet The Press devoted a whole hour to what the presidential candidates need to do to win the debates... of course each party had their "non-biased" opinions). 

Photo opp with the artist (no, they didn't have to handcuff this
reformed superhero fan... I'm not sure why I posed like that!).

I actually came across some old photos I had taken from the Ross exhibition that was held at Illustration House in New York City back in 2003. It was the first time I had seen the artist's original work, and it was a lot of fun... Ross was in attendance, along with graphic designer Chip Kidd, who has done some real groundbreaking work in the design field. I guess the exhibition served a dual purpose: to promote the release of the book Mythology: The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross, which Kidd designed. I hadn't actually looked at the book until this weekend, and it really is a wonderful way to get acquainted with the artist's work and see his deep respect for the history of super hero comics (even though I'm more of a Marvel fan).

That was fun heading out to New York to see that show... seeing the similarity in style to some of Norman Rockwell's work, I remember thinking how cool would it be to mount a show at my Museum. Well, through an indirect way, it is finally happening... the pre-teen fanboy in me has been awakened once again!

My "little brother" posing with Green Lantern artwork by Ross
(the green hair was just a coincidence).
Mythology designer Chip Kidd and photographer Geoff Spear.
Fellow comic book artist Sal Abbinanti also serves as Alex Ross' agent
(he was also the model for Captain Marvel: left).

Photos by Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

To The Man Cave

Up until a few minutes ago, Sarah and I have been curled up on the couch, just reading. Ah... one of the perks of married life. Last night it was a movie... a nice reward after another long week at work.

We rented the film Dark Horse, which had recently played in the Berkshires. The director, Todd Solondz, is known for some edgy work like the film Happiness, but this was classified as a comedy. Again, I figured a dark indie comedy was a better bet than some of the dopey Hollywood fare.



Well, the film did amuse me. The lead character Abe (Jordan Gelber) is a clueless, spoiled man-child, who still lives with his parents, and has others take care of his work for him. He reminded me of George Castanza from Seinfeld, who I think is one of the funniest characters of all time. The difference is that Abe felt more real... more clueless... more pathetic-- and it gets worse as the film goes on. He meets a girl named Miranda (Selma Blair) who is chronically depressed. I wouldn't say they hit it off, but they  get together, and Abe is so much in his own world that he asks her to marry him on their first date. 

There are a lot of undercurrent themes happening in this movie-- Sarah thought that Abe also suffered from depression, constantly feeling inferior to his more successful brother. Abe's father (the awesome Christopher Walken) also seems to resent his son, finding him to be an embarrassment. At the same time, his father and mother (played by Mia Farrow) seem to enable him to coast along... I laughed every time Abe would pull up in his shitty yellow Hummer and hit the door lock.

There were some pretty wild dream sequences, but not much stylization-- it was a different kind of movie. It was a comedy, but also quite devastating. Gelber pulls off such an strong portrayal, it's hard to remember that he is just acting. 

The things about the movie that are so harsh: I know clueless people like Abe. It's like they are running around in their own world-- they're annoying, even when you do feel somewhat sympathetic. That's the other thing: everyone has their own tastes... their own reality... and passions like Abe's collecting of action figures and such can seem odd to some, and normal to others. Is that wrong?

I started to think of my own passions for certain music groups from my youth, and such things as comic books that still can get me excited... my God, am I like Abe? Am I in some sort of stilted adolescence? Anyone watching the film with some sense of empathy towards the character, will marvel at the "bad luck" this dark horse has. You get to think about people who seem to have it so easy... things come so naturally, and others who can't seem to get a break. Is it because they don't try hard enough, or follow the wrong "societal rules?"

I won't give away the ending of the film, but it's crazy. One of those films that you have to let settle for a while... I'll probably watch it again sometime. In the meantime, let me get back to my new adulthood... that's "happily married man."

Friday, September 28, 2012

Heavy/Light Show



We caught The Heavy last night in Albany. It was a special invite, so tickets were free... and the show was sponsored by Miller Light, so drinks were on the house too. On top of that... we got some Indian food before the show--Sarah had a Groupon, so the grand total for the bill was... $4.00! I swear, this was the cheapest night of quality entertainment I think I have ever had.

The show was alright. The band had a horn section which is always good, but I didn't know too many of the songs. It seemed a little lacking in energy at times, or maybe that was just us... I mean, we were catching this show when we typically head to bed on a work night. Glad we went though... the show was held at the Palace Theater, which is always nice. We'll be catching Morrissey there in just a month... can't wait for that one!

Oh, the show was sponsored by WEQX, which really is the best radio station in the Capital Region... heck, maybe the best I have heard anywhere... it's true, independent radio, with great taste. A couple years ago I was interviewed by The Berkshire Eagle on the occasion of the station's 25th anniversary (the article is archived here)... I was happy to share the love... they have introduced us to many great bands over the last seven years.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Days of Wonder


Tuesday night I joined Sarah and her family for Yom Kippur service. Coming from a Christian background and knowing little of the Jewish customs or the Hebrew language, I was a little bleary-eyed by the end. One of the rabbi's themes did hit home with me though: returning to your "better self." I don't remember if she mentioned childhood, but that is the way I interpreted it... before you become discouraged by the day-to-day trials and tribulations. I guess related to the Christian teachings I know, it makes sense to atone for letting your spirit get discouraged--it can be challenging. This has been a year of many blessings for me, but also difficult at times... 

Here is the writing I had first heard at Rosh Hashanah service last week. I thought it was beautiful, and reminded me to keep looking for those moments of wonder that are also present during our lives...


“DEATH IS NOT THE ENEMY"
(Joshua Loth Liebman)

I often feel that death is not the enemy of life, but its friend; for it is the
knowledge that our years are limited which makes them so precious. It
is the truth that time is but lent to us which makes us, at our best, look
upon our years as a trust handed into our temporary keeping.

We are like children privileged to spend a day in a great park, a park
filled with many gardens and playgrounds, and azure-tinted lakes and
boats sailing upon tranquil waves.

True, the day allotted to each of us is not the same in length, in light, in
beauty. Some children of earth are privileged to spend a long and sunlit
day in the garden of the earth. For others, the day is shorter, cloudier,
and dusk descends more quickly as in a winter’s tale.

But whether our life is a long summery day or a shorter wintry
afternoon, we know that inevitably there are storms and squalls which
overcast even the bluest heaven and there are sunlit rays which pierce
the darkest autumn sky. The day we are privileged to spend in the great
park of life is not the same for all human beings; but there is enough
beauty and joy and gaiety in the hours, if we but treasure them.

Then for each of us the moment comes when the great nurse, death,
takes us by the hand and quietly says, “It is time to go home. Night is
coming. It is your bedtime, child of earth. Come, you’re tired. Lie
down at last in the quiet nursery of nature and sleep. Sleep well. The
day is gone. Stars shine in the canopy of eternity.”

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Celluloid Heroes

Another day at work preparing for the arrival of the Alex Ross exhibition. I have to admit, it's good fun to be going over such things as costume rentals, comic book history, and super hero press images to represent the show. I also have some cool news I hope to be sharing next week.

There is work in the exhibit from both major comic book publishers (DC and Marvel), and it has me wondering about any tensions between the two companies over the years. How funny then to hear this story on NPR on the way home about how the competition between both companies has extended to the silver screen. Well, I have always been a Marvel fan, but there was a time when their attempts at movie-making were disastrous. When the best you can come out with is 1986's Howard The Duck, you know you're in trouble. There were plenty of Marvel films that didn't even make it that far, but went straight to video. DC on the other hand had Christopher Reeve's Superman, Tim Burton's Batman series, and so on. 



Well, somewhere down the line Marvel got straightened out, and now produces their own movies, free from the whims of other studios (well, if you don't count the Disney distribution). So now we have a growing Marvel universe on-screen... see Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and the new Avengers movie (just released on video!). Much like independent film and music, they can control more of their output and existing franchise--these movies are as close to the spirit of the books as I have seen. Actually, I haven't seen a bad Marvel movie lately--I think Spider-Man 3 came before the switch-over... "ouch" on that one.

Anyway, it's good fun... one of the perks of working at an art museum devoted to illustration arts I guess. I think Alex Ross set the stage for this new renaissance of super heroes in movies... he engaged our imagination, or reminded us of what we used to dream this world could look like... 

Related Links:

"Pow, Crash, Boom! Marvel Thrashes DC On Screen," NPR, September 26, 2012 

"Why The Avengers Worked So Well," Christopher Orr, The Atlantic, September 25, 2012

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Rock The Vote

Today was National Voter Registration Day.... check. Apparently you can now do it online. Do it now. Here is the link: nationalvoterregistrationday.org/register-to-vote

I hope people take this to heart... I wouldn't leave anything to chance after the fiasco of the 2000 election. Since then, I have become weary of the possibility of voter suppression and disenfranchisement... yes, there are those who would sink that low for their own "gains." Look at these recent reports about states trying to pass picture I.D. laws... Fight for your right. People worked long and hard to earn this right for us. Perhaps more persuasive: "Voting is sexy," said my wife back in 2008.

Related Links:

Monday, September 24, 2012

Lovin' Spoonful

You know, another great indie band I have gotten into in recent years is Spoon. They have a neat groove... especially on their 2007 album, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (yeah, you got yer cherry bomb!). Apparently they have been around for some time now... since 1993... which makes them elder statesmen, right? In fact, it looks like lead singer Britt Daniel is around my age (let's hear it, fortysomethings and sticking with it! Good lesson).

Anyway, Daniel has a new side project out right now called The Divine Fits, which sounds an awful lot like Spoon... or maybe that's because of his rather garage rockin', soulful vocals. From what I've heard, it's a nice mix with some odd synths thrown in with the typically strong bass line. So here's a listen to a great tune they are playing on WEXT right now... "Would That Not Be Nice":


Phew... I'm beat. Off for some more spoonin.'



Spoon: A Slow Build To Success, NPR, January 23, 2010

Sunday, September 23, 2012

The Race

I spent a good part of today getting caught up on politics with Meet The Press and 60 Minutes. The latter had interviews with both President Obama and Mitt Romney, which were interesting. I think I got more facts from Meet The Press though (as always). The first debates start next week, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the two square off against each other... although I'm pretty confident I know who will make (or continue to make) a better leader.

I got back to the gym today--a two hour session, so I'm a little tired at this point in the evening to write about anything with much substance. I was going to try sharing some of my thoughts about this presidential election, but it's something I want to take some time to think about and present in a thoughtful manner.

As for creativity, I spent the rest of the day revisiting a radio program I have been working on. Trying to leap a hurdle with that one to finally get it done... as always, there's a lot to do right now... only so many hours to do it.

Campaign 2012: Obama vs. Romney, "60 Minutes," September 23, 2012

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Weekend Update

Our improv show went well on Friday night. The rehearsal earlier in the week helped, and we had a full house (which always helps). It was Lee's Founders Day Weekend, so there was a lot happening in the town... in fact, my in-laws came out to see the show, and were impressed by the energy of the town... kind of funny, since it seemed so dead when I lived there. Regarding the show, some of my fellow improv mates seem newly inspired, which is great--it made me all the more motivated to give a great performance. Of course, with improv you can get anything, so there's no way to predict how a show will go... but this one was good- I think we're getting better at telling stories and listening to each other.

Photo ©Jeremy Clowe for Norman Rockwell
Museum. All rights reserved.
This afternoon Sarah and I trekked back out to the Berkshires to help out at the Girl Scouts Festival being held at Norman Rockwell Museum in honor of the 100 year anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. I basically took photos all day to document the event, which was fun and challenging at the same time. I have felt a little inspired by our wedding photographer's work, and trying to take a few cues from things I observed him doing with his photography. There was watercolor painting on the outdoor campus (leaves are starting to change), horse grooming and tricks (a live horse jumping hurdles), and an actress who portrayed Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low. Sarah was a long-time girl scout, so I was happy to have her join me, and interested in learning more about her times with the service organization. 

Tonight we packed... getting ready to move, and we still have a ways to go. Tomorrow I finally have a true day off... looking forward to it after a long, exhausting week.

Friday, September 21, 2012

I Get By With a Little Help From My Superfriends

It's been kind of an exhausting week, but seeing this image today that will be part of our upcoming exhibition on the art of Alex Ross filled my heart with reformed comic book junkie glee! Oh, and it looks like Comic Book Resources got the word out about our special Alex Ross painting of Norman Rockwell that will be sold at and promoting the exhibition--I think it turned out pretty cool.

Nice beaver... This guy "used" to be the
hottest thing going in Lee.
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.
I could go for just curling up with a comic book right now, but I'm off to another improv show at the Spectrum Playhouse, in my old stomping grounds of Lee. The town is starting to get pretty hip... the theater had a jazz festival last week, and this weekend they are holding Lee Idol (yeah, now you do this!). Anyway, looking forward to the show and a little comedy workout.

P.S.: Speaking of comic books, this is brilliant. Things that you say... is it life or just a cosplay?



Thursday, September 20, 2012

Got Soul?

I am such a music nerd.... well, at least a pop/rock/soul music nerd. Tonight we watched the film Dreamgirls, which I had been meaning to see for some time now... did it really come out in 2006?!?

Anyway, for some reason I had been getting the Supremes in my head recently. The same thing happened with The Temptations about ten years ago, and they have since become one of my favorite bands. Dreamgirls is most definitely based, if loosely, on the story of the all-girl Motown group. Beyonce plays Deena (basically Diana Ross), who steals the thunder from Effie played by Jennifer Hudson (basically original Supremes member Florence Ballard). The tension being that Effie is a better singer, but Deena looks more glamorous... I think this is basically what happened with the real Supremes... although I just had a listen to some early Supremes with Ballard singing lead ("I Want a Guy," "Buttered Popcorn"), and it's not that great to be honest (especially the latter).

I think what made Motown so great, besides some top writers and select vocal talent, was the Funk Brothers--the jazz schooled backing band. They were so tight... listen to this great Supremes track, "Love Is Like An Itching in My Heart":



The music in Dreamgirls really doesn't come close to that soulful sound... probably because it was originally a Broadway music. I didn't expect much, so I wasn't that disappointed... no, it was just fun trying to figure out the various soul music references, and Jennifer Hudson really gave a strong performance. But to me, the actor who stole the show was Eddie Murphy, playing James "Thunder" Early--he was absolutely entertaining, and I wondered... was this Little Richard + James Brown + Marvin Gaye? The way he toned his act down to appeal to a white audience... hmm. Actually, I think that is why the Supremes made it as big as they did. I have taken a look on YouTube at some of their TV appearances, and it's a little painful. 

At the same time, there was Aretha Franklin, using a little more of that gospel sound. Stax was the label that she recorded with, and that also is where Otis Redding did his thing. Stax is a little looser than Motown... the latter may have had the hits, but I guess you could say Stax had more soul (and horns!). But man... those Funk Brothers... and singers like David Ruffin and Marvin Gaye... that is the goods. I felt a little chill when I visited Histville, the Detroit headquarters of Motown, back in 2004 to record a documentary. There was some magic being made in those walls.

So back to the movie... I enjoyed it. The filmmakers obviously were passionate about the story of soul and the great changes in the cultural climate during the 1960s/1970s. I guess you need to stay faithful to the music of the film, and it wasn't all bad... but I guess the film was just shy of being "perfect." I think most of the actors here also can sing, so that helps. 

What is it about classic soul for me? I think I have written about it over and over again here... the honesty... vulnerability... bravery... when I sing, that's what I want to do. Just direct... opening yourself up to it. I keep trying to analyze what made these old civil rights era tunes, in particular, so great. They didn't call it "classic soul" for nothing.



P.S.- If anyone sees a copy of this book, Soul for One, in English, please let me know. It's a beautiful book I found in Quebec during our honeymoon... I was so tempted to buy it, but I don't know much French, and it was a little expensive... eh, thanks level-headed wife (I'm sure I'll still get it).

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Seventh Heaven

I know, I've been blogging an awful lot about my marriage. Well, I can't help it... here's another...

On this date seven years ago I met a beautiful girl out dancing... and this year we celebrated our first dance as husband and wife! Here's to many, many more!

Photo by John Whipple. All rights reserved.



Monday, September 17, 2012

The Love

Arrgh... here's another one. I was so tempted to check out Florence + The Machine's concert in Saratoga last night... she's got a great sound, and appears to be a great performer.... oh well. I would have gone, but it is Rosh Hashanah, so Sarah couldn't go... at sundown it was time for her services. After considering, I decided that I didn't fancy sitting on the lawn by myself, and thought the $70 tickets were a little too steep for an artist I'm still getting to know (had some car repairs to take care of as well). So, I decided to join Sarah and her family for dinner and services (hopefully I'll have another chance to see the Machine).

The food at the holiday dinner was good and plentiful (with apples and honey... straight from Sarah's father's beehive!), the company great, and the service rather long, but interesting... I'm still getting used to the Jewish traditions, but I enjoyed the music... and one reading, in particular, that talked about life's journey, written by someone named Josh Liebman--it was quite poetic, using some beautiful metaphors-- I'll have to find that, and repost. 

I can't believe it was last year at this time that Sarah and I took off for Canada, and I popped the question... it's been a wonderful year, and appropriate time to now say: "L'Shana Tovah!"... may the love continue...

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Fall In!

Oh, air is getting crisp... and so are the apples. Time for fall. It feels like it's arriving a little early this year... I guess due to the strange weather we have had this past spring and summer. It had been warm for so long, that it's sort of a surprise when you need to hunt for your sweater of jacket.... that we did this weekend.





Photos ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Walk The Talk

There are just so many hours in the day... especially with an hour commute (both ways). I think it's important for me to hit the ground running... or, walking....


Passion Pit - 'Take a Walk' from Trim Editing on Vimeo.

I have been listening to this song quite a bit during that commute. It's catchy, but lately I have been zeroing in more on the lyrics... sounds like a bit more going on than I expected... socialists, pension funds... a quick look online shows many listeners thinking it is about taking a walk in various peoples' shoes... thus, three and four different narrators. Interesting... I'll keep listening, see what I absorb.

Link:

"Passion Pit's 'Take a Walk': The 'Not Political' Anthem of our Times," MTV.com, May 9, 2012

Friday, September 14, 2012

Lifelines

Talk about heroes... today marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of my favorite music group of all time: A-ha. Yes, back in September of 1982, three young Norwegian guys decided to pool their musical talents and shoot for the big time--something that had been seen as impossible for a small country like Norway to achieve. Well, A-ha proved the impossible was possible... moving to London, and after a few years of honing and adapting their sound (synth pop was big in those days), they found themselves with sa string of top ten singles, a Guinness Book World Record for the highest attended concert (198,000 people at Rio's Maracana Stadium, 1991), and influence on such modern acts as Coldplay, Keane, Kings of Convenience, and Sondre Lerche. Here is a clip of me interviewing all three members back in 2005:



Unfortunately for me, the band is usually only known for one song here in the U.S.: 1985's "Take On Me." Over the years I have found myself having to explain to skeptics over and over why I would care about this seeming "one-hit wonder." I'm a big fan of the Beatles as well, and am aware (even understand) a bit of the general prejudice when applied to a group that seemed to make less of an attempt to continue their success in America. That doesn't make it any easier for me, when their music speaks to me in such a way...

In honor of their anniversary, I listened to the newly remastered version of their second album, Scoundrel Days, on the way to work today. This album hit during a rough time for me growing up, as I was dealing with the loss of my father. As I listened to the album again today, one of the lines from an extended version of their excellent song "Manhattan Skyline" stuck out at me, in a new way:

"don't want to see you hurt, don't let me see you hurt" pleads singer Morten Harket. I have always read the song as being about loss and separation on the narrator's part (Magne Furuholmen and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy), but it dawned on me that this line also subconsciously felt like support to me... or, more specifically, the 16-year old me. The tears started to well up, I must admit... their work still has an effect on me, and that's the reason I must go on to proclaim my love: 


"You know
I don't want to fall again
I don't wanna know this pain
I don't want another friend
I don't wanna try again
Don't want to see you hurt
Don't let me see you hurt
I don't wanna cry again
I'll never see your face again..."


A-ha disbanded in 2010, but I still hold my hopes that they will work together again one day. This weekend there is a big 30th anniversary party planned in their hometown of Oslo, Norway. It coincides with a concert by Morten Harket, an exhibition of their work at the Oslo Library, and the release of a beautiful new book by photographer Stian Andersen, who documented the band's comeback from 2000-2010. In November, the members are set to be knighted by the Norwegian king--not bad for a "one-hit wonder," eh? 

I'm still working on my documentary and a radio tribute show... I know... it's very hard to sum it all up. It would be great to have it done before the end of the year, although it is a challenge with full-time job and family... it will get done though--that's a promise. These guys came a long way, and my life has certainly been enriched as I "joined" them for part of that adventure...

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Heroes Welcome

FINALLY got the press release out for the Alex Ross exhibit. As I expected, we got an instant response... all good. 

Alex Ross, “Justice Vol. 1″ paperback cover, 2006,
courtesy of the artist, ™ & © DC Comics. Used with permission.
Heroes & Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross will open at Norman Rockwell Museum on November 10, and will present a comprehensive look at the career of the artist who has been called “the Norman Rockwell of the comics world." 

"Norman Rockwell has been one of the greatest influences on my art, and it is an enormous honor to be featured in the museum dedicated to his work,” notes Alex Ross.  "I have always looked upon Rockwell’s style as the peak of what one could hope to achieve artistically. The artist’s realistic execution and eye for composition are things I aspire to, knowing that he performed a quality of work that isn’t easily achieved. It is a major career achievement for me to have my work in company with his."

Ross' work is awesome. Take a look at alexrossart.com if you're not familiar. He brings a whole new level of wonder to the fun medium that is comic books.

So, here goes planning for what could be a fun couple of months... getting my Spidey suit ready.

Related Link:

"NRM Gets Super Heroic With Exhibition of Acclaimed Comic Book Artist," September 13, 2012 (press release I created for Norman Rockwell Museum)
 

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

One More

WEXT, the station where I spun My Exit show last spring, was playing the top 100 Bob Dylan songs yesterday, as voted by their listeners. They kicked it off with the song, "Duquesne Whistle," off his latest album Tempest-- his 35th! Now that's some body of work... I tuned in here and there throughout the day, and I can't say it all grabbed me, but there's a lot of variety... I love the early, early stuff, and Blood On The Tracks... other times his voice is a little rough, the music a little harder to find the patience for. I listened to a few tracks off the latest album, including a tribute to John Lennon. I like some of the jazzy rhythms, but it's hard to imagine it's the same singer from those '60s folk/rock classics...



The station has also been playing some new music from veteran reggae artist Jimmy Cliff. I remember seeing him perform during the broadcast of this year's Coachella Festival, and was impressed with the energy... he even teamed up with Tim Armstrong, the lead singer of the band Rancid (who I enjoyed back in the 90s), for a cover of "Ruby Soho." It turns out that Cliff's newest album, Rebirth, was produced by Armstrong, and sounds just as fresh as his classic material. I like this latest single, "One More":



No doubt it is hard to live up to your own legacy, so you have to give credit to artists like Dylan and Cliff... they don't seem to be resting on their laurels, but exploring new territory, continually adapting and honing their craft. That's what being an artist is all about, right?

Related Links:

"Jimmy Cliff on Career 'Rebirth' and the Nature of Success," NPR, August 4, 2012

"Jimmy Cliff's 'Rebirth' Gives New Life to Vintage Reggae," NPR, July 17, 2012

"The Rage in Bob Dylan's 'Tempest,'" The Daily Beast, September 3, 2012

"Bob Dylan Strikes Back at Critics," Rolling Stone, September 12, 2012 


Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Never Forget

Yes, I remember where I was in September 2001. I had just passed the first busy summer at my new job in the communications department at Norman Rockwell Museum, was still getting a feel for living in the Berkshires (an odd adjustment), and looking into new performing opportunities. At work we were getting ready to debut an exhibition of Rockwell's work at the Guggenheim in New York City (a big deal), when I first heard the startling news that a plane had struck one of twin towers of that same city.

It sounded like a tragic accident, and I felt a bit protective--a year earlier I had been working in New York (interning at a video production company), and was still hoping to relocate to the Big Apple. I remember a clear, blue sky that morning, and I recall the radio being turned on for more details... then we learned that a second plane struck the World Trade Center. 

I don't remember the weather from that point on... just a feeling of the day growing darker and darker. Confusion and some concern over whether there would be more attacks (there were... the Pentagon and Pennsyvania). Being a video production guy, it was ironic that I didn't have television at that time (still setting up my apartment, and reception in the Berkshires was lousy without cable--a time when I shouldn't have needed a digital converter). I listened to the radio non-stop... heard stories from friends and co-workers... talked to the girl I was dating at the time, and finally went over to her family's house to see pictures of the towers burning and filling the sky with chaos. The visual that really got to me was on the front page of the paper the next day or so... a photo of people choosing to jump out of the struck buildings instead of being engulfed by flames. Man, that affected me... 

It was a really strange time. Maybe it was better that I wasn't in New York, but I really wanted to be--more than ever. I ended up donating blood and doing some other volunteer work. It was the only time I seriously thought about enlisting.

I remember this TV special... a sort of memorial concert, and U2 playing. Somber. black and white. Felt unlike any concert I had seen in the U.S. It was quite moving:


There were flags flying everywhere... after a few years, it felt like a bit too much, but in this current time of partisan politics, it's somewhat hard to remember how "united" the country felt right after the terrorist attacks...

I waited to visit Ground Zero. When we opened the Rockwell show at the Guggenheim months after the attacks, a couple of my colleagues caught a train down to see the area... I wasn't ready to experience that... or rather, I didn't want to treat it like some sort of sight-seeing spot. 

It was four years later when I finally traveled to Ground Zero. I had been in New York to attend a concert and conduct an interview with my favorite band, A-ha (on September 11, 2005, actually), and the day after felt like the right time to finally see the site. I was shooting b-roll footage of the city at that time, but I don't remember filming there. I looked around at the tributes... marveled at the gaping hole where the buildings once stood.

Two years ago I went back to the site, and this time filmed the area rather extensively for some visuals I was creating for the Spoken Word Almanac Project. The process of rebuilding seemed slow... there was some controversy about a mosque being built near the area... New York still seemed hard, but a little more sympathetic... or maybe I had just gotten more used to the city, having rented an apartment there for several months.

Last year, on the tenth anniversary, I attended a beautiful interfaith ceremony with Sarah and her family in Albany. It was touching... a time to reflect on this national tragedy that still stings... still seems so inconceivable... and honor the fallen--paying respects as we do every year. They may have hurt us, but at the same time, I recognized the progress... the resolve to keep moving. 

I also remember thinking in my head about my exciting plans to propose to Sarah in just days... positive... sweet vibes... another affirmation that life was just going to go on...


Monday, September 10, 2012

Popular Mechanics

Man, I need my own studio. It's tough in our current situation to find a quiet space to concentrate on creative work. Luckily, our new place should give me that opportunity... my own studio with a view... a place to get my artist on.

Courtesy "The Giant Mechanical Man"
Facebook page
Saturday night we rented this movie, The Giant Mechanical Man from iTunes. I had never heard of it before, but it starred Jenna Fischer (who we both liked from The Office), and the trailer looked a lot more promising than the stupid-looking romantic comedies with their slapstick and crude humor. 

The movie did not disappoint. It had a more artistic tone about it--fitting, since it dealt with two sensitive types trying to fit into the real world. The lead character, Tim (nicely played by Chris Messina), strives to achieve this by painting himself up as a silver, mechanical man... maybe you have seen them in New York City... they stand motionless and look like real statues, coming to life when someone drops money at their feet. I have seen some of these guys do a really awesome job with it... it's amazing, and an interesting way to earn money. Tim is also trying to make a statement with it... his girlfriend doesn't really understand... and so goes the idea of having a job where you really feel you are making a difference, and trying to do it through the arts.

I just got off the phone with one of my artistic collaborators, and talked a bit about the difficulty of funding projects... and sustaining them. Kickstarter is popular, and has proven successful. Sometimes I think about this in terms raising money to work on a film... or even buy equipment. 

I can sympathize with the character in the film, but also understand the reality of needing to support yourself... some compromise is in order... but how much?

The other character in the film, Janice (played very similar to her Office character by Fischer), doesn't even have that much figured out. She doesn't know where she's going... and her sister tries to fix her up with a motivational speaker (sort of caricatured performance by Topher Grace, but funny because Sarah and I have had to sit through such speakers). It's not real, and she can feel it... 

Janice finally accepts a rather menial job at the zoo (didn't know they were open in the winter, but hey...). Here, she runs into Tim, who she had actually "met" previously as the Mechanical Man. There is a spark, and common understanding... some soul. It was refreshing to see a movie that painted a more realistic relationship, more common concerns... like how do you get to the point of feeling fulfilled?


This felt like a very personal film for Director Lee Kirk. It turns out that he is married to Fischer, which makes it all the more meaningful. I liked his artistic sensibility... the colors of the film, and much of the dialogue... the performances were good, but I think Fischer needed a little more spark... it did feel like Pam from the TV show, and I think it works better there. But we were very happy that we rented it.

Now, why hadn't I heard of this film? It was an independent, so I'm not sure what kind of budget they had... but it's a shame that it didn't get seen by more people. Like I said, you are bombarded by this cookie-cutter movies that talk about relationships, and they seem to feel the need to include insulting, formulaic things that just cheapen it... I like the premise of The Five Year Engagement, but every time we watch the trailer and see the slapstick, we can't do it... of course, maybe it is just a badly edited trailer (I thought the latest Muppet movie was going to suck for that same reason).

But here's the thing... the movie obviously did have a budget, was released, and was good... so were they satisfied or let down? I wonder this with bands whose work I love, that fail to find or sustain an audience. How do you keep going, when you feel you're not finding your audience... or on a smaller scale, getting paid?

I was once offered a gig to be a statue at a party. I didn't have to paint myself silver, but it was a similar idea. I thought about it... even tried to practice in my apartment... see if I could hold the pose... it was tough... I got itchy. I ultimately turned down the gig, after  some actor friends convinced me that they weren't offering enough money. But there was still the nagging feeling... wanting to prove to myself that I could pull off something that artistic... the money seemed less important in a way...

It's an ongoing struggle... I'm more about finding work that is fulfilling. But I would be lying if I didn't admit that finding some money dropped in that bucket sure helps to keep the creative machine moving...



Sunday, September 9, 2012

American Greetings

Dalton Color Guard welcome one of our newest U.S. citizens.
Photos ©Jeremy Clowe for Norman Rockwell Museum. All rights reserved.
In yesterday's blog I briefly mentioned the naturalization ceremony that I helped out with yesterday at Norman Rockwell Museum. Working at the Museum as long I have, I sometimes forget how effective those paintings, in this case The Four Freedoms, can be... yesterday I was reminded. 23 Berkshire County residents were sworn-in as United States citizens in front of Rockwell's iconic series of paintings illustrating President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1941 speech to Congress--in that speech he described four essential human freedoms necessary in today's world: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

I enjoyed meeting this family from El Salvador...
wish I had written down some of the recipes
they described.
The new citizens originated from 16 different countries, including Benin, Canada, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Germany, Ghana, India, the Ivory Coast, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Some attended the ceremony in different styles of dress from those countries. Many brought their families, and it was touching to learn that these children automatically became U.S. citizens as well.

I have never attended a ceremony like this and I have to say I was moved by the significance of the event. I talked with representatives from the Berkshire Immigrant Center that co-sponsored the event, and they informed me of how difficult it can be to become a citizen of the U.S. Some of the people I met waited 20 years to have the honor... it made me think about how desirable it is to be an American... to this day. In fact, after learning of the very demanding tests that are part of the naturalization process, these new citizens may know more about the U.S. than those of us who were born here... I was moved witnessing a much older man from India, as he walked up to receive his certificate.

Judge Rutberg and Governor Patrick
welcome one of the new citizens (originally from
the African continent).
Several Massachusetts state dignitaries were on hand to welcome the new citizens, including Governor Deval Patrick. Just days earlier I had watched him live on TV as he spoke at the Democratic National Convention, so it was great that he was able to join us--seems like a nice guy. Judge Frederic Rutberg, a Stockbridge resident, administered the oath of allegiance, which was quite special in itself, since he had originally been sworn-in as a judge in front of the same paintings back in the early 90s. 

We had several members of the press stop by to the cover the event, which was good... and I was busy taking my own photographs and filming the ceremony... a little hectic at times (Governor Patrick called me a "one-man band"), but I was glad to be there and proud of the Museum for hosting such an event. 

Immediately following the ceremony there was a reception, and I had a chance to talk with several of the new citizens. It was a pleasure to welcome them to the United States, offering them copies of the photos and my own hospitality; in the words of Governor Patrick:  “The diverse backgrounds, shared experiences, enthusiasm and ambition among these new citizens will make the Commonwealth and country stronger for generations to come.”

Photos ©Jeremy Clowe for Norman Rockwell Museum. All rights reserved.
*View more photos I took at the event on Norman Rockwell Museum's Facebook page (captions courtesy of the Museum's Director)

*Read press releases I created for the event: