All That Jazz

Happy weekend. Just a few odds and ends to share here on this sleepy Saturday morning.

Yesterday, The Springfield Republican printed a lengthy interview I conducted about Norman Rockwell's Stockbridge studio, which is located on the grounds of Norman Rockwell Museum, and right outside my office window. As I mention in the article, having Rockwell's original workspace "is an extraordinary gift to understanding the artist’s process and literally being transported back in time to the space where he created some of his most iconic works,” You can read more here.

A peek at the beautifully-designed Hopper exhibition.
Photo by JC for NRM. All rights reserved.

Speaking of visiting another time, the Museum's new exhibition, The Unknown Hopper: Edward Hopper as Illustrator is an interesting show, showcasing a little-known aspect of the realist master's career; truth be told, Hopper despised the time he spent working in illustration—contrast that with a young Norman Rockwell, who was just starting his career around the same time (early 20th century), and always aspired to follow in the footsteps of such visual storytellers as Howard Pyle and J.C. Leyendecker. I appreciate that the Museum is not shying away from these facts, as the contrast is an interesting note to share, as I pitch the story to members of the press. This past December both artists set records at auction for American painters, showing how their art endures in popularity a century later.

Now that's an entrance! Photo courtesy B. Docktor Photography.
All rights reserved.

For the opening of the exhibit and to celebrate our 45th anniversary, the Museum presented a gala party, which was quite successful. The theme of the party was the "Roaring '20s," and many of us dressed the part. I have to say, Sarah made a lovely flapper, and I enjoyed playing my best Jay Gatsby, as I hopped around the party, photographing and engaging the various guests.; we even made the "society pages," as our photos made it on to two fun, Berkshire culture sites. You can view some of my own photos on the Museum's Facebook page.

Puttin' on the ritz! Photo courtesy Amy Krzanik. All rights reserved.

The 1920s are a fascinating era, full of change and new ideas for society—I watched a couple fine documentaries earlier this month to research the styles of the period, and it raised my interest to learn more about how American culture transitioned from World War I to a more modern age (and right before the big crash!). After the gala, the wife and I decided to finally check out a real-life speakeasy that we had heard about in Albany—the directions were to leave a reservation on their website, which was followed up by a phone call from their staff to confirm; we arrived at the appointed hour to a mysterious, red-lit entrance and after identifying ourselves, were buzzed in by a bearded man who seemed transported from the era! The interior decorations and wait staff furthered the vintage feel, and I have to say the Prohibition-era drinks seemed all the sweeter. We attracted several approving smiles as we found our way to our table, and settled in to enjoy a three-piece jazz combo. It was a wonderful way to cap off the evening. 

Lee @ night. Photo by JC. All rights reseved.

Speaking jazz, I heard good things about the rest of the Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend—my documentary on George Shearing was aired once again following the June 6 concert by members of Shearing's original Quintet, and both members of the audience and band were amused by the anecdotes captured by the jazz pianist's wife, Ellie Shearing (many inquired about buying copies of the video). Copacetic, as they say... and certainly nice to bring home a little extra bacon.

Related Links:

"Studio exhibit showcases Norman Rockwell's studio," Springfield Republican, June 19, 2014

"Norman Rockwell Museum Toasts To Two Masters" (photos by Amy Krzanik), Rural Intelligence

"Norman Rockwell Museum 45th Anniversary Gala" (photos by B. Docktor), Berkshire Style

"Norman Rockwell Museum's 45th Anniversary Gala" (photos by JC and Walt Engels), Norman Rockwell Museum Facebook page

"The Unknown Hopper: Edward Hopper as Illustrator" (exhibition photos by JC), Norman Rockwell Museum Facebook page

Piece By Peace

The "Golden Rule" mosaic. UN Photo/Milton Grant.
www.unmultimedia.org

This week the United Nations Headquarters in New York held a rededication ceremony for their large mosaic based on Norman Rockwell's Golden Rule. Created by a group of artists in Venice, Italy, the mosaic was originally presented to the UN in 1985 as a gift from the U.S. by First Lady Nancy Reagan. Five years ago it was taken down for repairs, when it was discovered to contain large cracks that threatened its integrity. I have only been outside of the UN Secretariat Building (for a peace march during the 2010 NPT Review Conference), but several years ago my wife made it in with the League of Women Voters; she says that the mosaic is an impressive sight to behold.  

It is fun to point out that the original Rockwell painting, part of the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum, actually started life as an idea to illustrate the United Nations' humanitarian efforts. Conceived in 1952 and created in 1953, the original drawing included 65 people, representing the nations of the world, standing hopeful behind three UN delegates (USSR, United Kingdom, and United States). Rockwell eventually abandoned this illustration because he felt it seemed pretentious, but eventually incorporated several of its multicultural group of figures into one of his finest works: Golden Rule appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post on April 1, 1961—a colorful and dynamic composition with the inspiring words: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

The restoration for the mosaic was done by Williamstown Art Conservation Center, which has worked on several pieces from Norman Rockwell Museum's collection over the years, including (you guessed it) Rockwell's United Nations drawing. In 2009 I was asked to travel to Williamstown to create a video documenting how the Museum's fragile work was being repaired by conservators. The restoration process for the pencil on paper work included several fascinating steps, including being immersed in an aqueous water treatment (folks, don't try this at home!).

One of my favorite productions I have created for the Museum, here is the final video. It is currently on view at the Museum, along with the restored drawing and final Golden Rule painting.

Related Links: 

“‘Golden Rule,’ iconic Norman Rockwell mosaic, rededicated at UN Headquarters,” 
UN News Centre, February 5, 2014 

"The Golden Rule: Restoring the Norman Rockwell Mosaic at the United Nations,"
Art Conservator, Summer 2013

"Rockwell's 'Golden Rule,'" Norman Rockwell Museum

Action Man

Photo of Jarvis Rockwell touring his exhibition at Norman Rockwell Museum.
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe for Norman Rockwell Museum. All rights reserved.

It seems like only yesterday that we opened a new show, but last night I worked yet another opening for Norman Rockwell Museum's latest exhibition, Jarvis Rockwell: Maya, Illusion, and Us. The oldest son of illustrator Norman Rockwell, Jarvis Rockwell has forged a career an artist in his own right. What I find interesting is that Jarvis decided to create much more conceptual work than his father. Those visiting this 60 year retrospective will see examples of early portraiture which eventually give way to more abstract figures, shapes, and performance-based projects, questioning everything from social to existential matters.

Scaling "Maya V." Photo ©Jeremy Clowe.
All rights reserved.

Perhaps the most fun element in the exhibition, Maya V is the latest in a series of Hindu-inspired pyramids that the artist has created entirely of action figures. Apparently Jarvis Rockwell has collected these highly detailed figures since the late 1970s, following the death of his father. Along the way he decided to incorporate them into his art, creating miniature tableaus that arrange the figurines in surprising, often dark narratives (I remember being amused that this was the work of Norman Rockwell's son when I started at the Museum). The first Maya exhibit I saw was at the contemporary art museum Mass MoCA over a decade ago, and it was quite a sight to behold--I even recognized a few Star Wars and superhero figures that I once owned as a child.

As the curatorial staff readied the exhibition last week, I had the opportunity to literally jump in and help with the construction of Maya V, as well as document some of the process through my own video and photography. Considering my long affinity towards monsters, superheroes and movie characters, I had good fun helping to assemble the project. It was also interesting to see the connections and narratives that other staff members created with various figures. Jarvis Rockwell basically assigns the directive and allows others to take care of the pyramid installations, and I think the communal aspect of their creation is a cool concept.

One of my contributions to the
action figure pyramid (of course!).

In some ways, I'm sure it hasn't been easy being the son of such a famous artist, known for his more sentimental, commercial illustrations during a time when artistic tastes were shifting in a more modernist and abstract direction. Jarvis hasn't always been easy to reach out to in terms of understanding his father's work (he once emphatically denied my request for a video interview about the subject). However, I think he has begun to make peace with the family legacy and his own contributions. It is nice to see an artist come into his own, and I appreciated hearing his thoughts about how the artistic process has gotten "easier" over time.

Jarvis Rockwell: Maya, Illusion, and Us will be on view at Norman Rockwell Museum through October 20, 2013. The artist will be stopping in from time to time to work on a special wall drawing/collage, so you just might catch him during a visit. Wouldn't that be every kids dream... to draw on the wall of your father's own house aka museum? 

Related Links:

Exhibition press release, written by JC for NRM

"Portrait of a Young Artist," Norman Rockwell Museum blog written by JC

"Maya V" Installation photos by JC for NRM, Norman Rockwell Museum Facebook

Comes The Last Hurrah...

A-ha performing in Chicago, IL., May 13, 2010. Photo by Jeremy Clowe. 
All rights reserved.

I received a nice surprise in the mail yesterday— WEXT sent along a copy of my recent radio show, Chrysalis Dreams: 30 Years of A-ha. The retrospective had two very successful airings on the station over the past two months, and I again received very positive feedback following its re-airing last week: fans from Korea reported an early morning listening party... a fan from Poland was on the opposite end, staying up very late that evening in order to catch the broadcast.... 

there was even a Brazilian community from Quebec who checked in (A-ha was always very big in South America, where they actually achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest attended concert ever--198,000 people in Rio--back in 1991). I didn't hear any new reports of the station's online stream being overwhelmed, so hopefully everyone had a chance to tune in this time out.

For those who have asked, here is the playlist I put together for the two-hour program, which was presented chronologically:

Hour #1:

One of two album reviews I
wrote for a-ha's 2010 tour program.
Courtesy www.a-ha.com

“Take On Me”—Hunting High and Low

“The Sun Always Shines On T.V.”—Hunting High and Low

“Hunting High and Low”—Hunting High and Low

“The Swing of Things”—Scoundrel Days

“Manhattan Skyline”—Scoundrel Days

“I’ve Been Losing You”—Scoundrel Days

“The Living Daylights”—The Living Daylights movie soundtrack

“Stay On These Roads”—Stay On These Roads

“Crying In The Rain”—East of The Sun, West of The Moon

“Scoundrel Days” (live in South America, 1991)—Angel CD single

"Move To Memphis” (single version)—Headlines and Deadlines: The Hits of A-ha

“Dark Is The Night For All”—Memorial Beach

 Hour #2:

“Summer Moved On”—Minor Earth, Major Sky

“Minor Earth, Major Sky” (Niven’s Radio Edit)—Minor Earth, Major Sky single

“Mary Ellen Makes The Moment Count”—Minor Earth, Major Sky

“Forever Not Yours”—Lifelines

“Lifelines”—Lifelines

“Celice”—Analogue

“Analogue”—Analogue

“Cosy Prisons”—Analogue

“The Bandstand”—Foot of the Mountain

“Foot of the Mountain”—Foot of the Mountain

“Shadowside”—Foot of the Mountain

“Butterfly, Butterfly (The Last Hurrah)”—25

In addition to these songs, I also included other various clips— from Bridges to early demos to album/rare/live tracks—during my narration.

A-ha performing in New York City, September 12, 2005.
Photo by Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

It's funny how music can stir up so many memories and emotions... I was surprised to find myself getting a little choked up again last week, as I listened to the beginning of the first hour. The sequence from "Hunting High and Low" (one of the most beautiful songs ever, IMO) to "Manhattan Skyline" felt so raw to me... it's hard not to still find myself transported back to my high school days, when I leaned very heavily on this music to help me cope with the loss of a loved one. 

In terms of the show's production, I thought WEXT's Katie Gorham provided a great assistance. I had the show pretty well-scripted and timed with the musical segments, and was pleased to hear from listeners telling me how well the songs flowed into each other. In terms of narration I feel a little more satisfied with the second half, but maybe it just took me awhile to warm up with the recording (or perhaps the second half was more "upbeat")... all in all, my return to DJing certainly whet my appetite for more. I think of those broadcasters whose delivery I admire (i.e. NBC News' Brian Williams), and always strive to get better. Having said that, it was an absolute pleasure to share this music I have loved for so long with a North American audience (where I feel it has always belonged). There is something of a sense of closure for me here, although the radio show does present a useful template to complete my long-planned video documentary.

"Foot of the Mountain" promo photo by Stian Andersen.
Courtesy of and ©2009 A-ha.com

Speaking of A-ha, there is an interesting exhibition of photographs of the band opening this week at London's Strand Gallery. Photographer Stian Andersen, who documented the band's comeback from 2000 through 2010, has assembled a collection of quite striking images from his book  A-ha Photographs 1994-2010 (Press), which was published last year. I have a copy of Andersen's very substantial coffee table book, and found much to enjoy... he brings a grainy, "rock and roll" atmosphere to his photos, which A-ha didn't always have back in their early days. Thankfully, much of Andersen's work was used for promotional materials and album covers for the band over the last decade, and I think it helped provide a more "mature" image for the long-beloved Norwegian band. 

It also seems fitting to show Andersen's exhibit in London, as the city played such an important part in the band's development (somewhere I have my own photos of The Blue Sky Cafe, where Paul Waaktaar supposedly penned a few of A-ha's early songs). For those in the UK you can see for yourself, as Andersen's photographs will be on view at the Strand from February 28 through March 17, 2013— cheers!

Related Links (updated):

www.a-ha.com

http://exit977.org

www.stianandersen.com

A-ha Photographs by Stian Andersen, The Strand Gallery

"He's a Lot More Rock and Roll Than We Are," February 22, 2013, A-ha.com

"A-ha Captured on Tour in New Photograph Exhibition at London's Strand Gallery," Huffington Post, February 28, 2013

Stian Andersen and a-ha, The Photographs, Vimeo

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...

The Art of Documentation

Continuing on yesterday's thread about the Museum's upcoming exhibition on illustrator Howard Pyle, It turns out there is a documentary about the artist that was just released. It looks well-done... here is a preview:




The feature was produced by filmmaker Paul Mento from Silver Hand Productions. According to the Delaware Art Museum, which organized the exhibition and screened the documentary, Mento has been a lifelong fan of the artist. His name sounded familiar to me, and now I realize that he had actually been in touch with me at the Museum a couple years back, looking for information about Pyle's influence on Norman Rockwell. I'll have to check out the documentary--no doubt it will be useful in learning more about Pyle's work and how to promote the exhibition.


There is another new artist documentary coming out, which is also worth mentioning. Gregory Crewdson: Brief Encounter follows the work of acclaimed photographer Gregory Crewdson, who creates haunting, surreal, and stunning photographs, that have an eerie, cinematic feel to them. Think Edward Hopper born again as a filmmaker who is taking still photos, and that it what Crewdson's world looks like:






I first discovered the photographer's work when I started working in Massachusetts. He has set many of his scenes there (including my former town of Lee), and spends a bit of time in the Berkshires. There is even something of a twisted mirror on the work that Rockwell is known for, and I have met the photographer on a couple of occasions while I have worked at the Museum; the last time was during a lecture he gave at Norman Rockwell Museum a couple years ago, where this documentary filmmaker, Ben Shapiro was also present. 


The film is having a screening on the final night of this year's Berkshire International Film Festival. My friend Stephanie, a talented actress, actually posed for one of the photographs in the series that is being examined in this documentary (it even made the cover of the catalogue for the series). I wonder if she will make it into the documentary... go Stephanie!

My "Crewdson-wannabe" photo shoot with Sarah following
the photographer's lecture at Norman Rockwell Museum, March 27, 2010.
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

I would love to see the documentary (maybe even work with Crewdson sometime), but we are scheduled to meet our wedding photographer this Sunday--he's also a creative guy... I just hope the wedding photos don't look like Crewdson's! Hopefully there will be other screenings of the film to catch.

Hmm... these documentaries make me jealous really... I'm not sure how they are totally financed and produced, but what a great gig--I could get into doing work like this (and I'll keep trying!). Looking for time, money, and a good HD camera... please!

Related Links:


www.howardpyledvd.com


www.gregorycrewdsonmovie.com


www.biffma.com

Model Citizen

Left to right: Ed Locke and Richard Clemens,the original
models for Norman Rockwell's 1958 painting The Runaway.
Photo by Jeremy Clowe. ©Norman Rockwell Museum.
All rights reserved.

Wow, it has been a rough year for losing good people. I learned yesterday that Richard Clemens, the former Massachusetts State Trooper who modeled for Norman Rockwell's 1958 painting The Runaway, has passed away. I got to know Mr. Clemens on several occasions during my time working at Norman Rockwell Museum. I first met him and fellow Runaway model Ed Locke (the little boy) back in 2001 when they attended a big Rockwell models reunion at the Museum. I had a chance to interview them at that time, which partially inspired me to begin conducting other videotaped oral histories for the Museum. I was amazed to be meeting the real-life models pictured on the canvas, and The Runaway is certainly one of Rockwell's most iconic.

In 2004 I staged a more elaborate interview with the duo for a documentary I was working on about Rockwell's years in Stockbridge, Massachusetts (location of the Museum, and where both Clemens and Locke lived as the artist's neighbors)—It has to be one of the most enjoyable interviews I have conducted during my time at the Museum. I staged the interview in town at Stockbridge's Elm Street Market, and had the duo try and recreate the scene. Clemens and Locke, who originally posed for the painting at a Howard Johnson's back in 1958, really had become close friends due to their history with the painting (later published on the September 20, 1958 cover of The Saturday Evening Post). They were like a comedy team, cracking jokes and having good-natured fun about this somewhat surreal experience they had become associated with. 

In fact, both gentleman had been extremely generous over the years, sharing their experience with visitors at the Museum on many different occasions. They also helped me out several times by granting interviews with worldwide press who were interested in Norman Rockwell and the image; I think the last time I saw Clemens was a year ago, when he and Locke filmed an interview for a BBC documentary about American diners. 

What has been truly touching over the years was to learn how much this painting has inspired law enforcement officers around the world. In 2008, Massachusetts State Police honored the couple during a special ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Runaway. Clemens was dedicated to law enforcement during his entire life, and so it was a nice way to recognize a painting that symbolized a job that he took great pride in.

It has been a busy couple of day conducting interviews with various press, including The Boston Globe. From today's edition: "The image represents a 'perfect Rockwell moment,’ Clowe said, one that stands among his most admired works and resonates with police officers around the world. “They were the absolutely right models for the piece,’’ he said. “I think you see the connection between them."

Rockwell models Ed Locke and Richard Clemens visiting Norman Rockwell's
original Stockbridge studio, located on the grounds of Norman Rockwell Museum.
Photo by Jeremy Clowe. ©Norman Rockwell Museum. All rights reserved.

Related Links:

"Remembering Richard Clemens," Jeremy Clowe for www.nrm.org, May 7, 2012

"Officer in iconic Rockwell works dies," The Boston Globe, May 8, 2012

"Adieu to a cop we all knew," Albany Times Union, May 7, 2012

Paul Is Live!

Paul Waaktaar-Savoy performing with
A-ha in Chicago, IL. May 13, 2010.
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Yesterday music journalist David Weiss posted an interview with my favorite songwriter of all time, Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, on his New York-based music website sonicscoop.com. For those who don't know, Paul was the co-founder and guitarist of the band A-ha, as well as the writer behind some of the most beautiful songs ever, including Hunting High and Low, Dark Is The Night, Shadowside, and even more with his other band, Savoy. 

Since A-ha's farewell concert in December 2010, I have been dying to know what he's been up to. There has been the occasional news, such as a collaboration with singer Jimmy Gnecco for the movie soundtrack song, Weathervane, but it's mostly been quiet... this article is very welcome, as it gives us a personal tour of the songwriter's New York City studio in SoHo, and professional discussion about the gear he uses to bring his songs to life.


Some highlights from the article:


"Most of the stuff I write needs a certain atmosphere to work at all, so I’m very sensitive to achieving that for an instrument or vocal — I have to have that thing that gives me shivers. If I don’t feel it, we’ll work on something else. Obviously the performance is the most important thing, but you can help it along."

“When you grow up, all you want to do is what you love to do,” says the soft-spoken Savoy. “The first time I started a demo studio in NYC, it was all tape machines – now it’s much more doable to make a great-sounding album. The technology now gives me more time to work on the things that I find to be more important.”

I also appreciated hearing him talk about finding "breathing space" to create, as the computer allows him to become more selective about the musical tools that take up his home studio space: “It works a lot better. I like to experiment, but if you have too many things, you don’t get around to it. Synths with 15,000 presets becomes like Lord of the Rings – it’s endless.”

And... a comment about hit songs: “A song may have been catchy or on the radio, but if it doesn’t move me, it’s not something I’ll take a lot of time trying to emulate. In A-ha, we always decided that if a song gives us the vibe, then that’s what we go for – it will give everyone else the same vibe. There’s nothing more complicated than that. That’s why we thought every song we ever did would be a hit.”

Amen. 


Here's a short clip of me interviewing Paul back in 2005. Here, I am asking him about the 1986 A-ha song, I've Been Losing You. The songwriter was reading a lot of Franz Kafka and Fyodor Dostoyevsky at the time, and it seems that some of that dark tone rubbed off... musically, the simultaneous recording of the band's more commercial-friendly hit, "Cry Wolf," influenced some of the rhythms (I had no idea):

More about the documentary soon...

Related Link:

"Paul Savoy of A-ha: Inside His SoHo Song Incubator," www.sonicscoop.com, April 1, 2012

The Art of Exploration

Photo by Jeremy Clowe for Norman Rockwell Museum.
All rights reserved.

As I was taking photos at Norman Rockwell Museum the other day, I was surprised to come across two pieces I had seen previously in our exhibition, National Geographic: The Art of Exploration. These vibrant paintings were created and donated by Ned Seidler, a long-time illustrator for the magazine, and depict the 16th century meeting of the Moctezuma and Cortés civilizations; as well as the discovery of a Moche tomb in Sipán, near the coast of Peru. I actually used the latter illustration as the opening for a video I had created for the 2006 exhibition:

The exhibition stands as one of my favorite exhibitions the Museum has presented during my time working there, and I enjoyed the opportunity to interview several of the artists who have worked on the magazine over the years... they certainly go to great lengths for accuracy! For me the video was a turning point, where I really expanded on what I had learned from doing the short-form documentaries. It proved to me that I could produce a longer, engaging program, with an even larger collection of sources and materials (I even had a chance to tour their archives in Washington, DC, for research).

The National Geographic Museum in Washington has just opened an exhibition on the Titanic− timed to coincide with the 3D release of James Cameron's 1997 blockbuster? I've got a sinking feeling... Seriously, it's a nice museum... definitely worth the visit, and thankfully, the Society is as strong as ever.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com

Scaling New Heights

One of my favorite singers, former A-ha frontman Morten Harket released a video today to his newest single, Scared of Heights:




I never thought my love of A-ha and Spider-Man could be combined, but this video comes as close as I'm likely to get... :) The song is from Out of My Hands, Morten's first solo album post-A-ha (the band disbanded in 2010 after a successful 25+ year career). The album will feature several new artistic collaborations, with such acts as The Pet Shop Boys, Kent, and fellow Norwegian Espen Lind, who wrote and originally recorded the first single. Funny enough, I remember "meeting" Lind back in 1998 when I attended the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway... my friend thought that he looked like a parrot, sporting a spiky blue hairdo! Apparently he has gone on to have his own success around the world, including songwriting credits on such hits as Train's "Hey Soul Sister" and Beyonce's "Irreplaceable." There have been a slew of internationally successful Norwegian bands in recent years, but A-ha was most definitely the first. 


I'm not sure Morten's new song will take him to A-ha "heights," but it's nice to see him and the other members of my favorite band continue with new artistic projects. 2012 is actually the 30th anniversary of the forming of A-ha, and there is a big anniversary party being planned by and for fans in Oslo, Norway, on September 14. Morten Harket will be performing a couple concerts around these events (in addition to the date being the anniversary of A-ha, it is also the singer's 53rd birthday). 


I have said it before, but now is really a perfect time for me to finish my documentary on A-ha. Here's a clip of an interview I did with singer Morten Harket back in 2005, talking about his initial reaction after the band made it to #1 with "Take On Me":





Related links:


http://mortenharket.com


A-ha's 30th anniversary party information-- www.a-ha.com

Wonder Women!

I learned that today is International Women's Day (thanks Google). Apparently working women in Europe have marked this date since the early 1900s  "to highlight their solidarity in the fight for equal, economical and political rights with men." Other areas of the world have followed suit, and it is now an officially recognized holiday in several countries. In light of the recent public debate over reproductive rights, it seems high time we recognized the day here in the U.S. as well.

Peace! Photo by Jeremy Clowe.
All rights! reserved.

I have been fortunate to know several very inspiring women during my life, and hold great admiration for the work and sacrifices they have made to help me and others (this means YOU Mom, Grandma, etc.). One woman I have grown to admire in recent years is my soon to be mother-in-law, Elaine. Not only has she raised a beautiful family, but she is one of the most active people I know, involved with many different community organizations. She is often the first person I hear to announce important meetings or initiatives, and I have had the pleasure to learn from many of volunteer programs she has been involved with.

Sarah and I have actually become members of one of these groups, Peace Action New York State (thanks to Elaine's sponsorship). I have found myself attending interesting lectures on political, social and environmental topics; I have marched on the Washington Monument to protest the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; I have dressed as Uncle Sam (seriously) to call attention to abuses of the former administration; and I have even utilized my video production skills to document important discussions on such topics as the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. In the spring of 2010 we all took part in a nuclear non-proliferation conference at the famed Riverside Church in New York City. What a great privilege to document and take part in that program, which culminated in a march on the United Nations building. Elaine was active as ever that weekend, and I even persuaded her to interview a couple of the speakers, who had interesting insight into the continuing harmful effects from nuclear energy:

As long as there is a right to fight for, I'm pretty confident that Elaine will be there, offering a rational and peaceful voice to the discussion (or bringing up the discussion in the first place!). So on this International Women's Day, I salute MOM/E... and no, I'm not just trying to suck up here! The world is a better place for women who care as much as she does.

Peace Action New York website: http://panys.org

Presidential Treatment

By George, it's Presidents Day! I have decided to "celebrate" by taking the day off to get some other work done. One item on the list is to look for a photographer for our wedding. I'm all about details, so the photographs that interest me most are those that can tell a complete story through even the most subtle expressions and composition.

One professional whose work I admire is Pete Souza, the official White House photographer. My stepfather sent me a link to this great slideshow of Souza's photographs documenting President Barack Obama during 2011.

President Barack Obama with Ruby Bridges in front of

Norman Rockwell's "The Problem We All Live With."

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza. All rights reserved.

For a President who has been criticized by some as being too distant or cool, these photos illustrate just the opposite (maybe it's the whole "introvert" challenge again). Through Souza's lens we receive a surprisingly intimate portrait of a man who comes across as a caring and involved leader. It can't be easy to capture such beautifully composed images in the life of such a busy person, but the photographer succeeds again and again--occasionally coming up with truly remarkable shots (the photo of the Obama family in front of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio is exceptional).

I have frequently utilized Souza's photos in the media design I have created for the Spoken Word Almanac Project. SWAP founder/poet Darian Dauchan is busy working on a one-man show about Obama's presidency (so far), and will be using several of the multimedia displays I have created during his performance. More details to come.

In the meantime, I'm looking forward to watching the new documentary on President Bill Clinton−another great leader of our time, despite his obvious flaws. Presented through the American Experience series, it premieres tonight on PBS:

Watch Clinton Chapter 1 on PBS. See more from American Experience.

The Swing of Things

Imagine having the perfect view, but knowing you are in the wrong place... Yup. That's me today. I'm afraid I again have a case of the melancholies.

In times like these I turn back to music, which has always helped me when I am feeling down, and no music artist has ever served that purpose better than the band A-ha. Most people know the Norwegian rockers for their ultra-80s hit Take on Me-- in fact, many in North America might think that was all they had up their Swatch watch infested sleeves. But for me, and many others, the band has meant the world and continues to play an important part in our lives.

Delve a little deeper into A-ha's catalogue (which lasted for over 25 years) and you will find a perfect mix of melody and melancholy. I was hooked pretty early on: raised on the Beatles, I recognized a similar songwriting thread from this 80s band that was also influenced by the sound of the 60s. I wore out tapes of their first album Hunting High and Low, which perfectly mirrored the feelings of an introverted teen striving to break free. Their second album, Scoundrel Days, was even moodier, and showed the band's rougher side... this album also came out right before I lost my father. I could never thank the band enough for the support they gave me (through their music) during a very grey and challenging time.



I actually had the great fortune of interviewing the band in 2005 before they performed a sold-out concert in New York City's Irving Plaza. They were just about to release Analogue, one of their strongest albums, and seemed in good spirits-- especially to be back in the U.S. again, where their profile had basically disappeared through the years. I learned many things about their career: how their record company viewed them as difficult for not trying to duplicate their early pop hit; how they remained popular throughout much of the rest of the world, even setting a world record in 1991 for the highest-attended show in Rio de Janeiro... but above all, it was amazing to be sitting next to these artists who had created a body of work that has had such a lasting impact on me.

In 2010 the band decided to call it a day, after releasing another critically acclaimed album, Foot of the Mountain. They returned once again to the U.S., for a final string of shows, before playing around the rest of the world. I was fortunate to make it to each of the American gigs, but felt a little embarrassed that I hadn't quite managed to finish the documentary I had been working on about their music. Part of the delay was due to it being an independent project I had to fit in between regular work, but also... how do you accurately sum up the career of a band that has meant that much to you personally? I did manage to produce a rough version, which I shared with the band, some fans, and with members of the press, to promote their shows in North America. You can view several of the clips here.

2012 marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of A-ha-- they formed in Oslo, Norway back in September 1982, and became the biggest act ever to make it from the Scandinavian country. Artists such as Coldplay, Sondre Lerche, Keane, Kings of Convenience, Morrissey, and even U2 have cited them as an influence. Still, many people only know them for one or two songs in this country. I feel this is the year I need to finish this documentary, and share not only the band's story, but a piece of my own. As they sang back in 1986: Oh, have I come to the point where I'm losing the grip, or is it still time to get into the swing of things...