To The Inter-Webs... World-Wide!

Happy Halloween, True Believers!

Photo courtesy of Natalie. © + face front. 

Cutting Through The Noise

Back to the Museum again today. I think the Berkshires were more affected by the "super storm" than we were, but I didn't have any problems during my hour-long commute... the skies, in fact, were vividly blue... with interesting cloud formations.

After taking care of some emails and other matters, I finally hunkered down on my video project, working on the "puzzle" of editing my transcript to come up with some logical,  short narrative. I don't know if it is normal, but at this stage I literally take my typed transcript (all 35 pages) and cut and paste them on to colored sheets of paper... I know, I could easily do this on the computer too, but I somehow feel more engaged by starting my editing process this way... it's also more fun to leave the computer behind, and work in a more tactile way (I guess that's my artistic tendencies shining through). 

Also, to be perfectly honest, it's good for me to work in this manner. I could instantly feel the difference from being away from the computer screen, with the distracting emails and search engines. I laid my materials out on a table, and felt a calm focus that is difficult to maintain while sitting in front of my pretty Mac. 

But at work I'm the "manager of media"... so these moments seem in short supply. There must be a way to have more structure, though. I'm the first to admit that I can get easily distracted by news, and working on an exhibit about comic books is just inviting trouble for me... 

Up until yesterday I was all about the election (happening in just a week!), but now it has been Hurricane Sandy. It really has been hard to not want constant updates in this instant information age... and the media can certainly feed into that anxious frenzy. At the gym tonight, some of that seemed founded...

As I took my hour-long jog on the treadmill, I watched NBC Nightly News... I couldn't believe my eyes, looking at the damage that the storm has wrecked... especially in areas like New Jersey and New York City! I heard Queens mentioned several times, and wonder how I would have fared if I still had my place in Astoria. I also heard some talk today about global warming, and the "new normal"... some areas in the Hudson Valley are actually still struggling to get back to normal following Hurricane Irene...

So, I'm torn... I'm a curious guy by nature, and certainly want to be informed (especially during an election season and national emergencies!).. but I know that I could probably be more productive if I just turned down my media consumption... losing power, in this way, wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. In the meantime, I wish all dealing with Mother Nature here on the east coast, a speedy recovery.

I, of The Storm

Alex Ross, Marvels #4 cover, 1994,
courtesy of the artist, SPIDER-MAN
™ & © 2012 Marvel and Subs. From
"Heroes & Villains: The Comic Book
Art of Alex Ross."

Damn you, Sandy... decided to play it safe and work from home today. Wasn't too bad here actually... started getting a little wet and windy later on, but it was still worth staying put (think it was a little scarier over in Mass.). I finally wrapped up my transcribing, which was a heroic effort in itself... this will make things much easier, but I'm racing against the clock now (exhibition opens next week!). 

Speaking of the show, I gave a lengthy telephone interview this morning with a local journalist. You can't say I was at a loss for words... I hope she could keep up with me. Actually, I have gotten to be a pretty good interviewer myself... if I do say so. Listening back to my interview with Ross, I felt confident that I covered all the questions I would have wanted to ask (guess that's why it took so long to transcribe!). A portion of that interview is being reproduced in the Museum's new member newsletter... I just wish I had more time to devote to all of this properly.

Ok, so far my 2012 hurricane prep list has included gathering canned foods, batteries, extra containers of water, and a form-fitting cloth Spider-Man costume (with web-shooters). Yeah, before things got too out of hand with this "Frankenstorm," I decided to drive down the street to the local costume shop and find suitable threads for the exhibition opening and future programs... and yes, I'll also have it in time for Halloween. Gonna try and hit the gym hard over the next week though... because "with great power, comes great responsibility..."

Game Changer

I've got chills... they're multiplying... but it's honestly more because of the election than Hurricane Sandy... having said that, it looks like there are a number of school closings in the Berkshires, so I am unsure what my day is going to look like tomorrow... 

Today was spent catching up on some work, the gym, the World Series (currently watching) and Meet The Press. While watching the latter (great roundtable discussion), I saw a preview for this upcoming film, which looks really entertaining... I hadn't heard of it before:

Wreck-It Ralph is Disney's newest 3D CGI movie, and it looks like a fun ride through some familiar territory for me... video games! Of course I'm talking about the "old school" days, when I handed over much of my free-time to such characters as Ms. Pac Man, Q-Bert, and Donkey Kong. Ralph in this movie is reminiscent of the king Kong... a bad guy, preventing the character from fixing a building in their game. The twist is that Ralph is having an existential crisis... he tires of his "job" and wants to be recognized as a good guy. From the trailer it looks like he jumps into a number of different games to find his way... what a creative concept, and fun to see some familiar games from the old days making cameos. 

The New York Times has a cool article in today's edition about how the filmmakers strived to make the old school video game look like it did back in my middle school days... wonder if my buddy Ralph Baer has heard about this film... Here's the link to check out the article.

Huh... just when you think it's "game over" for the movies, there is a whole slew of interesting, creative concepts on the way... from presidential biopics (Lincoln and Hyde Park on Hudson); the awesome James Bond, Daniel Craig (Skyfall); to movies about shih tzus-! (Seven Pyschopaths)... all look pretty entertaining.

Speaking of which... the San Francisco Giants just swept the Detroit Tigers! Wow, talk about getting your game on...

Related Links:

disney.go.com/wreck-it-ralph


"Disney’s New Hero Is So 1982: How ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ Revisits Retro Video Games," New York Times, October 26, 2012

Better Shape Up!

Just got back from the grocery store... decided we better "stock up" just in case Hurricane Sandy is as electrifying as they predict!



Somewhere there's video of Sarah and I getting our "Grease lightning" on... it would be a fun show to do... and no worries about being too old... I mean, look at Travolta, et.al... these were supposed to be high school students? 

Hands Off Approach

On the topic of women's rights, do we seriously have another politician making insensitive comments about the idea of rape? Really... how do these guys get elected? 

Of course women alone should have the right to make choices about their own body. Here's a clip of the great Tina Fey telling it like it is at a gala for the Center for Reproductive Rights: 

Again and again, I think comedians like Fey, Stephen Colbert, and John Stewart serve as our best commentators. Sometimes laughter is the best medicine against all this ridiculous dialogue and radical conservatism, but it's still scary... I hope voters will consider this when thinking about who supports these wrongheaded candidates, and will come to choose the next members of the Supreme Court.

Queens, NY, 2008 (I still need to follow up on that idea
of guesting on 30 Rock...!). Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved. 

Related Link:

"RNC 2012- Abortion Law & The Republican Platform," 

Daily Show with John Stewart, August 29, 2012

The Justice League

Superman is my co-pilot.

Work on the Alex Ross exhibit continues... I'm trying to finish my video transcription (ugh), and Sarah and I stopped by the great Earthworld Comics in Albany last night to pick up a 6' Superman stand-up (featuring art by Ross) that they have loaned us for the duration of the show. Oh hell, it was also a great excuse to stop by the store again and peruse their latest books. Sarah is a big fan of artist/creator Terry Moore (who I interviewed back in 2007), and has been sinking her teeth into his latest book, Rachel Rising--she actually read a few issues right there in the store while I was busy looking around... ha ha... she never ceases to amaze me. 

My co-workers and I have also been looking into costumes for the exhibit opening and upcoming programs. Of course I made it clear that I have dibs on Spidey... but it can't be just any old costume. I have a proud tradition, initiated by my mother's amazing web-slinger costume that she designed for me so many Halloweens ago. Sarah is looking into Supergirl (one of her old favorites). My co-worker Sarah (who, coincidentally, is married to another Jeremy) surprised us all at work yesterday when she came through the offices dressed like Wonder Woman. I think she did a good job of pulling it off (here's a photo I took, as proof).

Alex Ross, "Mythology: Wonder Woman,"
2005, courtesy of the artist, ™ & ©
DC Comics. Used with permission.

Wonder Woman has an interesting history, which I was not aware of until I read the text for the exhibition. Apparently she was created back in 1941 by psychologist William Moulton Marston, who also happened to develop the lie detector (I guess that explains his character's golden lasso!). Utilizing equal parts physical strength, intelligence and kindness, Wonder Woman was created to serve as a positive role model for girls, and wound up becoming a feminist icon (pictured on the first issue of Ms. magazine, and their recent 40th anniversary issue, with a cover by the great Mike Allred). Many of us fellas also fell in love with the character, especially after seeing the beautiful Lynda Carter on the 1970s TV show. But looks aside, I also appreciate the concept of a strong, female hero... it's no stretch... many of the most influential people in my life have been women, and I am forever grateful.




I just got back from an awards dinner that was held by the Albany chapter of Veterans for Peace. My mother-in-law, Elaine, was honored as one of this year's Thomas Paine Winter Soldier Peace and Justice Awards. Coined during the Revolutionary War era, a winter solider is "any man or woman who stands firm in the face of extreme adversity and works towards a peaceful and civil society, respecting the inalienable rights provided for in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights." That's super-heroic, right?

Involved in peace efforts since the late 1960s, Elaine has joined anti-war groups, and is the coordinator for Schenectady Neighbors for Peace. She is also on the steering committee for Upper Hudson Peace Action; serves as the Secretary for Peace Action, New York State; and is active in J Street Albany Capital District. I appreciate her belief in the possibility of a more peaceful world... yes, this looks like a job for... us!

Photo by Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

I Belong with You/You Belong with Me

Here's another new band that me and the missus enjoy:



Yes, this was song has been sung to each other on a few occasions recently... pre and post-wedding... and we'll have another opportunity as The Lumineers play the Albany area on Monday, December 17... for free! Another Miller Light Concert show, so you know what that means... yes, WEQX rules.

thelumineers.spinshop.com

O Positive

Speaking of The New Yorker, they sum things up nicely here:
www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2012/10/29/121029taco_talk_editors#ixzz2A8wsLM7U

Good job on last night's debate, I think.

Artwork by Alex Ross, 2008. ©Alex Ross.
All rights reserved.

Move The Needle

I have been extremely focused on the presidential election... reading endless articles, taking notes during each of the debates, trying to come up with my list of definitive examples why President Barack Obama is the better candidate, and Governor Mitt Romney appears to be a man who will distort facts and change his position on most anything in order to get elected... I keep meaning to talk at length here about the various issues that have popped up during the campaign, but news just keeps coming... and I have such a limited amount of time to express my thoughts in this forum.

Being a creative person, the arts are naturally easier for me to discuss (see yesterday's epic blog on Morrissey)... frequently, a visual statement can also sum things up rather nicely. Such is the case with this week's New Yorker cover by illustrator Barry Blitt, which references Norman Rockwell's humorous 1944 painting The Tattoo Artist, in order to comment on the current presidential election:

From www.newyorker.com

Once again Blitt is able to sum up a current event in one humorous, stinging image: Romney "changing" his mind, like Rockwell's sailor did girlfriends. I had a chance to meet Barry Blitt a few years back when we had an exhibit of New Yorker illustration art at the Museum, and I think he is one of the more talented (and clever) of the magazine's cover artists. I actually created political cartoons for the school paper during my brief stint at The University of Southern California, so I appreciate the conceptual process that it takes to express ideas in such a clever manner... there's a grand tradition there!

Tonight is the final presidential debate... and yes, the ink will be flowing... I will find time to express more of my thoughts on the election here in the coming weeks... 

Related Links:

"COVER STORY: MITT ROMNEY’S TATTOOS," The New Yorker, October 19, 2012

www.debates.org

Everyday Is Like Sunday

Sorry, I couldn't resist that title. I thought today was as good a chance as any to finally talk about last Thursday's concert. I had seen Morrissey live a few times before, so I felt I was somewhat prepared...

The first time I saw the Mozzer was in 1992, Springfield, Massachusetts--it was my junior year of college, and around the time I really started getting into his work. He had just released Your Arsenal, and I was taken by the aggressive, guitar sound (at times rockabilly) that somehow worked alongside his personal, introspective lyrics. In retrospect, it was an approach he had already successfully utilized during his time with the Smiths, but I wasn't as aware of that music when it was originally released. This album, however, came out right during the grunge music years... and it seemed a bit more energetic and fresh in comparison. There was also the "look" of Morrissey (again, sort of a rockabilly meets beat poet) and the opinionated yet ambiguous way that he presented himself, which both confounded and intrigued the public. He just seemed awfully cool and different... somehow I always find myself going "against the grain."



Another album followed in the spring of 1994--the more reflective Vauxhall and I. It seemed a perfect "release" for me at the time (especially the track "Hold On To You Friends"), as I had experienced a rather rocky, emotional year, and was just figuring out how to find my footing. I appreciated the comfort of the artist's work so much that I traveled out to New York City to try and meet him during a signing he was giving at Tower Records. What I found were blocks of fans lined on the streets for the opportunity, making me realize the extent to which people had connected with his work. Unfortunately, I did not get in... I stood out for a few hours, and only caught a glimpse of the artist, holding up a sign that read "I'm sorry" for the many he did not have time to get to--I think that simple gesture said something about the respect he felt for his fans, in contrast to the acerbic nature of some of his opinions and lyrics. 



Things got quieter as the years went on... although I frequently played his new material during my stint as a DJ, I didn't find it quite as melodic and engaging, even though the love of all things Britpop was getting stronger and stronger for me. I did find myself going back to the early Smiths albums, and realizing that these were even more special for their heartfelt music and lyrics. 

In 2004, Morrissey returned to form with the album You Are the Quarry, and it had some splendid songs that seemed to come back around to a more simple, direct form of songwriting. After a long absence, a new tour was announced, with a special date at New York's legendary Apollo Theater... considering my love of soul music and Britpop, it was too tempting to resist. That was a lovely concert... with a lush theater providing quite the backdrop to Moz's melodramatic flourishes... plus, he was finally playing Smiths songs! Hearing "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" live was sheer joy... I caught him again in Boston a few months later, but that was marred by a drunken girlfriend who was causing me trouble at the time... heaven knows I was "miserable" now.



So this year, Morrissey was finally coming to me... Albany's Palace Theater, and I looked forward to bringing my sweet wife Sarah and good friend Frank to share in the experience. As I mentioned, the fantastic independent station WEQX was giving tickets away the other week, and I thought I would give it a shot... and won! So our upgrade to the second row promised to make this show all the more memorable.

There were the expected Morrissey clones--hair quiffs and moody black... people you half-expected to have a book of poetry under their arm. The one thing I haven't mentioned yet is that people have often thought that I resembled the artist (especially during the early 90s), and I haven't heard the last of that once Sarah and Frank made the same observation. I wondered if Moz himself considered it... we were literally looking straight across from each other during the show!

Yes, we realized that our second row seats were actually in the first-- we couldn't have been closer to the stage in some respects. We only caught a little of opening act Kristeen Young, which sounded interesting to me... more like a Bjork clone to Sarah. This was followed by a stream of film clips which I mentioned yesterday... offering a taste of some of Morrissey's early influences, including writer Oscar Wilde, whose wit the Brit certainly shares. 



Once Moz took the stage, you could feel the energy. Devoted fans who held on to their heart, and mouthed every lyric. I enjoyed doing the latter, especially to such songs as "You Have Killed Me" and "Everyday is Like Sunday." Morrissey looked older and didn't seem to move around as much as I remembered, but he and his band certainly did not lack energy or playing ability. At times I found myself impressed at how strong the singer's voice remains... he belted a cover of Frankie Valli's "To Give (The Reason I Live)" that made you think it was a song of his own creation. 

A Morrissey show is not a typical rock show, I think. Because of the nature of his music, it has the air of melancholy... slight depression... yet the music usually succeeds in countering that, and turning it into something quite emotional and, at times, uplifting. This was the case again at this show, although at times I felt it veered too much into a downbeat direction. Case in point: during his rendition of The Smiths' controversial "Meat Is Murder," the outspoken vegetarian showed film clips of the abuses of cattle and poultry farms. I have seen such footage before and been moved by it (I haven't actually eaten red meat in over ten years), but I think showing it in this venue was a bit much. Perhaps something a bit more abstract would have made it easier to digest... my poor wife averted her eyes, and I think many in the audience did not know how to react following this depressing visual... the songs that followed didn't help lift the spirits much. I think it's always a very fine line with this type of music, to not make it too despairing. 

Energy came back to the show in a big way with the common spectacle of fans trying to rush the stage and offer the singer a hug. It is always interesting... I think has been a part of every show I have seen. What happens is a dramatic tug of war between fans, security, and the artist... in some ways it is more "rock and roll" than the more typical shows I see! I was tempted at one point, but did not want to jeopardize my perfect seat. The same reason, I took very few photos... proper cameras were actually prohibited, but once I saw others disobeying and snapping shots with their phones, I decided to do the same. By the end of the concert and an encore of The Smiths classic "How Soon Is Now?" the true emotional energy of a Morrissey concert was revealed, and we were lucky to be able to witness it live, up-front and direct.

After the show, Sarah and Frank kidded me about the resemblance, and also picked up on the fact that many of my "moves" when I am performing seem borrowed from Morrissey. Looks like I have been found out! I hadn't really thought of it, but there is something I have picked up on with some of his stage antics, the same way that I have observed soul artists, The Beatles, Morten Harket, and David Bowie over the years. I especially liked one review of the concert that described Morrissey's use of the microphone cord as resembling a whip for a lion tamer... too true--I have used that trick, as well as the overdramatic sauntering around and falling to the stage. Why not?... I'm not really conscious of it, but I guess I have always been a bit of a sponge for pop music, much like Morrissey himself... 

One cool ending to the night: we ended up landing a V.I.P. pass, and hung out afterwards to try and meet the reclusive singer. After a bit of a wait, security came out and said that unfortunately he had "long gone"... we started to head out, when the singer's long-time guitarist Boz Boorer came out to greet some friends. We managed to speak to him as well, and I finally got my copy of Vauxhall and I signed... not by Morrissey, but I guess this was the next best thing (Boorer had also collaborated on this album that I so enjoyed). 

As I wrote, the next day I was exhausted... but did pull myself together to perform with my improv group. I guess people enjoyed it, but I had mixed feelings. It's hard to just switch it on when you're not really feeling it... especially with comedy. I wondered how musicians like Morrissey manage to do it every night on tour? Performing is not easy, and it must be challenging for the acts who care enough to give their fans a great show every time... Moz seems to find a way--I have yet to attend a bad concert, where he didn't seem to be giving it his all... I'm sure it won't be the last.

All photos ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Related Links:

"Morrissey Pleases Crowd at the Palace," Albany Times Union, October 19, 2012

"Morrissey is the same old Morrissey (in seal-hunt free Albany, N.Y.)," National Post, October 19, 2012

Morrissey's Official Facebook page


Still intrigued? Check out this great documentary we discovered yesterday:
"The Importance of Being Morrissey"

Out of Sight

We were both pretty exhausted today... mostly hid out in our new home, sleeping and watching movies... Rock of Ages was pure cheese. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone... even the headbangers. A documentary on Morrissey was much better--still settling in after the other night's festivities.

Before Moz took the stage the other night, they played several odd, vintage film clips, and some interesting music videos. I recognized The New York Dolls, Sparks, and some of the old crooners, but this oldie was new to me:



"Out of Sight, Out of Mind" was performed by the group Shocking Blue back in 1971. I only ever heard of them from the song "Venus," which topped the U.S. charts around that same time. Apparently they were from the Netherlands. This song is cool in a sort of mod way... Interesting to learn what made an impact on artist like Morrissey.

Speaking of influences, it's pretty cool that I can now walk to a comic shop here in Schenectady... would be even cooler if I was still that into comics.

Show Must Go On...

Last night's Morrissey show was cool. It turns out our second row seats were actually first row, so we had an amazing view of the stage (and old Moz himself)! It was a late night, and I'm already feeling a little rough from some allergies... but we have an improv show tonight, so I'm going to try and pull myself together to perform.

There was a crazy article recently in The Onion, the satirical newspaper that always manages to strike a nerve. This time it was about improv, titled "Everyone in Improv Troupe Balding." The scary thing is... the photo sort of resembled certain RBIT members (I had to check the back of my head to make sure there weren't any new developments!). Anyway, rather amusing... commentary on struggling, aging actors, with one more thing to worry about. I'm sure Morrissey would have a chuckle...

www.berkshireimprov.com

How Soon Is... Now!

Spent the day working from home, doing more transcribing and formatting an article about Alex Ross, and waiting for the cable guy to hook us up. Pretty solitary day...

Tonight we're heading out on the town to see Morrissey in concert! Definitely one of my late high school/college favorites--especially the music he did with the Smiths. Looking forward to it... especially since we won second row seats last week from the great station WEQX-- an upgrade from tickets that were already pretty good! 

I won the tickets by guessing the DJ's favorite Moz track--it was "Ask" by the Smiths. Here's the song I think is my favorite by the gloomster... "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" (even considered having this played at our reception... heh, heh...):

Spider-Sense

I spent the day today looking at my Alex Ross interview, transcribing some of the material to use for an upcoming article. Transcription isn't challenging, just time consuming... but it was interesting to revisit some of the discussion I had with the comic book artist about his work. 

One thing that stuck out again was his early love for Spider-Man, based on the comics and his appearances on the old children's TV show, The Electric Company. Ross described being amazed by this man running around in this colorful costume, fighting bad guys... and I would have to say I agree. Being the same age, I think that's where my love of comic books started as well. It was a magical sort of journey into fantastic lands... pitting right against wrong, and some really interesting characters... It certainly sparked my imagination. Anyway, I haven't seen those old Electric Company episodes in ages, but they are now available on DVD, and... yes, YouTube: 

What a groovy theme song, and yes... that's actor Morgan Freeman doing the narration... ha ha, love it! Transcription of this video sure would be easier, and I wonder who the actor playing the Spoiler was...

Speaking of "The Spoiler," the diabolical Mitt Romney was indeed stopped in his tracks during last night's debates by President Barack Obama. I'll share more of my thoughts when I have time, but who do you think Spidey would support for the next four years?... Mmm hmm... where are you coming from... Governor... nobody knows who YOU are!

Cover for The Amazing Spider-Man #583, 2009,
©Marvel Comics (image from Comic Book Resources).

Handle With Care

Well, tonight is game two... I mean, round two in the Presidential Debates. I'll definitely be tuning in... been holding my breath since the last one. Tonight's format is a town-hall meeting, so I think it might offer the viewing public the best, most truthful presentation of the candidates and their platforms (although truth seems to be a relative term... eh Mittens?).

The reason that I voted for President Barack Obama back in 2008 was that he genuinely seemed to care about the American people. I even helped out his election campaign, because I felt so strongly that this country needed to change it's course, both nationally and internationally. I don't regret my decision and yes, I AM better off than I was four years ago.... I think the country is too, despite the fact that the economy still needs to be fully straightened out, and more jobs created. I still believe that a continued Obama administration is a look "forward" not backward.

Also starting tonight, my Spoken Word Almanac Project collaborator Darian Dauchan will be presenting his "Obamatry" performance for a limited engagement at New York City's Under St. Marks Theater. According to a press release, "this multi-media one-man feat consists of live looped songs, beat boxing and a collage of satirical poems and presidential sound bites chronicling candidacy to presidency, to present day. A virtual rhetorical conversation on the subject of America between a Poet and our President." The piece will utilize several of my visuals that I have created for Dauchan's Spoken Word Almanac Project poems over the last couple years. The show will be presented every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. from now until election day, November 6... hope it goes well, and hopefully, there will be a chance for a Part II in four years time.

www.debates.org

Free Falling

There have been many courageous feats achieved this year... the summer Olympics, the tightrope walker who made it across Niagara Falls, my wedding(!)... but this might take the cake:


I never cease to be amazed... and here I thought moving into a new apartment this weekend was a big step!

Related Links:

"Felix Baumgartner successfully jumps from the edge of space," The Washington Post, October 14, 2012

Heavy Lifting

I love our new place! We still have much to unpack, but I'm sitting in the living room, surveying all the space... it really is a treat, and very comfortable here. Even though we have been together for seven years, it's our first truly shared space.

We spent the day cleaning Sarah's old apartment... it has been a lot of work, but manageable. I could really feel the workout I had from moving yesterday... my legs were feeling strong after the many trips we took up two flights of stairs. I slept real good last night, and I'm sure tonight will be the same story... it's a good kind of tired... true satisfaction at completing such a daunting and physical task.

I wish I could feel completely free with this move, but there is still a big distraction I have to deal with. Truthfully, it puts a damper on most things, but at least I have a sweet place and loving wife to come home to and truly feel good about myself. If anything, this place will be a great place to get further organized... it's challenging, but I realize I can't put my life on hold... I should just... be.

I can't wait to set this place up... with a studio, and place to entertain friends. Perhaps we will see you soon...

Moving On Up!

Phew... a full day of moving into our new apartment in Schenectady. I'm really happy with our choice-- we have tons of space, give up none of the resources we have come to love about this area, and I finally will be able to have space to work on many of my ongoing projects. We even have a sweet balcony here on the second floor... we're talking about finally putting out our hammock to enjoy (I love hammocks). Onward and most definitely upward!

Fact Check

All these news reports about the Presidential Campaign are killing me. Yeah, Obama was off his game last week during the debates, and Romney moved to the center... suddenly everything is getting tense... at least for a compassionate liberal like me. I'm finding it hard to keep myself from checking the news over and over again throughout the day. 

I posted this Norman Rockwell painting on the Museum's Facebook page today--it seemed appropriate after last night's spirited Vice Presidential debate (more on that later).

 "Breakfast Table Political Argument," 1948, Norman Rockwell.
 From the Norman Rockwell Museum exhibition
"Norman Rockwell's 323 'Saturday Evening Post' Covers."
Norman Rockwell Museum Digital Collections.
©SEPS: Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN.

Speaking of Norman Rockwell, I had three separate press inquiries this week for our traveling exhibition Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera. Kind of odd, because they didn't mention that it was the exhibition they had discovered, but rather that they stumbled on the idea that Rockwell had used reference photography (someone putting me on?). Since we don't own the copyrights, I had to come up with something relatable to our Museum, since we can only provide images related to stories about our exhibitions and collections. Luckily, the exhibit is opening this weekend in Vero Beach, Florida. 

Anyway, I was also interviewed for the piece in the New York Daily News yesterday. Here's the link.

It has been a long, tiring week... fretting about politics didn't help any. 

Still getting over the allergies, and preparing to move this weekend... hello Electric City.

Related Link:

"Norman Rockwell used richly-detailed photographs as reference for his iconic illustrations," New York Daily News, Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Rage Against The Machine

Cup o' Joe! Thank you.

The National Anthem

I have always appreciated baseball... with fond memories of playing against my cousins, and even little league (when I wasn't too shy to give it a try). I have also been to a few major league baseball games in my day: while I was going to school in Pittsburgh, San Diego, and even to see my once beloved New York Mets (this was Doc Gooden, pre-drug scandal days). Forget all the crap about today's overpaid players and steroid users... when it comes to the history of baseball, I'm right there. I would love to take another trip to the fascinating Cooperstown Hall of Fame, and at some point I need to upload a video I created of artist Mark Chiarello doing these beautiful watercolor paintings of the forgotten Negro Leagues. We put on an annual baseball day at the Museum, and I'm all for continuing the tradition of "America's favorite past time."

So, I woke up today to find a Facebook message from a friend, going on about the latest news about the Washington Nationals. I have to admit, I haven't really been paying much attention yet to the playoffs, and know even less about the Nationals... but I might need to start. 

According to an article in The Washington Post, A-ha's song "Take On Me" has become something of a battle cry for the team, as it advances towards a possible spot in the World Series. It turns out that Nationals outfielder Michael Morse uses the Norwegian band's '80s classic as his late game theme song, and has the entire crowd of Washington hopefuls excitedly singing along (even the high notes)!

(fast forward to 7:50)

I have to admit: I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with this goofy tune. Yes, it is 

A-ha's best-known song... probably the only one most Americans know (it reached #1 in the U.S. charts back in October of 1985). But it is far from their best song, and I guess you have to blame the band (or their record company) for not paying enough attention to America to promote their follow-up releases (as the article points out, they have sold over 36 million albums, and set a world record for concert attendance of 198,000 people for a 1991 show in Rio). 

Talking about success, the Washington Nationals have never played in the World Series before, and before they moved to Washington, a D.C. team hasn't made it to the playoffs since 1933. They lost their game to the St. Louis Cardinals today (8-0... ouch!), so tomorrow (Thursday) is the make or break day. 

Last week I was out in Chicago, and witnessed some Cubs fans heading to their hometown team's iconic Wrigley Field for a late season game... they looked hopeful, energized... unfortunately, it's yet another year of heartache for the team. Man, if Cubs fans can still hold on after all this time (their last series win was back in 1908)... I almost found it startling to see people all dressed up in Chi-town glory. This was once true for The Boston Red Sox as well, before they reversed the curse in 2004... and I lived in Massachusetts long enough to witness that bitterness.

So, back to A-ha... I have long kept the faith for this team. When they decided to call it quits in 2010, it seriously felt like a kick in the stomach. They had put in a good run, with many international successes and creating some exciting, creative music together along the way... but it still felt like I had to prove their worth to most people in this country. Even my wife thinks I'm kind of silly to still be interested in news about the so-called 80s band, and its members' latest projects.  

When A-ha's name does come up, it's usually for "Take On Me"... even at my wedding (of all places), they had to play the song... it certainly wasn't my pick. During the last A-ha concert I attended in Los Angeles backn in 2010, I stood there sort of motionless at when they ended the show with that song... not the "highest note" in my book. 

On the other hand, it's the song that put the band on the map and, fleetingly, on top here in the U.S. (Adele isn't the only musician who has scored a James Bond song)... so, I do have my moments, where it is exciting to hear that this tune still brings others joy, and maybe leads people to check out their other material (still hoping to pull off that WEXT tribute show). 

When asked by the Post if the band would consider playing in Washington if the Nationals made it to the World Series; lead singer Morten Harket replied "of course!" Well then... Lets Go Nats! I have always rooted for the underdog... 

Related Links: 

"'Take On Me' becomes a Nationals battle cry," The Washington Post, October 9, 2012

My A-ha documentary (in progress)

It's Not Easy (Being Green)

DCComics.com

I had trouble sleeping last night, so I decided to read some more of an interesting collection of comics I picked up recently. DC recently published a paperback collection of classic tales of its characters Green Lantern and Green Arrow that were created by writer Dennis O'Neil and artist Neal Adams back in the early 1970s. I had heard great things about these stories, both in the art and the way they were written, so I thought it was high time I checked them out. 

The series does not disappoint--especially with the art. Adams was the king of dynamic compositions, with characters literally jumping from panel to panel in the comic book format. Alex Ross cites the artist as an influence, and I can see why--he makes great use of dramatic perspectives and details in his work.  There is an intensity alongside the clear graphic lines he uses, and I can see how he revitalized such books at Batman and The Uncanny X-Men around that time. 

The stories are unique in that they deal with many of social, political and cultural issues happening at the time. O'Neil's story arc really starts off in the fashion of the film, Easy Rider, with the two super heroes trekking across the country to learn more about America's conflicted state. This is right around the time of Vietnam, the civil rights era, and the Woodstock generation, so you have plenty of then-topical issues like drugs, racism and trust in authority being addressed in a unique way. Some of the material seems a little heavy-handed at times, but then again... these were comic books. So the approach was something new and daring, and quite possibly taking a cue from Marvel Comics' more timely approach.

Having said that, with all my current comic book research for the exhibition, I just learned of a new book that was to published today called Marvel Comics: The Untold Story.  Apparently it goes into great detail about the ups and downs of one of the biggest comic publishers around (and always my favorite). I read a little about the company's evolution in the 1970s, and way they picked up on everything from drug culture to blaxploitation to kung fu... and there was plenty of weirdness happening behind the scenes with the company's creators! 
I definitely look forward to reading the book at some point.

I am continually fascinated by the 1970s... I was just a toddler in the early part of the decade, but it sounds like so many crazy things were happening, and pop culture was not immune. I have seen plenty of films from that period, and there is a real darkness about them... from the story lines to the way they were produced. It really is interesting... reflections from a country that was doing a lot of soul-searching... and I guess comic books were not immune either... Alex Ross would be proud of me for noticing.  

P.S.- The character Green Arrow is being reintroduced with a new TV series this week on the CW. It's called Arrow... looks somewhat promising... at least the design of the costume... I have always kind of dug archery. Here's a link to the trailer.

Related Links:

www.nealadams.com

www.cwtv.com/shows/arrow

"First Serial: Marvel Comics, The Untold Story," Grantland, October 3, 2012

"Sean How on Stan Lee, Jack Kirby..." CapitalNewYork.com, October 9, 2012

40 Something

Continuing on the thread of paying respects to creative individuals my own age (see Alex Ross, Britt Daniel), I have to give props to James Mercer, the founder and lead singer/songwriter for the band, The Shins. I have been slow to come around to this band--in fact, I really didn't care for what I heard from their last record... it seemed a little too pretentious (see "Phantom Limb"), and I think all the praise I had heard about the band (see the film, Garden State) made me skeptical.

But I have to say... their newest material, lead by such tracks as "Simple Song" and "It's Only Life," has me playing their latest album, Port of Morrow, over and over again... these are sublime, pure pop songs, both melodic and slightly melancholic--just the way I like them. Here's a track that I adore, "40 Mark Strasse":



Reportedly the song is about a German prostitute, which makes it all that more intriguing (sorry, Mom). Perhaps this and the other songs off Port of Morrow reinforce my belief that intelligent pop music can still be made... by my fellow forty-somethings, no less! Learning that Mercer was also part of the recent side-project Broken Bells, which had some excellent songs of their own, makes me think it might be time to stop shunning the Shins... but I'll still hold some caution, like any good hipster would... thank you very much, Natalie Portman.


 
www.theshins.com/home

Dial HD For Hero

I've been a little under the weather this weekend. I felt it coming, so I've been laying low... analyzing some of endless articles on the Presidential debate and election, helping Sarah pack up her place for next week's move, and doing some networking. 

Alex Ross in his studio. Photo by Jeremy Clowe for Norman Rockwell
Museum. © and all rights reserved.

Speaking of which, I thought I would also take the time today to share some of the photos from my trip to Chicago last week to interview acclaimed comic book artist, Alex Ross. The occasion for my trip was to film an interview in his studio to use in conjunction with Norman Rockwell Museum's upcoming exhibition, Heroes & Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross. Being a fan of the artist's work, I must admit that I needed to get over some of my intimidation... not personally, but professionally... the man has obviously worked hard to produce lasting works of art (i.e. beautifully painted renditions of all of our favorite super heroes), so I wanted to be sure I had my game on--not only communication-wise, but technically.

I borrowed my filmmaker friend's Canon Vixia HF S10 HD camera for the shoot, and set about trying to master it's controls last weekend and in the days leading up to the interview. Despite its small size, this pro-sumer camera manages a rather decent picture. We set things up in Ross' studio, which was a treat to see--he had several drawings and paintings around that he was in the process of working on. He also gave me a tour of his home, where he had some of his original works on view... all expertly crafted... I secretly wished he would offer one for me to take home. 

Alex Ross' action figure museum!
Photo by Jeremy Clowe for Norman Rockwell Museum.
© and all rights reserved.

From there we checked out a huge room that Ross has filled with various super hero action figures--it was quite the spectacle, and I suggested that he should be offering admission for people to check it out! We were, in fact, "greeted" by my life-size wax figures of Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman, that were all modeled on the artist's renditions--it was pretty wild... 



I laughed as Ross went about straightening Superman's cape, like a dutiful parent. The room was smartly organized by series and/or the world of each hero. One of the coolest items was a realistic Iron Man armor, which looked a lot like the version Robert Downey Jr. wears in the movies. Here and there, Ross also displayed works that he had a hand in sculpting (like an awesome model of the Hulk). We did a walk-through of this room, and I later wondered if I should have pursued the idea of extra lights (I hadn't because of extra costs). I'm not sure the Canon captured the best footage of this room with its lower light conditions, but I'll check it out again later. The footage we shot in his studio, on the other hand, was quite nicely illuminated by natural daylight coming through the windows, as well as the artist's own desk lamps. 

The interview went well, and the artist was very gracious with his time. My only regret was that we didn't have more time to film him working on an actual project, which he himself had suggested. When you are so into the subject matter, it is hard to know how to pace yourself... there were many things I was interested to ask him about and, in truth, it took us awhile to even start filming at all that day... Ross, his agent, and I were so caught up in talking about the comic book medium from the get-go. 

Anyway, this is valuable footage for the Museum to have both now and in the future. I was happy to initiate the idea, and hope that we will be able to put it to good use... watch this space for more details. 

In the artist's studio... Photo © Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Related Links: 

View more photos from my interview on Norman Rockwell Museum's Facebook page.

Learn more about Alex Ross on his website: www.alexrossart.com