Monday, January 12, 2009

Why Robert Redford Is A Hero

Imagine my delight when I came upon this in yesterday's paper: a full supplement about Sundance that underscored the value of art to everyone. Not just artists, not just art careerists, but our society. And it's about the story we tell. It says we are all wanting "a new once upon a time" these days...In fact, they even say this: "Artists can show us the way to WHAT"S next." Hm, gulp. There's no pressure there at all. Smiling here. AND importantly, they asked everyone to support the artists. Now I gotta like Redford for that, not a stretch though, already a fan.

Hm, it's all about the story they say, and here's their Sundance story link, because no matter what medium, we all have a story to tell. And as an artist, I guess I could tell you what is coming next, at least from me: pink...the painting begins. Back to the studio cave and the paint. And this is a once upon a time painting I think.

Oh yeah, it's Organizing Monday in the studio, pinks are lined up, the studies are done, and there's that burning wish to nail it.

Anyone a fan of film like I am? Has anyone been to Sundance? (The festival begins on January 15th. And on the back page the New York Times gives their movie link "where the conversation begins" they say.)

And as far as stories go, are you telling yours?

20 comments:

ArtistUnplugged said...

Thanks for the Redford info! Look forward to the "pink"!

Janice C. Cartier said...

Oh good, you are welcome. I am waiting for the first pink washes to dry as we speak. Hard not to rush it....;-)

Anonymous said...

Janice,

I sure hope I am (telling my story). Not too much all at once, mind you. One thumbnail at a time, hehe.

I really like that, and I believe it wholeheartedly, that we all have a story to tell. And that we should all stay artists as we were when we were children, too. We grow up, we become afraid of expression—artistic and otherwise. Such a shame.

Good for Redford, for continuing to put a spotlight firmly on artistic expression.

Regards,

Kelly

Janice C. Cartier said...

Kelly- I couldn't agree more. I would love to go to Sundance sometime during one of the festivals. The energy would be phenomenal. Everyone excited about what they are doing.

I like that a thumbnail at a time.LOl... must get back to the paint... Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

Parisbreakfasts said...

Once upon a time...bla bla bla
:)
Everyday a new story is required and I never know what it's going to be.
HA

Janice C. Cartier said...

And that works so well for us..... that you go out and get a new story everyday... especially ones with frasiers...I think of all those side streets in Paris that thankfully you will go down. ;-)

Tao Master said...

And as far as stories go, are you telling yours?

Wow, that makes me think - was that your intention ? Is that the goal of all art - to make people think and feel ? I hope so.
Good Blog.

Janice C. Cartier said...

"Is that the goal of all art - to make people think and feel ? "


Yes. And possibly transcend....welcome Tao Master.
;-)

Parisbreakfasts said...

I would like to be going out everyday to find new fraisiers in Paree...it's more like finding a new story on my back in bed :)))

Janice C. Cartier said...

I hear you... with a nice cuppa chocolate.. ;-)))

Hope the walls are finished. You'll be finding your stuff for weeks.

Unknown said...

One more reason to love Robert Redford (as if anyone needed another ;-)). I love the thought that artists can show what's next. That is a very cool statement, and one that I think gets lost. It's true that artists can capture our present, reflect our history and illuminate the future. I hope that I am telling my story, but even as I tell it I know that I have polishing to do, all part of the process though. I do love film, old, new, black and white, award winning, awful, bring it on they're all stories with something to learn from them. :-)

Janice C. Cartier said...

I just a took a look at an article over on the Sundance site about the opening night animated film by an Aussie called Max and Mary and took a brief look at some of the featured films upcoming... very exciting.

I think films are our versions of oral legends. We all know the stories, quote them often enough. They have become our shared culture, just as so many art forms are and it is fascinating to me to see the 'how" of them. What changes have moved through them to move us in turn.

I think you are polishing things just fine Karen... loved your fear post.

Parisbreakfasts said...

GO SEE Benjamin Button!!!
Beautiful...

A Brush with Color said...

I love movies, and I agree about the importance of all the arts in our world. Nothing makes me happier than a good indie movie about interesting, eccentric people. Pinks--onward! Sounds great!

Janice C. Cartier said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Janice C. Cartier said...

PB-Bejamin Button is good? I can't wait to see it. Looking up schedules now....

A Brush-I love indie movies too! I want to see the animated Max and Mary animated film they are opening with. It sounds so rich and uplifting in spite of the theme. Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Toni Colette play the voices.

Anonymous said...

I love film too, and storytelling of any kind. It not only entertains me but helps me see myself.

I'm glad I found your blog, Janice!

Janice C. Cartier said...

Thanks Todd ;-)
Everyone run ,don't walk, over to see Todd's photographs on his site this morning... that rose in the snow and the thistle.. well all of them... what a gift. I love them.

Anonymous said...

I think what I enjoy is telling everyone else's story. Not that I don't like telling my own stories -- I do very much. But there is something satisfying about helping someone else find their words.

Right now I'm helping a client by collecting testimonials from their customers. Sometimes people just don't want to write things down that they know will be in public. Which is totally fine -- that's what I'm here for.

So I talk to them for a few minutes and actually get them to say what they like about the company. Then I write it down, and put it together into one coherent blurb.

I think they like it -- and it certainly makes it easy for them. Everybody wins.

~Graham

Janice C. Cartier said...

Oh Graham. you are just the kind of "listener" we need, and translator, and writer...