Terror Symphony

I recently viewed Nosferatu for the first time. What a remarkable gem (with gem-like colours gracing this toned silent horror), and I am so grateful for finally experiencing its creepy majesty. Very moody and well-told tale, easily living up to its reputation. Note: I wonder if the tavern scene where the townsfolk suddenly stop what they are doing, turn morose, and inform their newest customer that to venture in the woods (where werewolves dwell) would be fatal -- sets a precedent that, jumping forward, would find its homage in a similiar scene in An American Werwolf in London by John Landis? I love this film too since it first splattered the big screen. In any case, Nosferatu is ghastly and wonderful!

Laughing Gas

And here are my favorite boys -- who always astound me with their masterful timing, idiosyncratic mannerisms (Oliver Hardy's hands and fingers are characters unto themselves!), and, of course, their off-kilter genteel relationship to each other and the baffled world around them. Boy, do they have heart -- and genius to burn!

I look forward to seeing "Liberty" again (if I can ever find another copy), and some of the other silents they created, as many contain some wonderful views of old Hollywood and LA! Here's to Laurel and Hardy! (I wish their works was more available on DVD. Umph!)

Glow

My senses are becoming cinematic! Light is at this project's core -- setting everything afire. I look forward to the time when sunlight, glass, and cinema meet! History, the power of the present, and the future of new ideas beaming forth in one long warm glow -- a Silver Sun!

Mae Marsh seen here capturing the light fantastic

Lover Man

Fiery passion, romance, primal force, animal grace -- and even occult power come together in this one man. Behold, Valentino!

Good Soldier

2008, and a global war is raging. Some live on the virtual side of the war, like those of us on the West Coast. Some are not as fortunate. Like in past times of dramatic global upheaval, arts, culture, and sciences have been there to provide a welcome distraction to troubled times, healthful perspectives -- and when on point, canny insight into our complex nature and the condition of person-hood.

I am so proud to be part of arts culture. I consider it not only a delight, but an abolute responsibility to show creative civic leadership -- in whatever ways that I can.

Today and everyday, I applaud those working in all creative fields. Those who work tirelessly, whether in private or in the public eye, to put our species on a positive track, expanding our awareness of ourselves -- and of other worlds. The creative fields of arts and sciences are armed with the best minds and hearts, poising our lives for new worlds of exploration, extending hope and new forms of humanity.

I often tell people "It may look like I'm in the business of art ..but really I am in the business of Hope." Everyday is an opportunity to transform our lives into something better -- and inspire others to do the same. Onward and upward!

Whispers

Moving steadily on the project details for Silver Sun, as Emma works on some design solutions. Soon, we'll have a full project summary in place, a call for *new* silent film submissions for program inclusion, a budget proposal, and some design renderings from Emma.

My research continues forth, and much of it involves simply immersing myself in the subject matter -- visually, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually. Sometimes, I end up connecting some dots to my personal past. Such as the time I saw a re-release of "Wings" as a kid at a theater in Torrence, California, w. live organ music. Or seeing "M" for the first time as a teen starring the magnetic yet lurid Peter Lorre, or "Metropolis" (also by Fritz Lang), w. its inspired retro-futuristic sets.

I have not seen many silent films. So, like many of my projects, Silver Sun is an opportunity for me to grow and learn... as I hope it will be for everybody involved.

Hue and Eye

Hand-tinting to highlight a scene or object, bringing color to specific elements, while leaving other parts of the scene in glorious black and white. We are transported to a film world with its own logic, rules, and outer nature.

Seen here, The Great Train Robbery (Griffith, 1903) gets a fanciful makeover -- each cell tinted by hand!