That's What Artists Are For

So this happened last week.

This is Wayne White. He is awesome. He is a truly imaginative artist who, after watching the wonderful documentary about him, Beauty is Embarrassing, turns out I have been a fan since I was little, watching Pee-Wee's Playhouse, Beakman's World, and many others. He came to speak about his life and his film and it was amazing. One of the things that really struck me was his absolute love of art and his passion for getting people to do art, and do what they love. Specifically, he said

"The world is dying for stuff made of love, and that's what artists are for."

This applies to everyone in my opinion, because the world would be a much better place if everyone had the courage to just do what they love.

And as a side note, I this person really epitomizes that sentiment.

Amanda Palmer, one half if I am correct, of the once and future Dresden Dolls, and now out on her own making great music. More than that, she is an incredible personality, full of passion and a strong believer in the whole do what you love thing.

So that's the latest and best update from my little corner of the world. More to come eventually? We'll try, but I can't promise it will be quick. So go, as Amanda's husband would say, "Make good art."

Make Your Voice Heard

Last weekend I once again photographed for the Women + Film Voices Film Festival. If you missed it, mark your calendar for next year because it is an extremely well done and important program. Also, not just for women, so there's no excuse for the men to sit this one out.

Investigative Journalist John Ferrugia introduces a special screening. He then participated in a Salon discussion about the film afterwords.

Director Nisha Ligon Skypes with the audience following a screening of her film Twiga Stars (the house was filled with Girl Scout troupes, which I thought was an awesome event to inspire these kids).

Producer Nancy Kissock is interviewed regarding her film The Girls in the Band. If you love jazz, this is not one to miss.

Oh, sometimes stardom is too bright, or maybe it's just the beginning of a grand adventure for the team responsible for the Academy Award winning Documentary Saving Face, L to R Director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Director Daniel Junge, Producer Alison Greenberg, and Editor Davis Coombe.

I'm A Banana!

I'm actually not, but if you've seen the work of animator Don Hertzfeldt, you would be rolling on the floor laughing, or "ROLF" as the kids say around the interwebs these days.

Don was great to meet and it was a wonderful opportunity to shoot "An Evening with Don Hertzfeldt" and the subsequent "Embarrassing Live On Stage Interview" was, though live, was far from embarrassing. For me at least. I'm not sure about Don. Maybe. Anyway, Don's a real fun guy. He'll sign just about anything.

For the Love of Amy Pond

Yesterday was my third time in Twist & Shout this week. Third. Time. Certainly I make it a point to stop in every time I head over to the Denver Film Center Colfax, and yeah, I'm there at least twice a week, but yesterday was specifically to find Amy Pond. Officially, I am a new Whovian, but I'm not completely clueless, growing up I knew the name as well as the Laural and Hardy baseball routine and was fascinated by the "bigger on the inside" TARDIS, but it wasn't until recently that it really captured my imagination. The entire concept about the show harkens back to what always confused me about the old Star Trek growing up (a planet full of cowboys?): imagination and possibility. Seems to fit right in with what I shoot, so now we know how it all fits together. Anyway, not only did I finally get Amy Pond (they are blind box packaged), I got to enjoy a sweet free concert by Vetiver and the Fruit Bats.

So seriously, think about stopping in the next time you head over to catch a film. The entire Lowenstein complex is awesome by the way, grab some music at Twist, a book at Tattered Cover (I hope I don't offend, but the LoDo location is still my favorite) and grab drinks and a show at the Denver Film Center Colfax.

I'll be headed there shortly for the The Watching Hour presents an Evening with Heather Langenkamp. It's gonna be fun and I expect to see you there.

And as a side note, how can you not love Amy pond (portrayed by the wonderful and beautiful Karen Gillan)? Just sayin.

Film, Fashion, and Rock and Roll!

Once again, it's been a busy weekend. First thing, I was once again at the Denver Film Center Colfax, this time for the Cinema Q Film Festival. From the Film Society's own description "Cinema Q presents the best of the best in film that covers every aspect of the LGBTQ community and introduces new visionaries, pays tribute to iconic staples, tells stories from around the world and connects us all with a common message of identity and understanding." Among the great films was an open panel discussion with the filmakers of the the documentary Photos of Angie, an extremely powerful film. The festival itself was a reminder that at the end of the day, all we are is human. An extremely useful message I think we all need to remember far too often.

Next up was the Rock West, a concert and fundraiser for the Foothills Art Center, featuring the fashionable stylings of Rockmount Ranchwear. These shots are just from the gift shop, but really the exhibit is something you need to see for yourself, and I'm not going to cheat you of the experience.

But just to whet your whistle about all the goings on, The Moderators (a great band made up of presidents and CEO's) rocked the gallery, Peacemaker Whiskey loaded up their six shooters (you just have to see them to believe them) and of course the star of the show: Rockmount Ranchwear, with fashion and stylings from their very beginnings to custom designs by the likes of Paul McCartney. Really astounding and you definitely need to stop in.

"I have to warn you, there is a naked woman."

Not here. But if you happened to take in the J'adore! Focus on French Cinema Film Festival at the Denver Film Center Colfax, this is the warning you got from the French Consul. He also kindly told us that said naked woman has a fantastic bottom, and though I didn't see the film, I spoke with many that said, yes, there is a naked woman, and she did have quite the derriere. I won't even get into the other discussion of the night. Yeah, that's how we roll, which oddly enough does somewhat relate to the other discussion. Regardless, yet another wonderful event put on by the Denver Film Society, filled with films, food, and fun. Why aren't you there more often?

In addition, it happened to be the Chair of the Denver Film Society Board's 23rd wedding anniversary. Congratulations! It was a great little celebration at the end of the festival. Everyone at the Film Society really has become more like a second family to me, and not just because we share a love of movies. So seriously, go, say hello, and have fun. Maybe there will be cake! And I don't just mean the metaphorical goodness of seeing a fantastic film in great local venue (which is totally cake in my book), but there may actually be cake cake.

Bill Cunningham New York

I recently saw Bill Cunningham New York. First, click here, to watch the trailer. Second, it was an amazing film, a great character study about an amazing individual. He really embodies the sentiment of shooting what you see, what moves you, and not shooting simply to shoot. Go see see it, you will not be disappointed. And if you see it at the Denver Film Center remember to to grab a glass of wine in Henderson's Lounge (or another beverage of your choice) and say hello to all the wonderful staff there.

Make Your Voice Heard: Women + Film Voices Film Festival

Lets face facts. I am a fan of women and I am a fan of film. So it was a wonderful opportunity to work with the Women+Film Voices Film Festival a few weeks ago. If you weren't able to attend, you really need to plan on attending next year. Women+Film celebrates the art and cinematic contributions of women filmmakers from around the world in all formats, content, and genre. An early partner with the Denver Film Society and the Denver Film Festival it has now grown into its own festival. And what a festival it is.



You know your festival is a hit when it is, as S.I. puts it, "S.R.O." or "Standing Room Only." The Denver Film Center Colfax hosted two sold out screenings (with many more still hoping to get tickets) of the film Soul Surfer, based on the inspirational story of Bethany Hamilton, directed by the extremely talented Sean McNamara who was on hand to answer questions.



In fact, Bethany Hamilton herself showed up with her onscreen doppelganger, the talented AnnaSophia Robb. It's like "AnnaSophia Robb! No Way!" Certainly a rising star if I ever saw one, I mean she did receive the Denver Film Festival's Rising Star Award in 2009.





Of course, voices was not just about amazing films such as Jane Eyre, Miss Reception, A Powerful Noise, Queen to Play and many more, but it was about discussion and education. Several Salons were held, covering topics from social change to feminism and the art movement.



So mark your calendars and get ready for next year's Women+Film Voices Film Festival to be held 6th March to 11th March 2012.

And of course to perhaps christen the Denver Film Center Colfax, which I still can't fathom why you haven't checked it out yet, here is a shadow cast during the Voices Film Festival.