La-Rel Presentation - Stan Brackage and Ja'Tovia Gary

As the presentations progress, there is a common thread of these artists having experienced great trauma, but created beautiful art because of it. It's sad to think some of the best pieces of art stem from a place of depression... Stan Brackage was an orphan until he was 6 years old and was able to accomplish making his first film by the age of 19! That's crazy to think since that was during the mid-50's! Painting on film and running it through a projector is an interesting idea, but hope it was already damaged! Over the course of his lifetime, he authored 11 books, etched, dyed and superimposed images! There is speculation Brackage died of cancer due to a Van Gogh'esque manner would verify he literally died for his art. Ja'Tovia starting her filmmaking journey because her Dad let her watch Mo' Better Blues is absolutely hilarious! I love how she worked her way through film by starting as an actor, then transitioning behind the camera. She also created documentaries and made animations with painting and etching. Her curation of experimenal viewing experiences using archival footage and split screens is something I'd like to attend! My favorite part about her is that she ran naked through a park after two racial issues. Hell yes1 That takes balls!

Comments

  1. K.E. HouserMarch 9, 2021 at 12:18 PM

    I like the idea that Stan Brakhage was born an artist through his pain, though I don't necessarily think all artists are born that way. As an artist, like you mentioned, he did die for his art. Tragic, though maybe his death with enlighten others who would've used similar processes with paints. Hopefully it saved someone else.

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