I think many people would love to pal around with famous people from the past. OK, I was fortunate enough as a child to run into Dali on the streets of New York literally. He told me to watch where I was going.
But it would be fantastic as an adult to go out, get coffee and bagels, and head back to the studio. I’d hang out while the Maestro did his thing. You know, nibbling on a bagel, listening to him complain about how the landlord was cheap with the heat. it would be typical New York, but with Dali.
If I couldn’t book with the Maestro, I’d head up to Kittery, Maine, to hang out in Bellamy’s workshop. He was famous for having a sociable workshop. I’d ask him how he lofted the Eagle for the USS Lancaster, and we’d drink coffee from the old pot on the wood stove. Bellamy, with his handlebar mustaches, was quite the fashionista among us carvers. I might get personal and ask what type of wax he used on the ends – my bet is just plain bee’s wax.
Moving along, I could see a more bucolic visit with Van Gogh. Perhaps advise him on how to wrap a dressing around his head.
None of this will happen. So rather than be in the doldrums about it, I’ll grab a coffee and visit with myself as I work. I’ll offer myself some advice that I won’t take.
Louis, me and myself, LOL
I offer myself a lot of advice I don’t take. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one. 😀
We are in good company!
P.S. I thought I would want to hang out with Goethe but then I remembered how fundamentally misogynistic he was and how he said that people who wore glasses were affecting something that wasn’t true of them (like being able to see?). Even the best and brightest are kind of wacko…
There are lots of famous I’d cross to the other side of the street to avoid. Jack Kerouac is at the very top of my list.
Some guys are just better in prose, poetry, or paint than in life. One thing about famous people I’ve noticed is that their fame is largely marketing. There is a lot of genius and talent out there that is completely unsung. I think I’d rather meet them, the ones that are cool with that and do their work for the love of it.
Well-done
I ignore much of what I tell myself
Yup. Sometimes it’s for the best.