Although they were 10 years my senior, I still consider them
of my “gen-generation” (© The Who, 70s) artistically anyway. We are so lucky to
have grown up along such creative strength.
I wasn’t introduced
to Rickman until “Madly, Truly, Deeply” in 1990, but I’ve been madly,
truly, deeply a fan ever since.
From leading man to comedic characters, stage to screen,
Rickman’s style and form always entertained and left generations of actors
plenty of lessons about owning and creating the character, immersing oneself,
and telling the best story.
He wasn’t a star; he was an actor.
He wasn’t a celebrity; he was an artist whose catalog of
exceptional work generated well-earned attention.
I remember David
Jones on the Ed Sullivan Show in the 60s.
I tracked him from early folk artist to Ziggy Stardust
(1972), Aladdin Sane (1973), Diamond Dogs (1974), Plastic Soul Man (1975), Thin
White Duke (1976), and his Berlin years into the 80s, and on to his continued
David Bowie explorations in music and art ever since. (New York Magazine, Jan. 10, 2016)
He crossed genres and genders and just about any other line
he could find to step over provocatively.
David Bowie was immortal to me. He successfully reincarnated himself time and creative time.
David Bowie was immortal to me. He successfully reincarnated himself time and creative time.
We classified him as a singer/musician but he was so much
more. He tried everything to continually reshape and define the art he created.
The Key: he did it for himself --- regardless of the critics --- and in doing
so, he gave voice and power to so many young artists who couldn’t understand while
they couldn’t find mainstream acceptance for themselves and their art.
He also stood up and expressed strong stances for equality
and respect for artists across genre, gender, race, culture.
I followed Bowie but must admit to having been challenged by
him, even fearful and put off. I didn’t understand the make-up and the
costuming, and the flamboyance of his work in those times.
Fortunately, Bowie sustained by doing what he wanted not
what others expected or preferred. Fortunately for me, I was afforded the time to gain
perspective on the impact of this artist icon in my midst. Not an artist out of
history books to study from beyond the grave. But one whose work was ongoing,
growing and “cha-cha-changing” right along with me in my lifetime.
British Actor Simon Pegg wrote: “If you’re sad today, just remember the world is over 4 billion years
old and you somehow managed to exist at the same time as David Bowie."
Bowie just released his latest jazz-exploration in the album “Blackstar.”
New York Magazine’s Dec. 28, 2015 – Jan. 10, 2016 issue
included “All
the Derivative Dudes,” Bowie and his characters' influence on other artists
across the genres and year.
Fortunately for us, the artistic voices of our generation are well preserved even as we lose their persons. What do you think?