As artists, we are often asked about what influences us. One of my favorite artists and a major influence is the Brazilian artist, Hélio Oiticica (1937-1980). Oiticica was interested in the total integration of his work with the experience of life. In the exhibition catalogue, Hélio Oiticica: The Body of Color, he says: “the world is the museum”.
Like Oiticica, I think the world is the best museum. I find so many extraordinary things to be inspired by — artists, people, places. I recently learned about the films Pray the Devil Back to Hell and Run for Your Life. I haven’t seen them yet, but I’ve only heard fantastic things about them.
Pray the Devil Back to Hell directed by Virginia Reticker, is a documentary about the story of women that changed the course of the war in Liberia. Run for Your Life directed by Judd Ehrlich, is a documentary about the story of Fred Lebow and the founding of the New York City Marathon.
Stories like these give me the opportunity to keep the warm feeling of inspiration and admiration flowing continuously in my mind and heart.
Photo: Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso wearing Parangolé by Hélio Oiticica.
Top video: Pray the Devil Back to Hell directed by Virginia Reticker.
Bottom video: Run for Your Life directed by Judd Ehrlich.
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