Esther and I attended the Amanda Palmer Kickstarter Countdown in Brooklyn and it was absolutely extraordinary! Thank you to Larissa for putting it together. Thank you Esther for coming and making every event so wonderful. These photos were taken by her.
I walked around this parking lot which was more like a maze of creativity! Everywhere I would turn would be something delightful. I ran into some of my favorite people there and met many more as I would plant myself in a spot and draw like crazy. I gave away most of my drawings to the people in them but I have these 3 still.
Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman, what a site! I only recently heard of Amanda through the great Cynthia von Buhler, she’s one of the artists featured in the Amanda art book. I donated to Amanda’s kickstarter, can’t wait to hear the vinyl! I had no idea what I was in for with this party though! It was out of control!
This was the first time meeting Amanda and Neil. Amanda had so much energy, it was intense.
The first of Neil’s writing I ever saw was Death: The High Cost of Living. It was the first comic I ever read that actually wasn’t cheesy! It is my favorite comic right after Watchmen. I showed Neil the drawing I was doing and he shouted “Lovely!” which was very nice.
Another high point was: I was sitting on the ground drawing the talented John Reid as he was assembling Amanda Palmer’s infamous Balloon Dress. John loved the drawing I made so much that he found me at the end of the night and presented me with… A BALLOON ME!!! Silent James as a balloon man!!! It is one of the most incredible things I’ve ever received in my life. There’s a photo of Me with it and John with the drawing I gave him. He told me the balloon man will only last three (apropos) days.
Some of the other highlights of the evening were seeing so many friends. I drew some of the lovely ladies and the chicken bag! Love you all! All the performers were amazing, there were 2 events going on at the same time. Out of control. Pirates, fire, slight of hand, tarot, art, singing, the Anywhere Organ, photos, gosh… so much! And Heather Graham! I couldn’t believe it! She was so beautiful in person. The funny thing is that she starred in the later episodes of Twin Peaks which is all about a girl who died named… Amanda Palmer. Now that I’ve met her and Johnny Depp, my “From Hell” list is almost complete… where’s that Ian Holm? haha
There were magicians doing serious illusions. A guy escaped a straight jacket! There were fire balls! Burke and Veronica’s outfits! Ali… on stilts! Madness!!!
In summary, I’ve always been unable to accept the time period I was born in. Just like in “Midnight in Paris”, I’ve always wished to live in a different era. I always marvel at famous groups of artists throughout history and wish I was a part of it all. Andy Warhol’s factory in the 60’s for example, all those creative types playing off each other. Being at Amanda and Larissa’s party last night really made me feel like it may be happening here right now. Thank you!
Silent James presents: the first look at Dee- the sequel to Three! Shot by Esther Westwood. I’m painting chapter 2, which is in black & white because things get very dark this chapter. The rest of the book will be full watercolor. See me have fun, you will even hear me speak! The first book Three is available here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/94037062/three-illustrated-book-by-silent-james
Enough About Me Monday #7: Torrent Engine 18, Katrina Galore and E. Stephen
Packed into our Boston trip was something I’ve been dying to visit, Torrent Engine 18. This is the most incredible project I’ve ever seen. They are so brave, this firehouse will be the most spectacular art/living space in the world when it’s all said and done. Right now what needs to happen is someone somewhere with a film crew needs to document the restoration and construction that Katrina and E. Stephen will be accomplishing here. Now is the time, they are starting work on it now and it will make EXCELLENT TV! They gave me the tour and it’s incredible. I’m so thankful for that, it meant a lot to me. Please check out the links below for more information on this project. Lend a hand or a crew if you are able, it’s a worthwhile endeavor!!!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorrentEngine18
Tumblr: http://engine18.tumblr.com/
More info: http://www.dotnews.com/2012/late-save-old-engine-18-artist-couple-eyes-it-both-home-and-arts-space
Enough About Me Monday #6: 28 Seeds, Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys
Oh what a glorious trip it’s been! BOSTON, BCA PLAZA THEATER!! 28 SEEDS!!!
Since being in the Speakeasy Dollhouse show, I’ve met some extraordinary people. Thank you so much to Dalya for showing us such a beautiful and magical time in Boston! Thank you Justin, Katrina and E. Stephen for being wonderful friends and guides. More about our visit with Katrina and E. Stephen in the next post…
Thanks to these fine people, Esther and I were introduced to the incredible music and theater of Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys. We contributed to their successful kickstarter, but I’m so glad we did not stop there! We got tickets to their show: 28 Seeds.
Even these amazing photos Esther Westwood and I took do not do the show justice. IT MUST BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED! There’s a few shows left, everyone who is reading this should see it!
We had amazing seats, front row on the stage. The actors and actresses were PERFECT in their roles. A lot of great faces and acrobatics.
The scenes that were the most powerful, that really stick out in my mind are:
The president, played by Lisa Dempsey, dancing to “Rabbits in the Deathbed”. This really moved me, the perfect music against imagery. It was so sad, this politician who is so out of touch with reality and the masses she represents, blissfully dancing among them. Like a godess who cares not for those whom worship her but on this one special occasion- descends. It reminded me of the end of Southland Tales- everything they show and tell us is all a lie- in the name of greed.
Dr. Kneudsen, played by Nicole Howard, afraid- looking to the sky while the camera is on her broadcasting her face on all of the monitors. She was expertly cast- this moment will stay with me.
Walter Sickert posing with one arm up, like an ancient statue, while the exceptional dancers climb down him. It was amazing.
The show is not all serious! It’s so funny! Especially the President and the General Steven Emanuelson. I was laughing throughout most of it, oh man! I loved Ally and Matthew’s synchronized physicality. I loved their big performance too. Hannah Montenegro played by Karin Webb was a firecracker! A laugh riot!
The music! Ah! Extraordinary!!! All of the musicians were great and dressed incredibly. You won’t find a cuter band! I love Walter’s singing, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever heard. Rachel’s viola is the best! Her outfits too! I loved JoJo’s poem, style and her keen jumping while playing. Meff had my favorite getup of all, she pulled such great silent film faces that I appreciated. T.J. Horn the drummer kicked ass- he snuck out from the back at the end of the show. I loved the upright bass Mike played. We were lucky enough to be sitting right in front of Edrie, I love all the toys she plays. It’s always a surprise!
Tickets for 28 Seeds: http://www.bostontheatrescene.com/season/production.aspx?id=11585&src=t
Band Site: http://www.armyoftoys.com
Twitter: @armyoftoys
ENOUGH ABOUT ME MONDAY: Cynthia von Buhler came up with a brilliant idea… Promote others on Mondays, more info and sign up here: http://cynthiavonbuhler.blogspot.com/2012/03/enough-about-me-lets-talk-about-you.html
Enough About Me Monday #5: Amerigo Mackeral & the Octave Doktors
I met Sarah at the Speakeasy Dollhouse shows, her sister is in the play and they are both really great. Then I met Aaron at the April Speakeasy show & he invited Esther & I to Gone Fishin’- an art show with music by his band Amerigo Mackeral & the Octave Doktors in Ridgewood.
Holy Moly Firjoles! They are so extraordinary!!! It was truly unlike anything I have ever seen. Whistling, typewriters, banjos and honestly who knows what else was going on behind Sarah’s wall. All kinds of sounds. I had no idea Sarah was a musician, a nice surprise was that Syrie was there with a kind gunslinger known only as Benny. We all had a great time. I forgot my camera so this is James memory at work in this drawing. I hope it does them justice, I love justice!
Sarah’s singing is beautiful and Aaron’s lyrics were very interesting. “Dear Hat” sticks out in my mind. His old, old pages of words are really cool, from my seat I spotted them. I got to meet Jeff, Pat, and Emma who are all very sweet and funny. Emma has a musical voice when she speaks, she was in the back during the show and all we could see were these wild hands going crazy on the bongos or whatever was back there. There’s some mystery to the show.
We also were shocked to find out it was their first live show! Amazing! Go see them, if you please!
A GOOD NIGHT OUT!!!
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/octave-doktors
ENOUGH ABOUT ME MONDAY: Cynthia von Buhler came up with a brilliant idea… Promote others on Mondays, more info and sign up here: http://cynthiavonbuhler.blogspot.com/2012/03/enough-about-me-lets-talk-about-you.html
A Silent James Accordion double feature! Can Can and Jesse James. I am illustrating Dee now! I’m on chapter 2, it will be totally tubular! Stay tuned and enjoy the fun video!
Enough About Me Monday #4: Teva Harrison, Robot Pilot
This photo was from a Hullabaloo party in Toronto, Canada in 2003 where I (Left) was fortunate to meet Teva Harrison (Right). A keen observer will note our colors and positioning perfectly replicate 3D glasses colors.
This was my first trip to Canada, it was extraordinary. My buddy Rachel was there in high fashion, we were so happy to be in Canada. I met Teva and her husband David and they were the sweetest most creatively dressed people ever. They make the most amazing outfits! To me, this is an important part of going to a party; to make the most original and awesome outfit of your dreams. They always do something new, every time I have seen them. They are a grand team! They are Robot Pilot!!!
Right away when I met Teva we were friends, which is special and rare. I remember meeting her on the dance floor, and boogying with her crew. She creates tons: fashion design, music, photography, writing, drawing… you NAME it! The works! That party was one of the best and we’ve been to a bunch together since then. I’m glad we have stayed friends all these years, please check out her site & twitter! Robot Pilot Rules!!!
Site: http://www.robotpilot.com/
Twitter: @RobotPilot
ENOUGH ABOUT ME MONDAY: Cynthia von Buhler came up with a brilliant idea… Promote others on Mondays, more info and sign up here: http://cynthiavonbuhler.blogspot.com/2012/03/enough-about-me-lets-talk-about-you.html
Kate Micucci- Sand Castle Builder! Musician! Artist! Actress! I saw her on (the extraordinary) Conan O’Brien this week, she was so funny. She did what I always try to do, tell the people you like just how much you like them: http://youtu.be/pbo-CZd7qeI
I like her songs toot sweet, check out her site: http://www.katemicucci.com/
When I was a young James, I saw this image by Jeff Walker. I stared at it in disbelief for hours. There it was in black and white (and yellow). I remember asking a grown up what “Napalm” meant, they were shocked and said I must be very violent. I said Nah, I must be very Silent. Then I decided to be an illustrator.
Enough About Me Monday #3: Madame Beak
Madame Beak is an extraordinary band, the live show must be seen to be believed! A talented group of musicians that makes the most danceable music since Josephine Baker. I’ve been happy to see them play many times, it is pure fun.
I met Todd on May 8th, 2008, I know that because it was the day I started my journal & I wrote about it… “Saw my friend Dan Valle during lunch today, he is in a band called Hollow Jones with Todd, who was with him in the park today. We talked about Meat Loaf the singer & how awesome he is.”
The last time I saw Dan, we went to Kenka and had a great night- he told me all about the people in his band, upcoming shows & a theater production he wanted to involve me in. He told me about Todd, Elena & Dan E.- amazing musicians that put on quite a show. He described such a beautiful image of music & art. He told me about Elena’s voice, the best singer he has ever heard before. Dan Valle died a few weeks later- the band had a final show at Good Bye Blue Monday in Bushwick. Esther & I went, it was a beautiful celebration of Dan including a moment of cheer (in lieu of a moment of silence), it was also the first time I got to see the band play. They were such a sweet group of people that played very nice.
Since then, they created a new band called Madame Beak. Dan would be proud- they rock. The voice of Elena is so powerful, I agree- she is the best singer I have ever heard. Todd is the bass player, totally amazing. Dan E. is the guitarist, very talented- he plays with them sometimes these days and I was lucky to witness his marriage proposal at the show this video was taken! Congrats!
This video was taken by Esther, I recommend being by the bongo player Matt Hartman during the shows. He’s awesome & has a bag of tricks! All of the musicians are truly special…
Madame Beak’s Flying Ensemble:
Elena Carey… vocals, flute
Mitch Webb… keyboard
Brian Petronchak… guitar
Dan Engelberg… guitar
Todd Witz… bass
Matt Hartman… percussion
Rich Sireno… drums
Website: http://www.madamebeak.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/madamebeak
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/beakvision
ENOUGH ABOUT ME MONDAY: Cynthia von Buhler came up with a brilliant idea… Promote others on Mondays, more info and sign up here: http://cynthiavonbuhler.blogspot.com/2012/03/enough-about-me-lets-talk-about-you.html
