Uncle Magazine Likes KTLO

The good folks at Uncle Magazine recently asked me to write about my experiences directing Keeping the Lights On and those of the artists involved in the series. So I got to work and put together an essay that touches on my approach to the series and speaks to the larger issues facing our featured artists and others like them. Click the following link to read the essay:

Keeping the Lights On and Other Aspects of Being an Artist in America

Yesterday Uncle graciously wrote about the series on their site. You can check it out here.

Mike Figgis Speaks Truth

I recently came across a couple blog posts by director Mike Figgis and I thought I'd share what I discovered. Apparently Figgis was asked to be a guest blogger on FilmInFocus and the results are quite interesting.

You can read his "Love Live Long" post in its entirety here, but I want to specifically highlight the part I find most on point given the nature of cinema today:

"Plot has killed script. Back in the day plot was a slightly sketchy framework for character development. The scripts I read now, the characters are there to supply the plot. It's all to do with a misguided idea that the function of cinema is somehow to be realistic. I think the function of cinema is to be poetic and magic and original."

Right on, Mr. Figgis. I agree wholeheartedly.

Joy Part 6...and More

Joy Drury Cox - Part 6 is up. See how everyday elements find their way into Joy's work and how economic factors affect this artist's approach to life and art.

(For a larger viewing experience, click here).

If you want to see Joy's work up closer and in person (but you missed her last two shows), you're in luck. Joy's talents will once again be on display in these upcoming shows:

“The Form Itself”
at Priska C. Juschka Fine Art
547 West 27th Street
New York, NY
Sept. 4 – Oct. 11
Opening Reception: Thursday, Sept. 4, 6-9 pm
http://www.priskajuschkafineart.com/

“Communication Breakdown”
at Andrew Edlin Gallery
529 West 20th Street
New York, NY
Sept. 13 – Oct. 25
Opening Reception: Saturday, Sept. 13, 6-8 pm
http://www.edlingallery.com/exhibitions.asp

and at Galerie Impaire
47 rue de Lancry
Paris, France
Sept. 24 – Nov. 8
Opening Reception: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 6-8 pm

In Production

Shot some great material today with one of our soon-to-be featured artists. I can't say who, but I will say where. Here's a list of places to which Keeping the Lights On ventured today:

1) A 5th floor walk-up apartment
2) Long Island City
3) Harlem
4) 2 parks/playgrounds

That's all I can say for now. Just thought I'd share.

Keeping the Lights On Keeps Going

Oh yes, a new episode of Keeping the Lights On has landed on your computer screens. Take a look at Joy Drury Cox - Part 5 to find out how Joy deals with the business side of being an artist and what motivates her when she sets out to make work.

(For a larger viewing experience, click here).

Thanks for watching.

This Day In Film History

While this site is dedicated to Keeping the Lights On and the artists who make up the series, as a filmmaker and lover of cinema I must spend a few lines to pay homage to an important moment in film history. It was a hundred years ago today that French director Emile Cohl first screened what many consider to be the first fully-animated film, Fantasmagorie.

Like most adults, I don't watch as many animated TV shows and feature films as I once did. But I am no less fascinated by the process, the many wonderful stories told, and the ways film and film language are challenged and pushed in animation.

Much respect to Mr. Cohl and his contribution to motion pictures.

New Episode

A new episode of Keeping the Lights On is now playing on Ropeadope TV. Check out Joy Drury Cox - Part 4.

A lot of fascinating art is on display in this one. I'm a big fan of minimalism and to hear Joy explain what went into the creation of the work featured in Part 4 makes me fall in love with it all over again.

I think you'll fall in love too.

And if you haven't taken a look at Joy's website yet, just click on her link in the "Featured Artists" section of this site.

Thanks for your continued support of the KTLO series.

Monday Monday

Attention everyone.

Keeping the Lights On is moving to Mondays. New episodes will now go up on Mondays instead of Tuesdays.

Sorry for the change, but it should be a good one because what better way to start off another work week than with a new episode of Keeping the Lights On?

So stay tuned tomorrow for Joy Drury Cox - Part 4.

Part Three...Part Tres...Part Trois

Joy Drury Cox - Part 3 is now up for your viewing pleasure.



I personally love Joy's approach to her art and what comes out of it. I think you will too after watching Part 3. I'm really excited about this episode and the ones to come. I can hardly wait to share the rest.

So keep tuning in. There's lots more art on the way.

KTLO Artists Don't Stop

Now that Joy's installment of Keeping the Lights On is in full swing I thought I'd share my latest short film with you once again. Maybe you figured out from my hint a few weeks back that Joy was our next featured artist; maybe you didn't (don't feel bad). Either way, you might want to check out This Is Our Moment to see the painting of a great mural which Joy helped create. Then go tell your friends!

Here it is:



Direct link for more info: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rixv9KxCU7I