A few months ago I wrote about David Sedaris, easily my favourite writer ever. In case you didn’t see the post (you must have been trapped under something heavy), here’s the general idea:
‘Iād love to get a handful of artists to work with David, each one creating a piece based on a story from his diary. Then Iād hang the work in a small gallery, put an armchair in the middle and David would read aloud from said diary.’
What started out as just a funny post, has turned into a sold out event… well, kinda. So many people jumped on the idea that I could have started selling tickets right then and there. Long story short, I got my act together and sent a pitch to his agent. While I haven’t heard back yet (I’m assuming the same heavy object mentioned above is responsible), for now, I’m just going to hang this dream show of mine right here.Ā The seven artists I’ve chosen tend to favour subject matter from everyday life. Well, sort of weird everyday life, much like the situations that David Sedaris writes about. The pieces shown here are amazing, so just imagine what these artists might create given one of David’s stories to work with!
Now, the next part of the plan would require having an armchair, and more importantly David Sedaris reading aloud from that armchair… I don’t have that yet, but I do have a clip from his latest book, When You Are Engulfed in Flames. His stories are hilarious, but hearing him read them will make you LOL as the kids say.
David, your fans are lined up to see this show in person. Have your people call my people. OK, who am I kidding, I don’t have people… maybe just email me?
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Audio clip from When You Are Engulfed in Flames, titled Solutions to the Saturday Puzzle:
freakin’ awesome.
thanks victoria ; )
These rock! I hope you hear back from them…
I did.
He said no : (
Oh well, the idea is not dead… I’ll find another author to work with.
Hi. I saw you in Sunset Mag. I was there last Jan too for the zero waste home. In my other capacity I did all the tile work in that cool bathroom.
I am an emerging painter and thought I’d run this by you. (actually I’ve been a painter for quite some time, just got going again.)Gonna be posting more stuff soon. You don’t have to be jealous of me.
John
Absolutely fucking brilliant. Amazing art, awesome blog. Just discovered you today.
Mira from Mira’s List
ha! thanks mira : )
I love this idea, David Sedaris is so funny ( on the radio at the moment) Love your blog too, discovered via Dottie Angel, and am mightily jealous. If the show ever happens, bring it to England or else! Kim x
i would love to do this show. i even pitched him. he said no. a lot. : (
he said no? ach! pourquoi? the written/visual arts gap must be bridged! make a zine or something with this great stuff. š
-Joanna
i know – so disappointing. i have another author that i’m planning something with… and she’s totally in! ; )
Such a great idea, too bad it won’t actually happen but at least you got some great art out of it!
I may be missing something here but why can’t this still work without Mr. Sedaris’ presence? I’m a BIG fan and would love to see how the artists interpret the stories I know so well.
I think you should try to contact his sister Amy. She’s a crafty gal & might have some influence. or not. : )
I know – I’d love to do it, but I would feel weird doing it without his blessing. and yes, i’ve actually had quite a few people suggest that i contact amy… maybe i will! : )
Definitely get the work on display. I don’t think you need his approval or the involvement of his sister Amy.
i suppose not… but i wanted him to do a reading at the opening. that’s what he said no to š
What a great idea, love your Blog…
Awe – what a party popper – love his work, but man! Writers are my favorite painters. And painters are party poopers too at times
I like the picture of the la beach and I agree that David Saderis is the best of authours. What are the chances of getting a copy of this picture?
I’m really disappointed to know he is not interested. But, I am really so wonderfully happy that I found your site and all this fantastic art! It is so inspiring!
me too, karen… on both fronts ; )
fantastico blog!, felicidades
What a wonderful idea. I’ve been a fan for a few years now, and I find his writing, and his reading, not only hilarious but beautifully deft. Another fan invited me to a reading in London; it was an extra show put on because of the demand; he didn’t miss a beat, or a laugh.
He also, I couldn’t help notice, spend quite a long time with the people who queued to get their books signed. He looked happy and animated ā you don’t see this sort of thing very often, if ever ā and of course he must have been fascinated and excited at the thought of unearthing some bizarre little nugget that he would later polish into a gem. Which makes me wonder why your idea was refused; what a beautiful story, or set of essays those artworks could have provoked. But maybe simple reality in all its bizarre refinements is enough for him to be going on with.
A great shame; but you never know. He’s sure to keep your idea in his mind…
hm. we’ll see. he was very clear that this was NOT a good idea. i disagree ; ) i’m actually looking for another author to do this project with… i still think it would be an amazing show!