Fine Art and the Actor

Funny, but while I understand and appreciate fine art, I’ve never been emotionally connected to it. I see it, I like it, but it just doesn’t…move me. But recently two pieces of art came across my desk, and because they are inspired by me, I quite like them. Yes, I’m clearly a terrible narcissist. But when someone creates something inspired your work? Well, dammit, it feels nice. I can’t imagine anything more ego-boosting.

This one was inspired by a shoestring budget movie I did that few people have seen:

How cool is that? While I didn’t get into acting just to be on movie posters, I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t used to daydream about being the central figure in one of those old Indiana Jones posters from the eighties. This is as close as I’ve come, and I didn’t ask for it. It just came my way. Isn’t that cool? You kind of wish someone did a painting of you, even if you aren’t as clearly self-involved as I am. Right?

Even more amazing, an artist I know named Ira read my horror novel, and unbeknownst to me began work on a painting inspired by my writing. I had no idea until I saw the finished product. And I think it captures the book perfectly:

I’m really not that narcissistic. I actually feel quite humbled and flattered that these two pieces of art exist. Because when another artist responds to mine through their own art…well, that’s the ultimate form of communication, isn’t it?