Thoughtful Thursday

The Tate gave me a lot of interesting artists to research and learn more about. I took down loads of names in my journal, to assist me in my 'apprenticeship' as it were.

One name, though, I took down because I had a question. Jeff Koons is known for doing extremely kitsch pop art. I perused his site, which was absolutely incredible (I especially like his giant balloon dog sculpture.) but didn't manage to come any closer to answering my question.

Thing was, when I walked into the Jeff Koons room I immediately noticed 'Winter Bears' because they instantly brought to mind Hidy and Howdy of the 1988 winter Olympics. Now, I was only three when the winter Olympics came to Calgary, but I have vague memories of it. I remember sitting in a stroller, being bundled up. I remember watching a parade or something similar. But most of all, I remember Hidy and Howdy because I was three and they were giant, fuzzy mascots.

'Winter Bears' was done in 1988. So the question is, did one inspire the other? Which was it? Who created Hidy and Howdy in the first place? Why 'Winter Bears' for the title when there is nothing particularly Wintry about them? Unless of course, it's because they are obviously Hidy and Howdy in slightly different apparel.

From what I could find out, International Mascot was the creators of the memorable duo. I'm guessing Koons saw them and was inspired, as he so often is, by the consumerism culture found in something so seemingly cute as a mascot. Most of his work is generic (Like the balloon dog), but I think there are obvious signs of reproduction of pre-existing characters (Like his mirror titled 'Donkey', which is most definitely Disney's Eeyore.)

Either way, I'm delighted by the way a piece of art can bring a memory sharply to the forefront of ones mind. I'll continue doing research because I think I will find a definitive answer to my question, that 'yes,' he was inspired by this relatively obscure set of mascots.

In the mean time I'm going to set about packing for Paris. The train leaves at stupid-o'clock in the morning. Arrival is set for sometime around lunch. The hotel is ready and waiting (And absolutely posh.) as is the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower.

London Journal - Lifelong Dreams Achieved Daily

"Is this a sculpture?" asked a timid man, eyeing the bench I was about to sit on.

"No," I laughed a soft laugh, suitable for a museum. This satisfied him and so he sat and together we took in 'Palm Sunday'.

I'd been in the Tate Modern for an hour and already seen so very many incredible things. The outside of the building did not in any way prepare one for all the wonder inside. It was a brick fortress, looming on the edge of the Thames, completely unlike the stunning old architecture of Shakespeare's Globe, which I'd passed on my walk from the London Bridge underground.

But inside this immense brick building I was experiencing much the same rush of delight and joy I would probably find to behold a play performed upon that legendary stage. There are all these things we can say, "One day I will..." about and the list might be too long to actually take the time to write out. It's what we want to do before we die. 100 books we should read, 100 people we should meet, 100 places we should go, 100 paintings we should see...

Every day that passes I'm finding myself checking off these things in my head. Before noticing the relatively unnoticeable sign that stated 'No photography', I captured some Picasso and Monet. I sat and gazed in wonder at 'Adam' and 'Eve' in all their red glory. I couldn't help but giggle to walk under Robert Therrien's giant table and chairs.

I sat in the darkened screening rooms that showed reels of performance artists works and felt the discomfort, confusion or wonder of those that passed through. I watched the faces of posh retiree's as they attempted to figure out why 'No Ghost, Just a Shell' (Ann Lee collaboration) was considered 'art'. I loved the children, there in school groups, straining their necks to see into the rooms that stated they contained images of a graphic nature.

And it was amazing. It was inspiring. It was completely mind-blowing.

This weekend I'm off to Paris, where I'll be staying in a hotel by Notre Dame and the Louvre is waiting for me, even if it doesn't know it yet.