May 27, 2011 – House of Wax

Today is the day to add wax to the list of mixed media used in the 2011 Project. Considering that Vincent Price was born on this day 100 years ago, melted wax seems the right medium to drip and spread over the piece. In 1953, the House of Wax was the first 3D, color movie. My father took my brother and I to see it in the theatre during a re-release when I was about 10. It was the first 3D movie I ever saw. Normally, I would have been terrified, but I just remember being mesmerized by the 3D and waiting for the next effect. I really am not much for 3D movies, but the one that really did scare me was the Siegfried & Roy biopic in 3D.

February 9, 2011 – Carmen Miranda

It’s Carmen Miranda’s Birthday! You would think it would be a national holiday in Brazil. Alas no, but at least she has a museum in Rio de Janeiro. It’s one of those places that I must visit someday. If anything, just to see the shoes. In my family we were raised to be fans, my mother even got to see her live at a nightclub. She was about 10. How very glamorous.

For many Americans, Carmen Miranda has been reduced to a kitsch icon. They often know her best from those old cartoon parodies. We have forgotten that she was Hollywood’s biggest box office draw during World War II. It’s no surprise she was so popular, her movies were silly, escapist and pure entertainment. I challenge anyone not to smile watching a Carmen Miranda movie. Her smile was infectious, she could dance, sing and the costumes, were, well, indescribable. The ability to make people laugh is gift and her gift was immense. One of the first things you see upon entering my apartment is the house altar. Carmen Miranda’s smile blesses me every time I return home.