Hello!
I experienced a truly moving afternoon at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Annex Museum. An incredibly special new exhibit focusing on John Lennon’s years living in New York City opened yesterday. There is plenty of memorabilia, including Lennon’s “New York” t-shirt, Grammy award, favorite piano, playful self-portraits, hand-written lyrics, numerous guitars, and more. His spirit is felt as his quotes flash on the white walls and video presenting him as a peace crusader, completed husband, and loving father play on screens.
I am constantly inspired in my work by this man. His heart and intentions were pure and he worked good into everything he was a part of during his life. Like myself, Lennon absolutely loved being in this eclectic part of the United States. He once said, there is a “quality of energy, of vitality…I fell in love with New York on a street corner.”
The exhibit conveys his contentment in his place in the world. Unfortunately, there is also a profound sadness to the exhibit, as it concludes with his death. While looking at the bag Yoko Ono was handed after his murder, filled with his clothes, I felt as if his life was cut short just as it was starting to really feel “right” for him. He was making music that he wanted to make and had created two young sons with a wife who he spoke of by saying “we were two halves and together we’re whole.”
This post comes from a more personal place than my usual musings, but I feel it’s important to sometimes express where I’m coming from with my work. It is a true reflection of who I am and what I want to “put out there.” When I make a piece with the world “Love” or a peace sign or a protective symbol, my intention is that my creation makes you smile and feel happy…just as John’s music does for me. 🙂
Peace, Elisa