Gift of the Artist

When I first learned of and visited this studio, i was taken by what an unusual and unique structure and mandate they operated under. Its existence provided such an incredible opportunity for both aspiring and accomplished artists, and i had no idea that such a facility existed in our city, or for that matter , in our country.

As I began talking with and getting to know the artists, I was moved by their compelling and diverse stories, coming from all ages, backgrounds and walks of life, the extraordinary shared experience being the impact that this unique and welcoming environment has had on each student and artist's life.

All of this was made possible by one remarkable person, Al Green, a visionary who embraced inclusiveness and accessibility in a world where art and the pursuit and practice of it isn’t always within reach.
Al Green's passion for sculpture and his desire to share it, combined with his tenacity in creating... creating buildings, spaces and opportunities, and ensuring that the AGSS would continue to flourish and grow, long after he was gone.
I was so impressed at the discovery of this place, founded on such rare and generous criteria, I was compelled to find a way to share what I felt was an amazing gift to the city, that has and continues to contribute to the growth of its culture and the best way for me to accomplish that objective, is to do what i do and make a film about it.

As I did my research it became evident that this was in its way more than a studio, a haven for the artists, a world unto itself, refuge from the quotidian, that gave them the opportunity to explore their inner world and manifest it through their creation, through their art.

The sensibility I discovered in their process is what I then applied to the making of the film, which takes place only inside the actual studio space and never ventures outside of that special world, and so brings the viewer in to experience it in the same way that these artists explore, observe and mould their creations.
I wanted to use the camera as a sculpture uses their hands, to build "the sculpture" that would be this film. I used lighting, haze and filters to create a dream like environment and slow motion effect to immerse the viewer further in the process and the magic of creation, offering a sense of an otherly world apart that represents the inner world of the artist.

The approach with the musical score was to challenge the musicians to create in an equally unique way reflecting that of the sculptors. I gathered a group of the country's most talented jazz musicians and, while viewing sections of the film, had them improvise live with the images to create an instinctual and fluid connection with the imagery, effectively, an audio backdrop to enhance the sense of creativity and discovery.

Al Green's perspective and approach of inclusiveness was ahead of its time; it embraced, brought together and created interaction between novice and expert, hobbyist and professional to the benefit of each; it invited all to participate in art-making, regardless of age, race, background and made it possible for all.