Thursday, January 31, 2013

Favorite Things Friday - Beauty is Embarrassing

I watched a recent episode of Independent Lens on PBS, featuring artist Wayne White in a documentary called "Beauty is Embarrassing."

That is, I watched it three times.  Loved, loved, loved it.

I was familiar with Wayne White's early work before I even knew who Wayne White was, since I was a big fan of Pee-Wee's Playhouse back in the day.   A grown-up fan, but having a young child at the time was good cover.  It was unlike anything else, funny and silly and creative and weird, all that.  Now that I've seen this documentary, I have a better idea why.  Wayne was a puppet designer and animator and jack of all trades on the Pee-Wee set, as well as on other shows like Beakman's World.

He found his own niche as an artist after giving up his Hollywood animation career.  Part of that involves painting words over thrift store landscapes in his own unique way.  Funny, silly, quirky, meaningful, and, yes, beautiful.

"So beautiful it hurts my feelings," as Wayne has said about his native Appalachian home state.

Wayne White is inspiring, even as "Beauty is Embarrassing."  I totally get it.  Watch it, if you can, online or Netflix or however (link to Amazon Instant Video).

It's my Favorite Thing this week!

8 comments:

thea said...

I will definitely have to check this out. thanks.

Kate said...

Thanks for sharing. I'll have to check out his stuff, it sounds really interesting.

Sara said...

I can hear the Pee Wee Herman laugh in my brain now!!

This looks intriguing:)

seabreezequilts said...

Looks like he is a very talented person. Great FTF.

Shay said...

He looks like someone with a complete zest for loving life. And Oh my goodness - so talented!

Sarah Craig said...

Oh, remember Word Of The Day? My daughter and I used to freak my hubby out at dinner every evening as we screamed when he said just the right word....

Elizabeth said...

I loved that little clip. Wow. Wayne is an amazing artist. I liked his statement about doing what you love and it leading you to where you want to be. If only I could make a living at being creative (lol).

Definitely going to hunt the documentary down.

xo -E

Elizabeth said...

Just added it to my Netflix queue, as well as the Being Elmo documentary. I figured that one was a must see, as well.

xo -E