It’s sad, rather ironic, that a week after my story on what the internet does to famous women, stories of two famous women who were hounded by the media and their industries have become big headlines this week.
Also interesting to think about this week is the concept of the artist being separate from their art - their art becoming bigger than them, for better or fr worse.
A note of hope (for me anyway) - a “bad” animated film, a five year mother and son project is making millions in China.
Jump in and listen and then scroll down to read the thoughts I didn’t share in the podcast.
Enjoy
Hayden Panettiere Dies at 36 After Apparent Overdose
This is so tragic. I’ve been reading and watching interviews of Hayden Panettiere and the many beautiful tributes from fans and people who have worked with her and I can’t help thinking about how this terrible thing keeps happening to inspiring, talented young women.
The first time I saw Panettiere on TV was in an episode of Ally McBeal and I remember distinctly thinking, wow she’s a great actress. There is just something about some people on TV - they are compelling to watch, they have an energy and spirit, uniquely theirs, that some how connects to all who watches.
Despite the tragedy of this, I hope she is at peace.
Princess Diana’s Brother Charles Spencer to Publish New Book About Her Life
Swan Song refers to the final work or performance given by someone before they retire or die.
It is an appropriate title for Charles Spencer book about his sister Diana.
I can’t even imagine how much he has been hounded over the years to share thoughts and memories about her. A book is an apt way to put all his thoughts and feelings in one place especially as we come to the 30 year anniversary of her death.
There are so many books about Diana, but this is the one that I think will give a deeply interesting and fuller account of who she was - Spencer is probably one of the very few people in this world who knew Diana, truly knew her, from childhood and into the unbelievable circus that her life eventually became.
Will definitly be reading this.
Four Renaissance Artworks Stolen From Sicily Museum in Major Heist
Why is everyone stealing famous art when it’s almost impossible to sell? In one week four works attributed to Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina were stolen while masterpieces by Picasso, Matisse, and Cézanne were recovered from Italy and Brazil.
It’s made me think about the reason these crimes happen and just as interesting how an art work can be elevated when it is stolen.
Marc Jacobs, the $850 Million Sale and Who Really Owns His Name
I found this story fascinating. If Marc Jacobs were to leave Marc Jacobs after the sale of the company, his name would be associated with a brand that he has no creative control (and perhaps interest) in what so ever.
Fashion is so interesting to me for this reason, one of the very creative field where creativity and commerce really need to work together to make a successful brand.
Low-Budget Chinese Animated Film Niu Lai Becomes Surprise Box Office Hit
One of the best stories of the week. People are rushing to the cinema in China to watch this film, Niu Lai, because its bad. I’m still unsure if the narrative story is bad, but the animation has come under scrutiny for how “crude” it is.
This gives me hope that people are more interested to see somethign that feels human made even if its flawed as opposed to watching hyper realistic, perfectly glossy CGI, AI animated special effects.
