As I stood in line yesterday for over 40 minutes, I was fully aware of the fact that I was not alone in realizing that it was the last day to see the Norman Rockwell exhibit, Telling Stories: Norman Rockwell from the collections of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Once I made it inside, I realized that it was definitely worth the wait.
For some in the art community Norman Rockwell is considered an illustrator rather than an artist. For me I was introduced to his work through years of wall calendars hanging in my family’s kitchen. But to see his original paintings up close one cannot help but notice his true skill and point of view.
Many of the paintings simply made me smile such as Triple Self Portrait, Tender Years, The Convention and The Jury Room. In The Jury Room, it is a image of a jury where there is only one woman in the room and you can tell that all the men are trying to change her mind but she will not budge. Her mind is made up and that is that. Right behind her is Norman Rockwell himself.
One of my favorite pieces is Marbles Champion. I was very excited that I had the opportunity to view it this show. I have a copy on a tile-like surface and have always loved it as it reminds me of my brothers and me. The two boys, one blonde and one with very dark brown hair, are watching as the little girl takes all the marbles J
In addition to the joy of viewing the actual works, this show highlighted how all three gentlemen, Norman Rockwell, George Lucas and Steve Spielberg, take a cinematic approach to storytelling. One of the best parts of the show was a short film where George Lucas and Steven Spielberg talk about what first drew them to his work. They also speak of the pieces that they specifically purchased, their interpretation of the work and what the paining means to them in their lives and films. It was very entertaining to hear George Lucas speak about how he started being able to collect these pieces as he acquired additional “resources.” Listening to their personal stories and the stories that they drew from the artwork made the artwork that much more interesting and appealing. It was also interesting to see what pieces each of them were drawn to. It appeared that George Lucas was more about the story telling and the fantasy whereas Spielberg focused more on the theatrics with the individuals and their expressions.
Spielberg who owns Boy on High Dive noted that he put it in his office as we all face these “high dive” moments in life. That fear we have as we approach the edge, clinging to the board as we peer out to what lies ahead but a fear that we must overcome to take that leap. He related it to his releasing of Schindler’s List stating that he clung to the diving board for 11 years before taking the plunge. It was definitely an idea and piece that I related to, as I am sure many others do as well.
I am glad that I was able to get to the museum to catch a glimpse of some original works of the iconic Norman Rockwell through the eyes of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. It was an all around feel good show with great pieces of art. Spielberg noted that Rockwell depicted an American that probably never was, but one that we all believed existed and continue to strive for. Unfortunately as I started, yesterday was the last day of the show but as I was hoodwinked into buying a Smithsonian membership, I am sure I will return again…
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