Hi Everyone!
This is my first post on my blog. I have so much I want to ta share. I don’t know where to begin. I have been reflecting about writing and sharing with others. I finally decided to just jump in.
Recently I watched two films which have enriched my life. They were created by the same couple; Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini- AMERICAN SPLENDOR (2003) and OFF THE MENU:THE LAST DAYS OF CHASEN’S (1997).
Both of these films are available on DVD. AMERICAN SPLENDOR chronicles the life of underground comic book writer Harvey Pekar. He writes comic books about his everyday life. He worked for decades as a file clerk at a V.A. Hospital. After seeing the film, my art style radically changed. I felt like I had been given permission to make ugly personal paintings which depicted painful scenerios in my life. I also added text. I finally realization on an emotional level that we are all connected. We all go through the same crap. I view these paintings as self therapy. Creating art is one way in which I have learned to deal with the negativity in my life.
OFF THE MENU: THE LAST DAYS OF CHASENS a documentary about Chasen’s restaurant in Los Angeles. The restaurant was a haven for movie stars as well as political figures and scions of the film industry. I had heard about their famous Chili, which Elizabeth Taylor had flown to the set of CLEOPATRA in the 60s because she was craving it. Here is a link to the recipe:
http://www.cooksrecipes.com/gmeat/chasens-chili-recipe.html
When I make this chili which is more of a meat stew, I top it off with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream and Frito Lay Corn Chips ( original). Drink it with Coke ( cola), it is pure heaven. And no, I am not going to apologize for eating meat or drinking soda. Yes I have read SKINNY BITCH. I do love and care for animals and I buy local and organic produce. This doesn’t mean I am a vegetarian or Vegan. I buy the best meats available at several different local farmer’s markets. This chili is very rich, I consider it a “special occasion” comfort food dish.
The documentary is full of eccentric characters who worked at Chasens and were devoted to the restaurant.
I ended up buying a cookbook of recipes from Chasens which I continue to test out.
So I am thanking Ms. Berman and Mr. Pulcini ( whom I discovered were born the same year I was- 1964- yeah!) for making my life better- artistically and culinary.
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