A phantom wind
A shadow cast from a tree
The beach at sunset
A single daisy in a field
A foggy graveyard
An empty bench in the middle of an abandoned park at midnight
They all sound mundane to most, but to an artist, they are deliciously inviting. The world is changing, evolving around us. We have no choice, but to grow with it or perish. No sunset is ever the same, no expression on a child is ever duplicated in another.
Perhaps it’s life who has the last laugh, desperate to challenge our artistry for her mere amusement.
Mother Nature gives us these inspirations knowing we’ll return the gift uniquely changed once touched by our imaginations.
As we began to take a closer look at certain arts we were able to see the seeds that bloomed into the grand flowers.
1924: The grim reaper decides it’s time to take a long, overdue vacation from his job as death-collector. Where else would you book your trip, but with the man who owns the world, and just so happens to be his next victim! Why not kill two birds with one stone?!
To read this silly, little idea would cause one to shudder. But imagine if you will, the original idea coming from a brilliant Italian Playwright named Alberto Casella.
And, voila! You have a 1929 Supernatural/Comedy fit for Broadway called:
“La Morte in Vacanza.”
Then, add Walter Ferris, a former English teacher from Yale to the equation in order to adapt the Italian work into English and we have, “Death Takes a Holiday”, a 1934 film by Universal Studios.
Are we done? Not by a long shot. Another artist looked at the same idea with a different set of eyes. Fast forward to the year 1998 and bump Ferris with four Screenwriters: Kevin Wade, Ron Osborn, Bo Goldman and Jeff Reno then add Director, Martin Brest and while you’re at it, throw in Brad Pitt. (Why? Cuz he’s Brad-freaking-Pitt!!)
And Sir Anthony Hopkins….
and look out, you have “Meet Joe Black.” A Dark-Fantasy/Romance that will stand the test of time. Seven different artists, one idea. Amazing to watch the flower bloom.
Or how about an idea in 1968 which spawned a short story that was put in a drawer and forgotten until 1973 when American Author Anne Rice, decided to expand on that idea. She turned it into a novel at the encouragement of one of her husband’s students. It took her five weeks to complete the 338-page novel, doing research on vampires during the day and writing at night. When she was done, she’d created a masterpiece. Vampires…certainly not the introduction to the fictional dark species but most definitely a unique perspective. Matter of fact, contrary to popular belief, Bram Stoker can’t even take credit for originality. The Vampires roots are older than “Dracula.”
and yes….Francis Ford Coppola’s as well; (Although thanks for Gary Oldman)
https://scholarworks.iu.edu/dspace/bitstream/handle/…/10(2)26-32.pdf?.
WHAT STOKER SAW: AN INTRODUCTION TO
THE HISTORY OF THE LITERARY VAMPIRE
M. M. Carlson
When Bram Stoker’s Dracula first came out in 1897, it was an immediate success, a horror writer’s “stroke of genius.” But Stoker’s novel was not a work based on Stoker’s imagination alone. Two elements contributed to the success of his novel: a great deal of historical and ethnographic research, and an extensive, already existing body of vampire fiction.
Please feel free to check out the website we left to learn about the origin of literary Vampires.
Now, let’s look at Vampires through Anne’s eyes again; the spark that started the fire.
A San Francisco journalist, Daniel Molloy, (who is referred to in the novel as boy) sits down to do an interview with a 200 year old vampire, Louis de Pointe du Lac. He begins the story of his life as a human in a town just south of New Orleans where he owned a plantation. As the interview progresses, he explains to Molloy, his journey into vampirism and darkness. Enter his creator, Lestat de Lioncourt. *Inion swoons*
So, a San Francisco journalist that interviews a vampire… Sound nutty to you? Can we picture Diane Sawyer interviewing Dracula?
Fast forward to the year 1994 and the film adaptation on the big screen thanks to the collaboration of several artists: Author Anne Rice, Screenwriter/Director Neil Jordan and the phenomenal cast of Artists: Antonio Banderas, Tom Cruise, Kirsten Dunst and yes….once again Brad Pitt. Okay, this feels like the right time for a Montage…A Brad Pitt Montage. So here goes.
For your enjoyment; And ours!!
You’re welcome ladies!! Where were we……ahh yes, ARTISTS! The other artists involved. Costume Designer, Composer of the musical score and many, many more sharing their artistry towards the idea to create a unique work of art.
We have often heard that there is no more room for originality. But each and every day, we are amazed at fresh innovative ideas brought out by fellow artists. Whether it’s original or merely their version of an idea as seen uniquely through their eyes. And, maybe that’s what it all boils down too, different perspectives.
After all, we artists should see in life, what others miss.
We are the third eye of the Universe.
And with this gift, we have a responsibility to all those who take part in our dreams by showing them what we see….inside of us. That is why writing is vulnerable, because you pour out your soul for all to see. But, oh what a feeling when they come into your world and embrace your vision. Synchronicity at it’s finest.
Reblogged this on Inion N. Mathair.
Great post and some great comments. I’m late for the party, but since Teleshia pointed out this particular post…here I am.
I absolutely love the writing in this post, The way you took us from idea to fruition, to another form of the same idea and more…love this, ladies!
xo
Sister P
Hey there Sister Patti!! Your always welcome here on Two Voices….One Thought or anywhere else we are!! Thank you for the incredible comment. I think it’s unbelievable the different forms of ideas that spawn from the same seed. I think that a lot of art is just that. Different versions of the same dream! 😉 Thanks once again for stopping by & for commenting. I’m sorry it’s taken me a little bit to get to it, I’ve been battling a stomach flu! Yuk! Hopefully will feel better Saturday! 😉
Oh, damn that flu! I hope you feel better very soon. xoxox
My goodness ladies I can write a commentary on just how beautiful we great minds think alike! I love the unprejudiced of how you open up here on various things you touched on like whatever inspires people be it God, etc…I also loved the fact that my eyes graced such beautiful words that should be in quote! “Different versions of the same beauty,” “After all, we artists should see in life, what everyone else misses” This later one is my thinking exactly! It’s what I practiced for a long time! The scenarios in this post were awesome points and loved how they tied into each other. I could go on and on in here because it describes my passion! I have to thank you ladies for having the heart and best interest for those seen and unseen!
Now as for my favorite story I am bias but I have to say my book “Jewels Declaring New Miracles” because it describes who I was and who I have become once I found my way and understood who I really am. The work I do today is a primary example of that. God has afforded me with a great circle of souls of light. Not only am I appreciative of this post, but I respect the arts, mind and passion you all have in your willingness to write your heart here! Thank you Inion Mathair! #AwesomeSoulsOfLight #AmazingSupporters
XO & Hugz!
Author TyLeishia Douglass
We would have to agree with you TyLeishia~which is probably why we all get along so well! Yes, this is one of Mine & Inion’s favorite posts, as it describes beautifully what an artist should strive for & how art can continue to grow! Thanks for stopping by & for taking the time to comment!! xoxox ❤
Those eary books of Rice’s were such wonders…..both my children were huge fans too. In the sameish genre I loved Stephen Kings “The Stand,” for pure imaginitive power that transports the reader. Love your blog~
See, I feel the same way Cindy. Not so much a Rice fan, although I respect her immense talent. But I grew up on King & have been a fan since my early teens. Must be a generational thing. lol. Rice’s character Lestat is Inion’s all time favorite character, hero or villains alike! And I would go as far to say that Anne Rice was Inion’s greatest literary influence. It was a rare treat last year when Inion & I we’re able to attend an interview of Anne Rice for promotion of her latest book “The Wolves of Midwinter”. Inion looked on with such child-like amusement that I think I got more outta watching her than the famous Author. lol. Thanks for the comment!!
Very cool post. Often at writing conferences you hear that agents want something that like X, but with a fresh take.
Thank you Kourtney. It’s true. As a matter of fact, we were just discussing this with our writing group the other day. Sarah, (a school teacher & member) said that she read an article by a literary agent who said they were looking for biblical stories, with a new found interest or twist on them. So she challenged our writing class to choose a bible story to shake up and make our own. It was most definitely different. I grew up on the Bible as a ministers daughter and was a little nervous at first. But, I managed to put out a fairly descent rendition of my spin on “Samson & Delilah”. Again, thx for commenting Kourtney, hope the rest of your weekend is great!
Hey there,
I really enjoy your blog!
I’ve nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award
and you can go here for the details: http://wp.me/p2MHY5-he
Awesome work 🙂
What an honor, CeeLee. Thank you so much and we’re so happy you enjoyed our blog. We had the privilege of diving into yours and were blown away. Love your style, girl. By the way, Inion has the same office supply fetish since she was eight. Nice to know there are others out there. 🙂
You all are most welcome! 🙂
I apologize for my tardiness in replying
It seems it was my turn to get the oh so wonderful,
hella wicked bad, stomach bug. Woo and hoo. 😉
Maybe we should start an office supply fetish
support group, huh?
I’m just glad to know I’m not alone. LOL
I rarely know what inspires me to write. An idea forms from somewhere then, once I notice it, I expand and manipulate it into a short story or even a novel.
We’ve read some of your short stories,(they’re great!) So whatever inspires you we’re glad for it! Thx for stopping by Patsy and for commenting.
I’m currently in the editing phase of my book “Mrs. Badley’s Order” the character was inspired by a handful of love to hate em villains: Cruela de Vil, Erica Kane (without the sex or the men), and other Disney villains … my character was inspired by what I’d seen and read, but in a way she is nothing like them. Inspiration can go in many directions … this is how mine went. I wanted to create a character that was over the top mean, smart and cunning.
I absolutely love the conversational manner in which you wrote this post. It was just so fun and interesting to read. Shared this on Twitter, FB and Digg! 🙂
The book sounds really interesting. Can’t wait to read!! Love female characters that are edgy and diverse where you can sink your teeth into them. One of my mom’s favs is Scarlett O’Hara. The Southern Belle you love to hate. We just made our first appointment with an editor as well for “The Perfect Seven.” Best of luck with that. Thx for sharing this & for stopping by LaFemme
A brilliant post. Loved it!
Thx Jay & for commenting as well!
As seen through their eyes–that’s what makes each person’s story unique. So true! I love when a writer puts in details that are unique to them and the story–like in your previous post when you mentioned your coffee, Not just regular coffee, but Frangelico, I suddenly had a new picture in my head. 🙂
Great point, Colleen. Personal details like that give a story so much body and flavor. Thanx for stopping by and commenting. 🙂
So many times when I see a new take on an old idea, ie: new vampire stories, even the new Hansel & Gretel movie coming out soon, I think ‘now why didn’t I think of that?’ I agree with many of the comments here – as long as we each have our own individual imagination, there will always be new versions of old ideas, and original ideas too. Great post!!
That’s the same thing we say when something new comes out, Arlene. LOL We too believe that there will always be a steady stream of great ideas from creative minds. Thanks for the comment.
Actually I’m going to paraphrase something I just wrote on Casey Voight’s blog…it’s not as much what the writer puts into the words as what the reader takes out of them. There may be nothing new under the sun but in the minds of readers or viewers the vision is endless. Who knows what phrase will conjure up the next great idea…even if the author hadn’t intended it that way. As long as people have imaginations there will be new ideas some good, some bad. Really interesting post…thanks for the ‘like’ & ‘follow’….
Mike
Excellent point! Thanks for dropping by & commenting.
Great post! I was blown away by a book that turned almost into another genre and scared me so much but held me captivated. The River by Patricia Wastvedt. Have to agree with To kill a Mockingbird aswell though.
Funny enough, we didn’t realize how many great suggestions for books we would get from this post. Just added “The River by Wastvedt” to our reading list Catherine. Thx for the comment.
Great post! To Kill A Mockingbird is my favorite novel with its simple yet profound themes. One of them is stated best by Atticus: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” Oh, the stories that can be or have been written from this little gem.
Hi Darla: You have great taste! We agree one hundred percent. To Kill A Mockingbird is brilliant! And your right, how many great pieces have spawned off of it. Thx for dropping by & commenting.
How about “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom…A beautiful, though sad, story!
Hi Denise. Wasn’t familiar with this one so adding it to our reading list. Thx for stopping by & commenting.
Was it Solomon who said there is nothing new under the sun? But there are a million different ways to look at things… Great to be reminded – and love to hear the back stories to these wild successes we take for granted!
It was Solomon in deed Alarna. And great point! Which is probably why the text is known as “The Wisdom Of Solomon.” Thx so much for coming by and commenting.
At some point during the Industrial Revolution an employee of the Patent Office stated there was nothing left to be invented, that everything that could be invented, had been invented. Talk about short-sighted!
There will always be new stories to tell and old stories to be presented in a new and different way. Sometimes when I look at the vast landscape of story telling–it boggles my mind. As long as we have our imagination, there’s no end to what we can do.
Well stated Diana! Thanks for stopping by & for the comment.
Great post=) One of my favorite stories, series really, is by John Flanagan called Ranger’s Apprentice. They’re stories he told to his son and later wrote down and published. I’m glad he shared with the rest of the world=)
I love that…something as natural as storytelling to your little ones and passing that story on for others!I wonder how many wonderful stories began that way. We are googling Flanagan now so that we can take a look! Thanks Jennifer!