Savage Inspirtation

I was fortunate enough to be one of those 5 million ( a slight exaggeration) who was lucky enough to stand in line for 4 hours, ( 2 of those hours were in the rain) to view the exquisite exhibit "Savage Beauty" at The Met. I was familiar with the designer Alexander McQueen, prior to his unholy alliance with Lady Gaga because of my sister's admiration and respect for his artistry. When the news of his death spread across the world, the first person who came to my mind was my sister, knowing that one of her goals of meeting him, as least on this earth would not come to pass.  When the Met announced an exhibit of his work, I was pretty certain I would make the trip. I assumed his exhibit would be popular but I was not prepared for just how large a turnnout this would be. It was as if Elvis, was coming back from the grave to do a One Night Only experience, the lines were unbelievable. I had to come back a second day and just make peace with the fact this would be a a long wait. Having just spent several hours in line to wait to see the Queen of Soul that Monday, I was a little battle weary of the nyc summer line dance but I brought my Backstage, my BB and hunkered down. Then the rain started, slight at first then it picked up speed as  I waited 2 hours outside to get into The Met. A moment of grace, when a stranger offered me her umbrella as I stood under my Backstage newspaper for protection. You just never know where you encounter an random act of kindness. Then I had to find the line for Alexander McQueen exhibit which took another 30 minutes of misinformation by polite but slightly fatigued staff members. Once I found  the winding line of hopefuls, it was another several hours of trying to remain patient with thoughts floating through my tired brain.."what am I doing..have I just got caught up in the crazy cultural momentum, ..I was no huge fan of this man..he isnt MJ to me...as hour 3 came and went. Finally, I get to the threshold..30 more minutes. I texted my sister...she assures me it is worth it. I hope she is right but at this point it's mute..how could I walk away while being so close. Then I notice some " wealthy patrons try to jump the line..my mind is screaming.." I will go straight Brooklyn in here!!!" but thier plans are thwarted. Thanks goodness, I dont think I would have been the only crazy person here. Being at The Met, I came to experience "entitlement ghetto behavior" and it is just as annyoing but there is very little consequence for thier outburst..but that is another entry. So I finally make it in, and from the opening paragraph to introduce you to the exhibit I am hooked. I forgot my aching back, stomach growling and just overall crankiness. I reread the introduction 5 times, what a loving, thoughtful tribute. I knew I was in for a treat and I most certainly was. The level of care that was taken, as me and my friend Sophia agreed ..this was a labor of love. The team who curated this exhibit was exhaustive in thier research and presented a true 360 degree artist. I was inspired by his vision, his words and most importantly his artistry. I am not a fashionista, all I know is...I love brillance. I find it erotic, it moves me, it excites me and most importantly it inspires me. I left inspired as an artist, knowing this is the legacy I want for my own work. It doesn't have to this worldwide attention but I want to have this sense of permanancy. He understood the importance of having a foundation to build your work on. We are in the midst of the prophetic words of Andy Warhol where " everyone has thier 15min of fame", I am not interested in trashing those who capitilizing on this..do you.. but there has been a loss of training, building, patience as your confidence and skills grow. One of my favorite quotes of his .."you have to know the rules to break them..that is what I am here to do demolish the rules but keep the tradition". That is what allows you to be a Master of your field. You have to know what creates the work, to them find a new way to present it. I love his vision almost as I loved the products of it. He said " For me what I do is an artistic expression which is channeled through me...fashion is just the medium" So many times, as I went throught the exhibit, I couldnt help but be reminded of MJ, who also was a channel and his medium was performance. I truly believe if the goal is to create work that really moves people, you have to know there is a power greater than yourself you must tap into. Though, there was no mention of spirtuality in the exhibit, it was so clear to me that his love for what he did, and his inspirations were just not based in the natural world. " Beauty comes from the strangest of places, even the most digusting of places,he said." Only if your eyes, the eyes of the heart and soul would allow you to view what others cant see in the natural world. For me, art  is creating beauty, for all things are truly beautiful. Thank you Met for such an experience, and to the spirit of Mr. McQueen your work will live on to inspire other artists, like a pedestrian fashion observer like me.