Anyone remember the David Bowie inspired Iggy Pop?
This ‘86 album was one of a few albums in which Iggy worked with David to create. It had a different style and feel, though Iggy’s classic retro, sultry voice was throughout. I believe only one song I listened to, he actually does any screaming in.
I had always been a fan of Iggy Pop’s classic work (Lust for Life album anyone?) so when I came across this album a few days ago, I was suprised. I had always known he worked with Bowie, but forgotten about the albums until now. This has that Sixteen Candles, Breakfast Club soundtrack feel, which of course I love.
Listening to this album while running errands yesterday made me think about an artist’s evolution of style. How, as we become better artists, or moreso, how we come into doing what really defines our style, our art changes…
It almost appears as if we jump off the page and onto another one. Technically – Iggy went from punk to pop. While listening, I actually tried to picture Iggy going from performing “Real Wild One” to “1969” in a concert. They would seem to clash, would they not? Both songs get me happy and excited, but listening to him go from smooth, deep, and pop-py to wild, crazy, screamer would be wierd. Funny, but weird. (I actually got to see him perform last year. AMAZING. He literally bounced off the walls!)
So, with that thought, I wondered how my collectors would feel when I moved from one series to another. I understand that one of the things collectors have loved is my variety of work and that they could choose from one series to another based on where or whom it was for.
But, I have also received mixed messages and some that were anything but happy.
“Why don’t you paint this anymore?” or “This stuff isn’t as serious as your other work.”
I had recieved even worse than that. Because I wanted to do something different, it got people angry. Really! It made me wonder. How did the Father of Punk feel when a fan screamed from the audience, “You’re a sell out!”.
Did he ignore it or dispel it and move on?
(David Bowie is one of the most unique musical artists of our time, and saying Iggy would be a sellout to me, is just plain stupid. But, that’s just me…)
MY EVOLVING STYLE
Whether or not I am finished with the abstracts, the trees, or even the Venture girls, one thing I know is that I will always be working on something new. But, I need to remain true to myself in my work.
And hopefully, it doesn’t cause anyone to scream.
